NEBOSH International General Certificate – Mock Paper 1
1A
1a Outline ways of reducing likelihood of
human error in the workplace
1b Give Four reasons why the
seriousness of a hazard may be
underestimated by someone exposed
to it
1c Outline ways in which managers can
motivate employees to work safely
2 Outline the measures that an employer
might consider to minimize the risk of
violence against workers
3a Outline the main features of a Safety
Inspection
3b Outline the main features of a Safety
Audit
4a Explain with an example the meaning
of the term risk
4b Outline the key stages of a risk
assessment
 Use of skilled, trained & competent staff ;
 Motivation of the workforce;
 Task variety to prevent monotony
 Provision of frequent breaks to avoid work overload;
 Addressing workplace environmental issues such as noise, light & heat;
 Mechanization & automation;
 Implementation of a drug & alcohol policy;
 Providing competent supervision of employees.
 Over familiarity & complacency;
 Lack of instruction, information & training;
 Lack of experience, particularly where young persons are involved;
 Some hazards (e.g. airborne contaminants or radiation) may be invisible;
 Sensory impairment;
 Involvement in routine, repetitive tasks that can lead to lack of attention.
 The recognition of good health & safety performance (e.g. by giving
praise &/or offering financial incentives)
 Disciplining employees who choose to ignore safe working procedures
 Involving employees in carrying out risk assessments & drawing up safe
systems of work;
 Improving the company’s health & safety culture & demonstrating a high
level of management commitment;
 Ensuring a good working environment;
 Providing training & ensuring good communication.
 Setting a good example
 Risk assessment
 Suitable design of public areas
 Wide counters
 Coded locks on doors,
 CCTV systems
 Panic buttons & alarm systems,
 Security screens, Security guards
 The means of providing information (e.g. on waiting times)
 Avoidance of carrying large amounts of cash
 Avoid lone working safety procedures
 Staff training in dealing with and recognising potential violent situations
 Anti stab vests/helmets
A safety inspection is a straightforward observation of a
Work place &/or the activities or equipment within it.
Usually carried out by a manager or employee representative
Often aided by the use of a checklist, may be carried out routinely
Aims to identifying hazards & assessing use/effectiveness of control
measures
A safety audit, is a thorough, critical examination of an
organisation’s safety management systems & procedures.
It is normally a lengthy process carried out by a trained auditor,
often someone from outside the organisation.
It is a structured way of assessing the H&S performance of an
organisation by supplying answers to a series of questions,
Often involves a scoring system such that improvements can be made
Likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of the harm:- Contact with
electricity, Tripping over cable
 Identify the task being assessed and identify the hazards e.g. Chemical,
Physical etc.
 Identify the people who might be harmed and how. Includes own
workers/vulnerable employees such as pregnant women, The Public,
Contractors, etc.
 Evaluate the risk by considering the likelihood of the harm occurring and
the severity of harm
 Recording of significant findings
 Reviewing assessment at regular intervals or changes occur
5 Outline the items that may be included
in the “arrangements” section of a
Health and Safety Policy
6a Explain the health and safety benefits
of restricting smoking in the workplace
6b Outline the ways in which an
organization could implement an
effective non-smoking policy
7 Outline a procedure designed to
ensure the safety visitors to work
premises
8a Explain why an organization should
have a system for the internal reporting
of accidents
8b Identify the reasons why workers might
not report accidents at work
9 Replacement or repair of damaged
plant and equipment is a cost an
organization may face following a
workplace accident. List Eight other
possible costs to an organization when
an employee has been seriously
injured in such an accident
10a Explain the meaning of the term
competent person
10b Outline the organizational factors that
may cause a person to work unsafely
even though they are competent
 Risk assessments
 Emergency procedures (fire)
 Safe systems of work and Permits to work
 First aid policy
 Hazardous chemicals
 Contractor procedures
 Drugs and alcohol Policy
 Lone Working Procedures
 Health Surveillance
 Consultation/Safety Commitees
 Manual Handling/Internal Transport/NoiseEtc.
