SSSTS Risk Assessment & Method Statement Review 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'significant finding' mean in the context of risk assessment records?
- A hazard that poses a real risk that requires a control measure to be implemented — not trivial hazards with negligible risk (Correct answer)
- Any hazard observed during the assessment regardless of severity
- Only hazards that have previously caused accidents
- Only hazards identified by a chartered safety professional
Correct answer: A hazard that poses a real risk that requires a control measure to be implemented — not trivial hazards with negligible risk
A significant finding is a hazard or risk that is not trivial and requires control action. Trivial hazards with negligible risk do not need to be recorded, but all hazards that could realistically cause harm must be recorded and controlled.
Question 2: How should a method statement be communicated to workers?
- Through a briefing (toolbox talk) with opportunity for questions, confirmed by workers signing to confirm they have understood (Correct answer)
- By placing a copy in the site office for workers to read at their convenience
- By emailing it to all workers
- By posting it on the site notice board without any discussion
Correct answer: Through a briefing (toolbox talk) with opportunity for questions, confirmed by workers signing to confirm they have understood
The method statement must be actively communicated to all workers who will carry out the task, typically through a toolbox talk or pre-task briefing. Workers must have the opportunity to ask questions and confirm they understand what is required.
Question 3: What should a supervisor check when reviewing a subcontractor's risk assessment for working at height?
- That it identifies specific fall hazards, specifies collective protection before personal protection, and names the type of access equipment to be used (Correct answer)
- That it is signed by the site manager
- That it mentions the Work at Height Regulations 2005
- That it is at least two pages long
Correct answer: That it identifies specific fall hazards, specifies collective protection before personal protection, and names the type of access equipment to be used
A supervisor reviewing a working-at-height risk assessment must check that it identifies specific fall hazards, follows the WAH hierarchy (collective over personal protection), specifies the access equipment to be used, names the competent person for inspections and covers emergency procedures.
Question 4: What is a 'high-risk activity' method statement and what additional content is typically required?
- 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 (Correct answer)
- Only activities at height require detailed method statements
- All activities require the same level of detail in their method statements
- High-risk activities do not need method statements if a risk assessment exists
Correct 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
High-risk activities require more detailed method statements that address the specific elevated risks. For example, confined space entry requires a rescue plan, atmospheric testing procedures and emergency arrangements not needed for lower-risk activities.
Question 5: What is the purpose of asking 'what if?' questions when reviewing a method statement?
- 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? (Correct answer)
- To challenge the subcontractor's competence
- To identify opportunities to reduce costs
- To satisfy the HSE's reporting requirements
Correct 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?
'What if?' questioning is a technique for stress-testing method statements by considering foreseeable failure scenarios. If the method statement does not address the 'what if?', it needs to be revised to include the appropriate contingency measures.
Question 6: Who should approve a revised method statement after site conditions have changed?
- The relevant manager or competent person, followed by re-briefing to all affected workers before work resumes (Correct answer)
- The site supervisor alone
- Any worker who will carry out the task
- The subcontractor's commercial manager
Correct answer: The relevant manager or competent person, followed by re-briefing to all affected workers before work resumes
A revised method statement should be reviewed and approved by a competent person (usually the site manager or safety manager), then formally re-briefed to all workers who will carry out the task before they resume work. The revision must be recorded.
SSSTS Risk Assessment & Method Statement Review 4
What does 'significant finding' mean in the context of risk assessment records?