Risk Assessment & Method Statements

What is the first step in conducting a risk assessment?

• AIdentifying control measures
• BIdentifying hazards✓
• CEvaluating risk
• DRecording the assessment

Answer: The first step is hazard identification - determining what could cause harm. Only after identifying hazards can you assess the risk and determine appropriate controls.

What does a Risk Assessment consider in terms of likelihood and severity?

• AOnly likelihood of an incident occurring
• BOnly the severity of potential injury
• CBoth the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of potential injury✓
• DNeither - risk assessments don't consider these factors

Answer: Risk = Likelihood x Severity. A proper risk assessment evaluates both how likely an incident is and how serious the consequences would be if it occurred.

What is a Method Statement?

• AA document describing how to complete work safely✓
• BA list of workers on the project
• CA budget document
• DA communication to the HSE

Answer: A Method Statement (part of RAMS - Risk Assessment and Method Statement) describes the safe work procedures, controls, and responsibilities for a specific high-risk task.

When should RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) be updated?

• ANever - once completed it remains valid
• BOnly if an injury occurs
• CWhen work methods or site conditions change significantly✓
• DOnly at the end of the project

Answer: RAMS must be reviewed and updated whenever there are significant changes to methods, conditions, or identified hazards. This ensures the control measures remain appropriate and effective.

What is the hierarchy of controls in order of effectiveness?

• APersonal Protective Equipment, Engineering controls, Administrative controls
• BElimination, Substitution, Engineering controls, Administrative controls, PPE✓
• CAdministrative controls, Engineering controls, PPE, Elimination
• DPPE, Administrative controls, Engineering controls, Substitution

Answer: The hierarchy prioritizes eliminating the hazard first, then substituting with a safer alternative, then engineering controls, then administrative controls, with PPE as the last resort.

Which of the following is an example of an engineering control?

• AWearing a hard hat
• BInstalling a guardrail at height✓
• CTraining workers on hazards
• DLimiting working hours

Answer: Engineering controls are physical measures that prevent exposure to hazards (guardrails, barriers, ventilation). PPE (A), training (C), and administrative controls (D) are lower in the hierarchy.

What should be considered when assessing the risk of manual handling tasks?

• AOnly the weight being lifted
• BThe task, load, environment, and individual worker capabilities✓
• COnly how strong the worker is
• DOnly the distance being carried

Answer: Manual handling risk assessment (MAC Tool) considers multiple factors: load characteristics, task type, working environment, and individual factors. It's not just about weight.

How should a supervisor involve workers in the risk assessment process?

• ARisk assessment is management's responsibility only
• BConsult with workers on hazards, controls, and safe working practices✓
• COnly inform workers of completed risk assessments
• DLet workers create their own risk assessments

Answer: Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, supervisors must consult with workers. Workers often identify hazards that others miss, leading to better control measures.

What is the purpose of a Permit to Work in relation to risk assessment?

• ATo bypass risk assessment for high-risk work
• BTo control high-risk work and ensure risk assessment findings are implemented✓
• CTo document worker training only
• DTo record attendance

Answer: Permit to Work systems ensure that high-risk activities are properly assessed, authorized, and controlled. The permit verifies that precautions from the risk assessment are in place.

When assessing the risk of a new task, what information should be reviewed?

• AOnly past incidents at this location
• BHistorical data, similar site experiences, hazard databases, and expert opinion✓
• COnly the supervisor's personal experience
• DNothing - just proceed with the work

Answer: A thorough risk assessment reviews multiple information sources: accident reports, industry data, manufacturer guidance, COSHH data sheets, and consultation with experienced practitioners.

What should be included in a site-specific risk assessment?

• AGeneric construction hazards only
• BSite-specific hazards, existing controls, and residual risks✓
• COnly the most severe hazards
• DHazards identified by the HSE

Answer: A site-specific risk assessment addresses the actual hazards present at that location, the existing or proposed controls, and the remaining risk after controls are implemented.

How frequently should risk assessments be reviewed?

• AOnce per year
• BNever - assessment is a one-time activity
• CRegularly and whenever work methods or conditions change✓
• DOnly when new equipment arrives

Answer: Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes. This ensures they remain suitable and sufficient for current work activities.