Health and Safety Legislation

What do the letters CDM stand for?

• A: Control of Demolition and Management Regulations.

• B: Control of Dangerous Materials Regulations.

• C: Construction (Demolition Management) Regulations.

• D: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations

Answer explanation

The CDM Regulations impose duties to manage construction projects, ensure physical safeguards are provided to prevent danger during such projects and that adequate welfare facilities are provided.

Identify one method of enforcing regulations that are available to the Health & Safety Executive.

• A: Health Notice.

• B. Improvement Notice.

• C. Obstruction Notice.

• D: Increasing insurance premiums.

Answer explanation

B: Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law.

What happens if a Prohibition Notice is issued by an Inspector of the local authority or the HSE?

• A: The work in hand can be completed, but no new work started.

• B: The work can continue if adequate safety precautions are put in place.

• The work that is subject to the notice must cease.

• The work can continue, provided a risk assessment is carried out.

Answer explanation

The work activity covered by a prohibition notice must cease, until the identified danger is removed.

A Health and Safety Executive Inspector can…

• A: Only visit if they have made an appointment?

• B: Visit at any time?

• C: Only visit if accompanied by the principal contractor?

• D: Only visit to interview the site manager?

Answer explanation

Inspectors have a range of powers, including the right to visit premises at any time.

A Prohibition Notice means:

• A: When you finish the work you must not start again.

• B: The work must stop immediately.

• C: Work is to stop for that day only.

• D: Work may continue until the end of the day.

Answer explanation

The work activity covered by the prohibition notice must cease, until the identified danger is removed.

In what circumstances can an HSE Improvement Notice be issued?

• A: If there is a breach of legal requirements.

• B: By warrant through the police.

• C: Only between Monday and Friday on site.

• D: Through the prosecution office.

Answer explanation

Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law.

What is an “Improvement Notice”?

• A: A notice issued by the site principal contractor to tidy up the site.

• B: A notice from the client to the principal contractor to speed up the work.

• C: A notice issued by a Building Control Officer to deepen foundations.

• D: A notice issued by an HSE/local authority inspector to enforce compliance with health and safety legislation.

Answer explanation

Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law.

If a Health and Safety Executive Inspector issues a “Prohibition Notice”, this means that:

• A: The Site Manager can choose whether or not to ignore the notice.

• B: Specific work activities, highlighted on the notice, must stop.

• C: The HSE must supervise the work covered by the notice.

• D: The HSE must supervise all work from then on.

Answer explanation

Prohibition notices are intended to stop activities which can cause serious injury.

Employers are required to provide information to their employees on their health and safety rights and responsibilities and how to get advice by:

• A: Telling them verbally when they start work for them.

• B: Displaying a poster or giving them leaflets approved by the HSE.

• C: Making them read the company health and safety policy.

• D: E-mailing the information to them.

Answer explanation

This is a requirement of the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (as amended).

Who is responsible for signing a Company Safety Policy?

• A: Site Manager.

• B: Company Safety Officer.

• C: Company Secretary.

• D: Managing Director.

Answer explanation

The Health and Safety at Work Act requires the most senior member of management to sign the health and safety policy statement.