 Reduction in the risk of fire
 Improvement in general cleanliness
 Reduction in the exposure of non-smoking staff to cigarette smoke
 Promotion of health generally
 The avoidance of conflict between smokers & non- smokers.
 The policy should be clear in its intent & communicated to all staff.
 The use of notice boards, leaflets & other forms of propaganda,
 Consultation with employees to encourage involvement. management
should set an example
 Provide help to employees in the form of counselling.
 The provision of designated smoking areas
 The use of disciplinary procedures
 Signing in
 Issuing of identification badge
 Health and safety briefing
 Issuing of PPE
 Escorting to work area
 Monitoring
 Escorting back to exit
 Removal of badge
 Signing out
 To prevent a recurrence
 Monitoring purposes
 Legal reasons
 Occupational ill-health may take years to occur
 Civil claims/Criminal actions
 Ignorance of the reporting procedures;
 Peer pressure;
 Possible retribution by management
 To preserve the company’s or department’s safety record (particularly
when an incentive scheme is in operation);
 Over-complicated reporting procedures;
 Lack of obvious management response to earlier reported accidents.
 Payments to injured employee
 Replacement labour
 Training replacement labour
 Loss of production
 Legal action e.g. fines
 Loss of contracts
 Loss of business reputation
 Cost of accident investigation
 Increased insurance premiums
 Knowledge based on appropriate qualifications & training,
 The skills, experience & personal qualities to apply the knowledge in a
given situation,
 A clear recognition of his or her limitations.
 Management or peer group pressure,
 Poor safety culture in the organisation,
 Lack of resources or equipment,

11 Outline Eight sources of information
that might usefully be consulted when
developing a safe system of work
1B
1 Explain the purpose of each of the
following sections of Health and Safety
Policy document:
1a Statement of intent
1b Organization
1c Arrangements
1d Outline the circumstances that may
require a policy to be revised
2 Outline the factors to be considered
when developing a safe system of work
3 Outline the information that should be
included in an accident report
4a Explain the meaning of term “Hierarchy
of Control”
4b Outline with examples the standard
hierarchy of control to be used for
controlling risk in the work place
 Lack of clarity in roles & responsibilities,
 Inadequate supervision
 Poor working conditions
 Age, Medical condition, Attitude, Motivation

Internal
 Risk assessments
 Policies
 Inspection reports
 Medical records
 Health and safety committees
 Plant registers
 Safety advisors
External
 Government bodies
 National safety organisations
 Suppliers and manufacturers
 International standards
 Consultants and specialists
 Insurance companies
Demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to, & sets organisational
objectives for, Health &Safety; what the company intends to do
Identifies the Health & Safety responsibilities & channels of communication
within the organisation; who does what
Deals the practical means for achieving the objectives laid down in the policy
statement. Procedures for achieving objectives. How it will be done
 Accidents/incidents
 New equipment
 New staff/new technology
 New premises
 Risk assessments
 Changes in legislation
 Accident investigation
 Enforcement action
 Periodic review
 Select the task to be studied
 Assess the task
 Identify the hazards
 Develop the safe system looking at:-
Materials/Equipment/Environment/People
 Implement system
 Monitor the system
 The personal details of the injured party, time & location of the accident,
 Environmental conditions, the work activity at the time of the accident,
 The control measures in place,
 The precise circumstances of the accident,
 The type & extent of injury sustained,
 Details of witnesses & copies of their statements where taken,
 Drawings & photographs,
 Immediate & root causes identified,
 Possible breaches of the law,
 The recommendations of the investigation team in relation to remedial
action required.
