SSSTS Supervisor Responsibilities

Question 1

Under UK health and safety law, what is the primary duty of a site supervisor regarding the workers under their control?

Accepted Answer

To take reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of workers under their supervision

Answer

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers and those in supervisory roles must take reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of those under their control. Site supervisors play a critical role in implementing this duty on site.

Question 2

A site supervisor notices a worker not wearing their hard hat in a designated area. What should the supervisor do first?

Accepted Answer

Stop the worker, explain the risk, ensure they put on their hard hat, and record the intervention

Answer

The supervisor should immediately intervene to address the PPE non-compliance. This involves stopping the unsafe behaviour, explaining why the hard hat is required (risk of head injury from falling objects), ensuring compliance, and recording the intervention for safety management purposes.

Question 3

What is the role of a site supervisor in relation to site safety briefings?

Accepted Answer

The supervisor should deliver or facilitate regular safety briefings, ensuring workers understand site-specific hazards and safe working procedures

Answer

Site supervisors are responsible for delivering regular safety briefings, including daily briefings for high-risk activities. These briefings communicate site-specific hazards, safe systems of work, emergency procedures, and any changes to working conditions.

Question 4

Under UK law, when must a site supervisor report an accident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)?

Accepted Answer

When the accident results in a death, specified injury, dangerous occurrence, or an over-7-day incapacitation, as defined by RIDDOR 2013

Answer

Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, certain incidents must be reported to the HSE, including deaths, specified injuries (fractures, amputations, loss of consciousness), dangerous occurrences, and injuries resulting in over 7 consecutive days of incapacitation.

Question 5

What document should a site supervisor check before allowing a subcontractor's workers onto site?

Accepted Answer

The subcontractor's competence records, including CSCS cards, relevant training certificates, and insurance documentation

Answer

Before allowing subcontractor workers onto site, the supervisor should verify their competence through CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards, relevant training and qualification certificates, and confirm the subcontractor has adequate insurance (employer's liability and public liability).

SSSTS Practice Test

SSSTS Practice Test

SSSTS Supervisor Responsibilities