Assessing Risks

What is the key difference between a hazard and a risk?

• AA hazard is a risk that has occurred
• BA hazard is something with potential to cause harm; risk is the likelihood and severity of that harm✓
• CThey are the same thing
• DA risk is more serious than a hazard

Answer: A hazard is anything that could cause harm (e.g., machinery, electricity). Risk is the likelihood that someone will be harmed by the hazard and how severe the harm could be.

How many steps are in the basic risk assessment process?

• AThree
• BFour
• CFive✓
• DSix

Answer: The five-step process is: 1) Identify hazards, 2) Decide who might be harmed, 3) Evaluate the risk, 4) Record findings, 5) Review and update.

In risk assessment, what does 'likelihood' refer to?

• AThe type of hazard
• BThe probability or chance that harm will occur✓
• CThe cost of the risk
• DThe person responsible

Answer: Likelihood is the probability or chance that someone will actually be harmed by the hazard. It is one component of risk evaluation.

When evaluating risk, severity refers to:

• AThe cost to fix the problem
• BHow often the hazard occurs
• CThe seriousness of harm that could result✓
• DHow many people are aware of it

Answer: Severity is the seriousness of the potential harm, ranging from minor injuries to fatalities. Risk = Likelihood × Severity.

Which of the following groups must be considered when deciding who might be harmed?

• AFull-time employees only
• BEmployees, visitors, contractors, and the public✓
• COnly those in the immediate work area
• DOnly skilled workers

Answer: Risk assessments must consider all potentially affected people including employees, contractors, visitors, members of the public, and vulnerable groups.

What is the purpose of recording risk assessment findings?

• ATo satisfy the HSE only
• BTo provide evidence of due diligence and enable monitoring of control effectiveness✓
• CTo assign blame for accidents
• DTo reduce insurance premiums

Answer: Recording findings provides evidence of due diligence, enables monitoring of controls, supports communication, and facilitates review and update.

When should risk assessments be reviewed?

• AOnly when an accident occurs
• BAnnually only
• CRegularly and when circumstances change✓
• DEvery 5 years

Answer: Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever circumstances change, such as new equipment, processes, staff, or identified hazards.

What is a hazard identification technique used in risk assessment?

• AGuessing based on experience
• BWorkplace inspection and employee consultation✓
• COnly reviewing previous accidents
• DFollowing competitor practices

Answer: Systematic hazard identification includes workplace inspections, employee consultation, reviewing manufacturers' information, accident records, and industry good practice.

Who should be involved in carrying out a risk assessment?

• AOnly the manager
• BManager, supervisors, and employees with operational knowledge✓
• COnly external consultants
• DOnly senior management

Answer: Effective risk assessments include those with operational knowledge, including managers, supervisors, and experienced employees who understand day-to-day work.

If a hazard is identified but poses very low risk (low likelihood and severity), what action is appropriate?

• AIgnore it
• BAccept the risk but monitor it✓
• CImmediately implement expensive controls
• DWait until someone is injured

Answer: Low-risk hazards may be accepted with the understanding they will be monitored. Resources can be focused on higher-risk hazards.

What is a control in the context of risk management?

• AAnything that reduces or eliminates a risk✓
• BA piece of equipment
• CA form to complete
• DOnly personal protective equipment

Answer: A control is any measure, procedure, or equipment that reduces or eliminates the risk from a hazard. Controls include engineering, administrative, and PPE measures.

According to the hierarchy of controls, which measure is most effective?

• APersonal protective equipment
• BAdministrative controls
• CElimination of the hazard✓
• DWarning signs

Answer: Elimination is most effective as it removes the hazard entirely. The hierarchy from most to least effective is: Eliminate, Substitute, Engineering, Administrative, PPE.