Hierarchy of Control:- A preferred series of measures to control risks in order
of priority starting with elimination and ending with discipline
 Eliminate:- Remove trailing cables
 Reduce:- Exposure time, reduce voltage
 Isolate:- Cover with guard
 Control:- Limit exposure time, frequency

5 List Eight sources of information that
may be consulted when dealing with a
health and safety problem at work
6 Outline 4 proactive monitoring methods
that may be used to assess health and
safety performance of an organization
7a Identify 4 types of health and safety
information that might usefully
displayed at a workplace notice board
7b Explain how the effectiveness of notice
boards as a means of communicating
health and safety information to the
work force can be maximised
8 An employee has been stuck by a
forklift in the workplace. Outline 4
possible immediate cause and 4
possible root causes of the accident
9 Outline ways in which the safety culture
of an organization may be improved
 Personal Protective Equipment:- Issue safety footwear
 Discipline:- Enforce rules and procedures
INTERNAL
 Risk assessments
 Policies
 Inspection reports
 Medical records
 Health and safety committees
 Plant registers
 Safety advisors
EXTERNAL
 Government bodies
 National safety organisations
 Suppliers and manufacturers
 International standards
 Consultants and specialists
 Insurance companies
Inspections
A formal structured examination of the workplace to identify hazards and
eliminate or control them and also identify good practices
Audits
(involving a comprehensive & independent examination of all aspects of an
organisation’s health & safety management systems against stated
objectives);
Safety surveys
(Focuses on a narrower field eg. Noise Asbestos lighting);
Sampling
(involving the targeting of specific hazard areas – counting defects);
Tours
(where unscheduled, less formal workplace inspections are carried out to
check on issues such as housekeeping or the use of personal protective
equipment);
 Health and safety policy
 Safety representatives
 First aid arrangements
 Fire evacuation procedure
 Targets for reduction of accidents and ill-health
 Current levels of health and safety performance
 Posters relevant to current health and safety campaigns
 Located in prominent area
 Dedicating the board to only health and safety
 Ensuring relevant information displayed
 Kept up to date
 Information displayed in orderly fashion
 Make board eye catching
Immediate causes
 Driving too fast
 Insecure load
 Vehicle failure e.g. brake failure
 Poor road conditions
Root causes could have included:
 Lack of driver and or other employee training,
 Lack of supervision,
 Absence of site rules or procedures for the control of fork trucks
 Failure to separate vehicular & pedestrian traffic,
 Lack of maintenance of vehicles &/or the workplace.
 The commitment & leadership of senior management
 The competence & training of the workforce

10 Outline the reasons/benefits to the
employer of maintaining good
standards of health and safety in work
place
11 List the factors to consider when
assessing the health and safety and
safety competence of a contractor
1C
1a Explain the difference between the
objectives of a criminal law system and
a civil law system
1b Outline the typical actions that might be
brought against an employer who has
breached criminal law in relation to
health and safety
1c Outline the three standard conditions
that are usually required to be met to
prove a case of alleged negligence
against an employer
1d Explain why health and safety
legislation might be enforced to
different standards in different countries
2a Give 4 reasons why accidents should
be reported
3a Identify 2 main features of first aid
3b Outline the factors to consider when
making an assessment of first aid
 A clear policy with health & safety being given obvious equal
 priority to other business objectives (production, quality, etc)
 The setting of realistic & achievable targets
 The provision of a good working environment
 Proactive monitoring of health & safety standards
 Effective communication channels
 A ‘no-blame’ culture
 Consultation with, & the involvement of, the workforce
 Improved production
 Improved staff morale
 Improved Company reputation
 Reduced accidents
 Reduced ill health
 Reduced damage to equipment
 Reduced staff complaints
 Reduced absenteeism
 Reduced staff turnover
 Reduced insurance premiums
 Reduced fines and compensation claims
 Previous experience with the type of work
 Reputation amongst previous or current clients
 Content and quality of Health and Safety policy
 Content and quality of risk assessments
 Training and qualifications of staff Accident/enforcement history
 Membership of approved accreditation bodies
 Records of maintenance of equipment
 Risk Assessments and Method statements
 Insurance cover
 Criminal Law aims to punish
 Civil Law aims to compensate for loss or injury
 Provide health and safety advice and guidance to rectify the breach
 Issue legal document to the employer to make specified improvements to
rectify the breach.
