Risk Management

What is the first step in the risk assessment process?

• AImplement control measures
• BIdentify hazards✓
• CDocument the risk
• DReview and audit

Answer: The first step in risk assessment is to identify all hazards present in the workplace. This forms the foundation for evaluating risks and implementing controls.

What does the term 'hazard' mean in health and safety?

• AThe chance of harm occurring
• BAnything with the potential to cause harm✓
• CA harmful substance only
• DAn accident that has already happened

Answer: A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. This includes substances, equipment, work practices, and environmental conditions. Risk is the likelihood and consequence of harm occurring.

What is 'risk' in the context of health and safety?

• AA hazard itself
• BThe likelihood and severity of harm from a hazard✓
• COnly financial loss
• DOnly serious injuries

Answer: Risk is the likelihood of a hazard causing harm combined with the severity of that harm. Risk = Probability x Consequence.

What is the 'hierarchy of control' in risk management?

• AElimination, substitution, engineering controls, safe systems, PPE✓
• BPPE, safe systems, engineering controls, substitution, elimination
• CWarning signs, training, documentation only
• DOnly using PPE

Answer: The hierarchy of control prioritizes: 1) Elimination (remove hazard), 2) Substitution (replace with safer option), 3) Engineering controls (design out risk), 4) Safe systems of work, 5) PPE (last resort).

What is the purpose of a 'Safe System of Work'?

• ATo provide entertainment during work
• BTo establish safe procedures for carrying out a task, including sequence, timing, and PPE✓
• CTo reduce productivity
• DTo avoid all risk entirely

Answer: A Safe System of Work is a formal documented procedure that defines how a task should be performed safely, including the sequence of operations, timing, equipment, and controls needed.

What is a 'permit to work' system?

• APermission for employees to take holidays
• BA formal authorization system for high-risk activities to ensure all precautions are in place before work starts✓
• CA document for employees to sign
• DAn insurance certificate

Answer: A permit to work is a formal system used to authorize and control high-risk activities (e.g., hot works, confined spaces, excavations) to ensure all necessary precautions are identified and in place.

When should 'dynamic risk assessment' be carried out?

• AOnly once per year
• BContinuously throughout the work to manage changing conditions and emerging hazards✓
• CNever necessary if a risk assessment exists
• DOnly by external consultants

Answer: Dynamic risk assessment is an ongoing process during work to identify and manage hazards that emerge due to changing conditions, unexpected situations, or new information.

What information should be recorded in a risk assessment?

• AOnly the hazards found
• BOnly the control measures
• CHazards identified, who is at risk, existing controls, residual risk, and persons responsible for implementation✓
• DOnly financial costs

Answer: A documented risk assessment should include: hazards identified, who is at risk, existing and proposed control measures, residual risk level, and responsibility for implementation.

What is 'competence' in the context of health and safety risk management?

• AWorking quickly
• BHaving sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to perform a task safely and competently✓
• CBeing friendly with colleagues
• DHaving a management position

Answer: Competence means having the necessary training, knowledge, experience, and skills to perform tasks safely and correctly. Competent persons are often required by law for specific tasks.

What should be included in the risk assessment review process?

• ANever review risk assessments
• BReview when significant changes occur, periodically, and when new information emerges✓
• COnly review annually
• DOnly management can review

Answer: Risk assessments must be reviewed when: work practices change, new hazards emerge, control measures prove ineffective, or significant periods pass. Periodic review ensures continued effectiveness.

What is 'competency' versus 'competence' in safety management?

• AThey are the same
• BCompetency is the ability; competence is the application of that ability in practice✓
• COnly competence matters
• DOnly competency is important

Answer: Competency refers to the skills, knowledge, and attributes a person possesses. Competence refers to the demonstrated application of competency in actual work situations.

How should the 'residual risk' be handled after implementing control measures?

• AIgnored if controls are in place
• BMonitored and managed; additional controls added if residual risk remains unacceptable✓
• CNever assessed
• DOnly documented without action

Answer: Even after implementing controls, some residual risk may remain. This must be continuously monitored. If residual risk is unacceptable, further controls must be implemented.