SSSTS Risk Assessment & Method Statement Review 4

Question 1

What does 'significant finding' mean in the context of risk assessment records?

Accepted Answer

A hazard that poses a real risk that requires a control measure to be implemented — not trivial hazards with negligible risk

Answer

Any hazard observed during the assessment regardless of severity

Answer

Only hazards that have previously caused accidents

Answer

Only hazards identified by a chartered safety professional

Question 2

How should a method statement be communicated to workers?

Accepted Answer

Through a briefing (toolbox talk) with opportunity for questions, confirmed by workers signing to confirm they have understood

Answer

By placing a copy in the site office for workers to read at their convenience

Answer

By emailing it to all workers

Answer

By posting it on the site notice board without any discussion

Question 3

What should a supervisor check when reviewing a subcontractor's risk assessment for working at height?

Accepted Answer

That it identifies specific fall hazards, specifies collective protection before personal protection, and names the type of access equipment to be used

Answer

That it is signed by the site manager

Answer

That it mentions the Work at Height Regulations 2005

Answer

That it is at least two pages long

Question 4

What is a 'high-risk activity' method statement and what additional content is typically required?

Accepted Answer

Activities with high injury potential (e.g., demolition, deep excavation, confined spaces) require more detailed method statements including rescue plans, specific equipment details and emergency procedures

Answer

Only activities at height require detailed method statements

Answer

All activities require the same level of detail in their method statements

Answer

High-risk activities do not need method statements if a risk assessment exists

Question 5

What is the purpose of asking 'what if?' questions when reviewing a method statement?

Accepted Answer

To identify potential failure scenarios not addressed in the method statement — for example, what if the shoring fails, what if the load shifts, what if the MEWP breaks down?

Answer

To challenge the subcontractor's competence

Answer

To identify opportunities to reduce costs

Answer

To satisfy the HSE's reporting requirements

Question 6

Who should approve a revised method statement after site conditions have changed?

Accepted Answer

The relevant manager or competent person, followed by re-briefing to all affected workers before work resumes

Answer

The site supervisor alone

Answer

Any worker who will carry out the task

Answer

The subcontractor's commercial manager