First Aid

What is RIDDOR and why is it important?

• AA safety training programme
• BThe Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013; it requires mandatory reporting of serious incidents to the HSE✓
• CA type of PPE
• DA fire safety standard

Answer: RIDDOR requires employers to report to the HSE: deaths, serious injuries, work-related diseases, and specified dangerous occurrences. It improves safety oversight and identifies systemic hazards.

What should be in a construction site first aid kit?

• AOnly plasters
• BSterile dressings, bandages, gloves, eye pads, burn gel, and a resuscitation mask✓
• COnly antiseptic wipes
• DNothing; workers provide their own supplies

Answer: HSWA 1974 and approved codes of practice specify first aid kit contents. A functional kit enables early intervention before emergency services arrive.

An accident occurs on a construction site in which a worker breaks a leg. This must be reported to the HSE under RIDDOR because:

• AAn accident occurred
• BThe worker was injured on site
• CA fracture (other than fingers/toes) is a specified serious injury✓
• DThe employer decides to report it

Answer: RIDDOR Regulation 4 mandates reporting of fractures (except fingers/toes) and losses of consciousness. Not all accidents trigger reporting; specified injuries do.

How quickly must a serious injury be reported to the HSE under RIDDOR?

• AWithin 7 days
• BWithin 15 days
• CAs soon as possible but no later than 15 days✓
• DWithin one year

Answer: Regulation 5 RIDDOR requires reports as soon as practicable and within 15 days. Deaths must be reported immediately. Delays compromise investigation and prevention.

A worker is unconscious following a head injury. What should be done?

• ALeave them lying on their back to recover
• BImmediately call 999 and place them in the recovery position✓
• CCheck their pockets
• DAssume they will wake naturally

Answer: Unconscious persons risk airway obstruction. The recovery position (on side, head tilted back) clears the airway. Emergency services must be called; natural recovery is unreliable.

What should be recorded after an accident on a construction site?

• AOnly the worker's name
• BDate, time, location, involved persons, nature of injury, circumstances, witnesses, and immediate actions taken✓
• COnly the cost of injury
• DNothing; informal record is sufficient

Answer: Comprehensive accident records support RIDDOR reporting, root cause analysis, and legal proceedings. Minimal details prevent proper investigation and trend identification.

If a worker has a work-related disease (e.g., dermatitis from exposure), must this be reported to the HSE?

• ANo; only injuries are reported
• BYes, under RIDDOR, if it is a notifiable disease and the worker is off work for more than seven days✓
• COnly if the worker requests
• DOnly if it is fatal

Answer: RIDDOR Regulation 6 requires reporting of notifiable occupational diseases (skin disease, asthma, silicosis, etc.) if work is absent for over 7 days. Disease reporting is as important as injury reporting.

A near-miss incident occurs (e.g., a tool falls but misses a worker). Should this be reported to the HSE?

• ANo; there was no injury
• BNot to the HSE, but to the employer and it should be recorded and investigated to prevent future incidents✓
• COnly if reported by the HSE
• DYes, immediately, as a RIDDOR case

Answer: Near-misses are not RIDDOR reportable but must be investigated internally. They reveal control failures and prevent future injuries. RIDDOR applies only to actual injuries or diseases.

Who is responsible for investigating an accident that occurs on a construction site?

• AThe worker involved
• BThe emergency services
• CThe employer and a competent person, to identify root causes and prevent recurrence✓
• DNo investigation is necessary

Answer: HSWA 1974 places investigation duty on the employer. A competent person examines what happened, why, and implements preventive measures. Investigation prevents repeat incidents.

A construction site has first aid provision in place. What is the primary purpose of this provision?

• ATo replace emergency medical services
• BTo provide immediate care and summon professional help, reducing injury severity pending ambulance arrival✓
• CTo diagnose occupational diseases
• DTo document accidents for legal liability

Answer: First aid stabilises the injured person, manages pain, and calls emergency services. It is not a medical diagnostic or legal service but a critical link in the emergency response chain.

Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, what is an 'appointed person' in construction first aid?

• AThe Site Manager
• BA person designated to be responsible for first aid arrangements (e.g., calling emergency services, maintaining equipment); this person may or may not hold a first aid certificate✓
• COnly someone with a full first aid certificate
• DThe nearest hospital staff member

Answer: An appointed person takes charge of first aid arrangements (emergency contact, equipment). They may lack first aid training but are responsible for the system. A person with certification is more capable but not required. Site Manager and hospitals are unrelated roles.

How should a construction worker with severe burns or scalds be treated immediately on site?

• AApply butter or ointment to the burn
• BCool the burn under running water for 10–20 minutes to reduce temperature and pain, remove jewellery, cover with clean dressing, and seek medical advice even for burns that seem minor✓
• CApply ice directly to the burn
• DLeave the burn exposed to air to heal naturally

Answer: Cooling under water reduces depth and pain. Butter/ointment traps heat and contaminates the wound. Direct ice causes further damage. Exposure risks infection. Medical advice is essential because burn depth isn't always visible.