Construction Health and safety Level 1

Which TWO of these are the main reasons for significant fatalities in the construction industry every year? Give TWO Answers

• Being struck by a vehicle

• Electrocution by badly maintained plant or machinery

• Falling from height

• Scalding with hot materials

Answer explanation

The main reasons for fatalities in construction include being struck by a vehicle and falling from height. These hazards are prevalent on construction sites, leading to significant risks for workers.

If you have a minor injury that breaks the skin and draws blood, what should you do? Give ONE Answer

• Carry on working so that progress is not interrupted

• Cease working for the rest of the day

• Make an insurance claim against your company

• Report it so that it is logged in the accident book and go and get any necessary first aid

Answer explanation

The correct action is to report the injury for documentation and seek first aid. This ensures proper care and compliance with safety protocols, unlike continuing work or making claims without addressing the injury.

Which TWO of these are obligations on your employer in respect of asbestos? Give TWO Answers

• Arrange for health surveillance where legislation or policy requires it.

• Develop suitable control measures to prevent exposure to asbestos

• To take out additional insurance

• To train every member of the workforce to deal with asbestos

Answer explanation

Employers must arrange health surveillance as required by law and develop control measures to prevent asbestos exposure, ensuring worker safety. The other options do not represent legal obligations.

How much asbestos is still mined in the UK? Give ONE Answer

• 100 tonnes a year

• 150 tonnes a year

• 250 tonnes a year

• None, it is banned

Answer explanation

Asbestos mining is banned in the UK due to health risks associated with exposure. Therefore, the correct answer is 'None, it is banned'.

Which of the following practices will NOT contribute significantly to energy use reduction? Give ONE Answer

• Collecting rainwater for use on-site and recycling water from concrete wash-out areas

• Keeping vehicles switched on because of the amount of energy needed to ignite them in the first place

• Saving energy and reducing nuisance by good maintenance of vehicles

• Turning off taps and using hoses with triggers

Answer explanation

Keeping vehicles switched on wastes energy, as idling consumes fuel without providing any benefit. In contrast, the other practices listed actively contribute to energy reduction.

What is the first step you should take if a hazardous liquid is accidentally released?

• Ignore the spill and continue working

• Use absorbent materials to contain the spill immediately

• Notify a supervisor and wait for instructions

• Flush the spill with water to dilute it

Answer explanation

The first step after a hazardous liquid spill is to use absorbent materials to contain it immediately. This prevents further spread and minimizes risk, making it crucial to act quickly rather than ignoring the spill or waiting.

What is NOT a factor that can lead to the instability of an excavation site? Choose ONE answer.

• Heavy rainfall causing soil saturation

• Vibrations from nearby construction activities

• Using non-recyclable materials for site fencing

• Improper sloping or benching of the excavation walls

Answer explanation

Using non-recyclable materials for site fencing does not directly affect the stability of an excavation site. In contrast, heavy rainfall, vibrations, and improper sloping can all compromise site stability.

Which of the following is least likely to be used to assess a person's effectiveness in their job role? Choose ONE option.

• Experience

• Technical skills

• Charisma

• Certifications

Answer explanation

Charisma is more about personal charm and influence rather than measurable job performance. In contrast, experience, technical skills, and certifications directly relate to a person's ability to perform effectively in their role.

Which of the following is NOT a duty of employers under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974?

• Ensuring the safety of the workplace environment

• Providing adequate training and supervision

• Offering free lunch to all employees

• Maintaining safe equipment and machinery

Answer explanation

Offering free lunch to all employees is not a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The Act focuses on ensuring workplace safety, training, and maintaining equipment.

Which one of these is NOT an aspect that would normally be set out in a permit to work? Give ONE Answer

• Dated

• Insurance details

• Signed by a properly authorised person

• Time-limited

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Insurance details' because a permit to work typically includes aspects like being dated, signed by an authorized person, and time-limited, but does not usually require insurance details.