 Issue legal mandate demanding that work in dangerous situations is
stopped and made safe.
 Take out a prosecution to punish the employer
 Necessary to show duty of care owed
 Duty of care was breached (Negligent)
 Injury, loss or harm occurred.
 Different legal systems
 Different standards of legislation and enforcement
 Different penalties for breaches
 Religious beliefs and cultural issues
 How society views the offences
 Ability and knowledge of Enforcing Authorities
 Funding, number and workload of enforcement staff
 Degree of reporting to Enforcement Authorities
 Political pressure e.g. enforcement initiatives
 To prevent a recurrence
 Monitoring purposes
 Legal reasons
 Occupational ill-health may take years to occur
 Civil claims
 Criminal actions
 Preservation of life
 Promote recovery
 Treatment of minor injuries which would otherwise receive no treatment
 Size of the organization
 Number of employees

4 Outline the practical means by which a
manager could involve employees in
the improvement of health and safety in
the workplace
5 Outline how an organization can
ensure that safety campaigns are
effectively communicated to and
understood by employees
6 Explain why PPE should be used as a
last resort in the control of occupational
hazards
7a Give 2 situations where permit to work
system should be used and give
reasons why
7b Explain the operation of a permit to
work system
8 Outline the issue that should ne
addressed in training programme for
employees on the emergency action in
the event of fire
9 Outline the main components of a
 Layout of workplace
 Types of hazards and risks
 Types of accident and injury
 Distance to nearest source of emergency services
 Working patterns
 Need to train personnel in special procedure
 Involving employees in risk assessments, accident investigations,
the development of safe systems & procedures etc.
 Encouraging hazard-spotting & the reporting of defects;
 Setting up suggestion schemes;
 Organising training courses & information programmes;
 Supporting active involvement in safety committee meetings;
 Being accompanied by employees or their representatives on safety
tours & inspections;
 Giving employees responsibilities for mentoring young &
inexperienced workers.
 Sufficient funds, resources and time are made available
 The campaign should have clear aims, objectives and targets
 Show that management is totally committed to the campaign
 Everyone within the organisation knows the part they have to play and be
clear on the means of achieving them.
 Key responsibilities for aspects of the campaign are allocated
 Ensuring that the workforce is made fully aware of the campaign by
means of tool box talks, team briefings, meetings, training sessions and
notice boards.
 Use clear language (no jargon etc.) to help understanding.
 Provide feedback to check employees understanding of the campaign
 Does not eliminate the hazard
 Does not reduce the hazard
 Only protects the wearer
 Always fail to danger
 May introduce new hazards
 Relies on worker to use it
 May not be worn correctly
 It may be uncomfortable
 Worn for only part of task of shift
 Wrong size
 Used when damaged
 Not properly maintained
 Management may not enforce wearing
A formal written procedure requiring written confirmation that certain actions
have been carried out to eliminate or control risks before a specific high risk
activity is carried out
 Identify the task (Where and when)
 Identify the hazards
 List the precautions to eliminate or reduce the hazards
 Additional precautions
 Time limits
 Issue by competent person
 Receipt by person in charge of work
 Completion
 Cancellation
 Recognition of fire alarm
 Action to be taken on hearing the alarm
 Meaning of emergency signs
 Location of fire escape routes
 Assembly point
 Evacuation requirements e.g. no lifts
 Location and operation of call points
 Location and use of fire fighting equipment
 Consideration of people with special needs
 Role and identity of fire marshals/wardens
Policy:- Health and safety aims of the organisation, health and safety
 health and safety management system
10 Outline the factors that can cause the
safety culture of an organization to
decline
11 Identify the factors to consider for
employees who are required to work on
their own away from the work place
1D
1a Explain the benefits of the training of
staff to the employer
1b Outline reasons why employees might
require additional health and safety
training at a later stage of employment
within an organization
1c Outline the main health and safety
issues to be included in an induction
training program for new employees
2a Explain why it is important for an
organization to set targets in terms of
health and safety program
2b Outline the various targets that an
objectives and management commitment
Organising:- Clear lines of responsibility, Competence, commitment and
control, Co-operation, Communication
Planning and Implementation:- Identify hazards, assess risks, and decide
how risks can be eliminated or controlled. Sets standards against which
performance can be measured.
