Unit 201 LO1.1

Which law is the main piece of UK legislation covering health and safety at work?

• Workplace Safety Regulations 1999

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989

• Health Protection Act 2008

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Answer explanation

The main piece of UK legislation covering health and safety at work is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This act sets out the general duties of employers and employees to ensure workplace safety.

What does COSHH 2002 focus on?

• Guidelines for employee training programmes.

• Regulation of workplace safety equipment.

• Control of substances hazardous to health in the workplace.

• Standards for office ergonomics.

Answer explanation

COSHH 2002 focuses on the control of substances hazardous to health in the workplace, ensuring that employers manage risks associated with hazardous substances to protect employee health.

Which regulation requires accidents and dangerous occurrences to be reported?

• RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)

• The Health and Safety at Work Act

• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations

• HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Guidelines

Answer explanation

RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) specifically mandates the reporting of accidents and dangerous occurrences, making it the correct choice for this question.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, who is responsible for ensuring safety at work?

• Employees are solely responsible for safety.

• Employers are responsible for ensuring safety at work.

• Safety is the responsibility of the customers.

• Government agencies handle workplace safety.

Answer explanation

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers are primarily responsible for ensuring safety at work. This includes providing a safe working environment and necessary training for employees.

Which regulation applies specifically to the management of health and safety in construction projects?

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• Building Regulations 2010

• Construction Safety Standards 2020

• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)

Answer explanation

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) specifically govern health and safety in construction projects, ensuring that risks are managed throughout the project lifecycle.

PUWER 1998 requires employers to ensure equipment is safe and suitable for use.

• Employers must ensure equipment is safe and suitable for use.

• Equipment safety is optional under PUWER 1998.

• Employers can ignore equipment safety standards.

• Only managers are responsible for equipment safety.

Answer explanation

PUWER 1998 mandates that employers ensure equipment is safe and suitable for use, making the correct choice clear. The other options incorrectly suggest that safety is optional or that only managers are responsible.

RIDDOR requires all minor injuries, such as paper cuts, to be reported.

• False

• All injuries must be reported regardless of severity

• Only serious injuries must be reported

• True

Answer explanation

RIDDOR does not require all minor injuries, like paper cuts, to be reported. Only serious injuries and certain incidents must be reported, making the statement false.

Employees have no legal responsibilities for health and safety.

• True

• Employees are fully responsible for health and safety

• Health and safety is solely the employer's responsibility

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because employees do have legal responsibilities for health and safety. They must follow safety protocols and report hazards, contributing to a safe work environment alongside their employers.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 applies to all workplaces in the UK.

• True

• Only applies to construction sites

• Only applies to large businesses

• False

Answer explanation

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 indeed applies to all workplaces in the UK, ensuring safety regulations are upheld across various sectors, not just construction or large businesses.

Give one example of a hazardous substance covered by COSHH.

• lead

• mercury

• chlorine

• asbestos

Answer explanation

Asbestos is a hazardous substance covered by COSHH due to its health risks, including lung disease and cancer. While lead, mercury, and chlorine are also hazardous, asbestos is specifically noted in COSHH regulations.