Measuring performance:- A means of determining the extent to which
health and safety policy and objectives are being implemented and should be
both reactive and proactive.
Reviewing:- Analyzing data gathered through monitoring to see whether
performance is adequate
Audit:- Systematic critical examination of each stage of an organization’s
management systems and procedures
 Lack of effective communication
 The perception of a growing blame culture
 Lack of leadership & commitment at senior level
 Lack of monitoring or a failure to implement remedial action
 Lack of consultation & employee involvement
 A generally a poor working environment
 A high staff turnover leading to lack of continuity
 External influences such as downturn in the economy, leading to job
insecurity with the possibility of H&S being seen as a less of a priority
 The location of the work
 The type of work to be done
 The hazards & risks
 The equipment to be used
 The work environment
 The control measures in place.
 The competence & suitability of the persons involved
 The age and state of health of the person
 The methods of communication with the home base
 The emergency & first-aid procedures
 Reduces accidents
 Reduces absenteeism
 Reduces claims and insurance premiums
 Reduces the chance of prosecution/enforcement notices
 Improves moral
 Less product damage
 Greater productivity/improved efficiency
 The introduction of new processes, equipment & methods of work;
 as a result of a job change involving different health & safety
requirements or additional responsibilities;
 following the introduction of new legislation;
 where risk assessments or staff appraisals indicate that additional
training is necessary;
 where refresher training is required such as that required for for-lift truck
operators & first-aid personnel;
 following an accident, enforcement action or insurance impositions;
 & to counteract the possibility of employees becoming complacent & lax
in following established procedures for health & safety.
 The organization’s H&S policy,
 emergency procedures,
 hazards specific to the workplace & the need to comply with H&S
requirements,
 Health & safety responsibilities & lines of communication,
 accident & first-aid arrangements,
 Welfare provision.
 Health surveillance & consultation procedures.
Gives evidence of Management commitment and motivates staff by giving
them something to aim for
 Reduced/zero accidents
 organization might set for health and
safety issues
3 Outline the specific factors that should
be considered when assessing the
risks to employees working on night
shifts
4 List the written information that is likely
to be examined during a health and
safety audit
5 Explain the purpose and benefits of
collecting near-miss data
6 Other than poor communication,
describe the organisational factors that
could limit the effectiveness of safety
campaigns
7 Employers have a requirement placed
upon them under health and safety to
involve their employees:
7a Explain the difference between
consulting and informing
7b Outline the health and safety matters
on which employers should consult
their employees
8. Give reasons why a verbal instruction
may not be clearly understood by an
employee
 Zero prosecutions
 Reduced sickness absence
 Reduction in compensation claims
 Improve reporting of near misses
 Improve reporting of minor accidents
 Improve audit scores
 Lighting
 Heating
 Welfare provisions
 First aid
 Emergency arrangements
 Effects of fatigue
 Increased likelihood of human error
 Numbers of hours worked
 Supervision
 Risk of violence travelling to and from work
 Safety policy
 Risk assessment procedures
 Safety monitoring procedures
 Maintenance records
 Accident and incident reports
 Health surveillance records
 Safety committee minutes etc.
 Training records
 Statutory inspections
 Previous audit reports
 To Identify underlying causes which may allow preventative action to be
taken before something more serious occurs
 Gives message to workforce that all failures are taken seriously not just
those leading to injury
 Generally accepted near misses greatly outnumber accidents and can
therefore produce more data from which a greater understanding of the
deficiencies in management systems can be identified and rectified.
 Lack of senior management commitment
 Production or other pressures take priority over health and safety
 Insufficient time, funds and resources made available.
 A poor safety culture in general
 Poor working conditions create lack of interest among employees
 Poor industrial relations and lack of confidence in managements ability
 Work patterns (e.g. shiftwork) could mean some sections of the
workforce are not considered or supported due to lack of key staff.
 Informing is a one way process providing employees with relevant
information
 Consulting is a two way process and involves listening to their views
and taking account of what they say before any decision is taken.
 The introduction of any measure that may substantially affect the
health and safety of employees, e.g. the introduction of new
personal protective equipment, the health and safety consequences
of the introduction of new technology, e.g. a new process or machine
 Be consulted in planning alterations of work processes, work content
or organisation of work, which may have safety or health implications
for the workers,
 The planning and organisation of any health and safety training that
should be provided, e.g. induction training.
 Hearing/speech defects
 Noise
 Distance from receiver

9a Explain using an example the meaning
of the term risk
9b Outline the factors that should be
considered when selecting individuals
to assist in carrying out risk
assessments in the workplace
10a Outline the key health and safety
responsibilities of employers of
employers which are common in many
countries.
10b Outline the key health and safety
responsibilities and rights of employees
which are common in many countries
11 Outline the key points that should be
covered in a training session for
employees on the reporting of
accidents/incidents
1E
1 An employee has been seriously
injured in an accident with a vehicle in
the workplace
1a Outline the immediate and long term
actions that should be taken following
the accident
1b Giving reasons in EACH case identify
FOUR categories of persons who may
be considered a useful member of an
internal accident investigation team
1c Identify the measures an employee
could take in order to ensure that the
drivers of internal transport are and
remain competent
 Poor environment (light/temperature); Language/jargon
 Distractions
 Lack of knowledge/experience
 Attitude of person to communication
 Duration/speed.
Likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of the harm:- Contact with
electricity, Tripping over cable
 Having sufficient knowledge, training and experience of the tasks being
assessed and the risk assessment process
 Good communication skills
 Knowledge of their own limitations
 Provision of safe workplace
 Provision of safe plant and equipment
 Provision of information and training
 Provision of emergency procedures
 Co-operation with other employers
 Co-operation/communication with their employees
 Not charging employees for health and safety measures
 Co-operating with their employer
 Reporting any dangerous situations to employer
 Right to receive adequate health and safety information
 Right to receive adequate health and safety training
 Right to be consulted by their employer
 Need to prevent happening again
 Aim to improve health and safety performance
 May be requirement to report to enforcing authority
 For use in accident data
 How to report
 Who to report accident to
 Explain the information required on form
 There will be a no blame culture
 The benefits of near miss reports
IMMEDIATE
 Treatment for injured personnel
 Make the area safe
 Initiate emergency plan
 Contact emergency services
 Preserve scene for investigation
 May have to notify enforcing authority
LONGER TERM
 Decide the depth of the investigation and select team
 Gather evidence at the scene
 Interview witnesses
 Examine documents
 Appoint specialists if necessary
 Supervisors and line managers from department where accident
occurred
 A senior manager from another department
 Health and Safety professionals
 Specialists e.g. Engineers
 Representative of workers
 Employee experienced in the work activity.
 Check license valid
 Previous experience reference accident history
 Refresher training
 Practical workplace assessments
 Supervision and monitoring
2 Outline the factors to consider when
assessing the risks to a long distance
lorry driver
3 Outline 4 advantages and
disadvantages of using posters to
communicate health and safety
information to workforce
4 Outline the topics that may be typically
included on the agenda of a safety
committee
5a Explain the meaning of term “Hazard”
5b Outline the technique of identifying
hazards at work
6a Explain the reasons why young person
may be at greater risk of accidents at
work place
6b Outline the measures that could be
taken to minimize the risk to young
persons
7 Outline the factors of the physical
environment that may cause a person
to feel stressed at work
 The length of the journey
 The type of roads
 The weather conditions
 The type of load
 Are there security issues e.g. load valuable
 Properly loaded on vehicle
 Suitable vehicle
 Properly maintained
 Ergonomic design of cab and seat
 Competent driver
Advantages of posters include:
 They are relatively low cost
 Their brevity (allowing messages to be easily understood),
 their use in reinforcing verbal instructions or information,
 Providing a constant reminder of important health & safety issues,
 Potential to allow employees to become involved in their selection
Disadvantages include:
 Need to change posters on a regular basis
 May become soiled, defaced & out-of-date,
 The possibility that they might be seen to trivialise serious matters.
 additionally they might actually alienate people if inappropriate
 Stereotypes (e.g. of the ‘stupid worker) are used,
 They provide no direct way of assessing whether the message has been
understood,
 They may be perceived as an easy option for management
 Review of recent accidents/incidents,
 Review of proactive monitoring strategies such as safety inspections &
audits,
 Reports following visits by enforcement authorities,
 The effects of the company of new or impending H&S legislation.
 Possible amendments to the company’s H&S policy & risk assessments,
 The extent & effectiveness of any H&S training given to employees,
 The introduction of new equipment & processes.
Something that has the potential to cause harm
 Task observation
 Accident, ill-health or near miss data
 Workplace inspections
 Job safety analysis
 Legal standards
 Hazops
 Talking to the workforce
 Lack of experience and/or training
 Body not fully developed
 More likely to take risks
 Respond to peer group pressure
 Be over enthusiastic
 Provide suitable work equipment
 The organisation of work and processes
 Health and safety training
 Mentoring
 Supervision
 Limiting hours of work
 Cramped conditions,
 Dirty or untidy working conditions,
 Workplace layout resulting in a lack of privacy or security,
 Poor lighting
 Problems with glare,
 Extremes of temperature and or humidity,
 Inadequate ventilation resulting in stale air (or conversely, draughty
conditions),
 exposure to noise & vibration,
 Inadequate welfare facilities
 Those working outside, inclement weather conditions.
8a Explain how accident data can be used
to improve health and safety
performance within an organisation
8b Outline two proactive methods that can
be used when assessing an
organizations health and safety
performance
9 Identify 8 measures that could be used
by an organization in order to monitor
its health and safety performance
10 Outline the strengths and weakness of
using a check list to complete a health
and safety inspection of the workplace
11 Explain why it is important to use a
variety of methods to communicate
health and safety communication to the
workforce
 Shows trends and patterns.
 Identifies weaknesses in procedures and policies.
 Priorities safety measures.
 Identifies areas for improvements.
 Sets targets for reduction.
 Inspections: A formal structured examination of the workplace to
identify hazards and eliminate or control them and also identify good
practices
 Audits: (involving a comprehensive & independent examination of all
aspects of an organisation’s health & safety management systems
against stated objectives);
 Safety surveys: (focusing on particular activities);
 Sampling: (involving the targeting of specific areas);
 Tours: (where unscheduled, less formal workplace inspections are
carried out to check on issues such as housekeeping or the use of
personal protective equipment);
 Benchmarking: (where an organisation’s performance in certain areas is
compared with that of similar organisations);
 Environmental & health monitoring.
 Rates of accidents/incidents
 Actions taken by enforcement authorities
 Number of compensation claims
 Results of inspections
 Results of environmental monitoring
 Outcomes of safety audits
 Results of tours, sampling and surveys
 Compliance with procedures
 Number of staff trained in health and safety
 Results of medical and or health surveillance
 Enables prior preparation and planning so inspection is more structured
and systematic
 Reduces the chances of important areas or issues being overlooked
 Provides an immediate record of findings
 Ensures consistent approach
 Provides easy method of comparison and audit
 May lead to blinkered approach meaning significant risks might be
missed
 May not be reviewed or updated to take account of changes in work
processes etc.
 Become routine with no follow up questions
 Too objective and restrictive no scope for peripheral issues Procedure
subject to human error or abuse
 People respond differently to different stimuli, & that variety prevents
over-familiarisation with one method & helps to reinforce a message.
 The need to overcome language barriers & the inability of some
employees to read;
 The need to motivate, stimulate interest and gain involvement and
feedback;
 The acceptance that different types of information require different
methods of communication.