WorksheetsPrinciples of Risk Assessment (Questions 1-12)
Total questions: 60
Worksheet time: 30mins
What is the primary purpose of a risk assessment?
To eliminate all hazards from the workplace.
To identify hazards and implement control measures to reduce risk.
To satisfy legal requirements by completing a form.
To calculate the exact cost of a potential accident.
Which of the following correctly lists the five steps of a typical risk assessment?
A) Assess, Control, Implement, Review, Record.
B) Identify, Evaluate, Plan, Act, Report.
C) Identify hazards, Decide who might be harmed, Evaluate risks and decide on precautions, Record findings, Review and update.
D) Consult, Design, Execute, Check, Modify.
What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?
A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm; a risk is the likelihood of that harm occurring.
A hazard is an immediate danger; a risk is a long-term problem.
A risk is the control measure; a hazard is the problem.
There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable.
The Hierarchy of Control measures is a system for managing risks. Which option represents the most effective control measure?
Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Elimination (removing the hazard completely)
Using Warning Signs (Administrative controls)
Substituting the hazard with a less risky one.
When evaluating the risk in a risk assessment, what two factors are typically considered?
Duration and Frequency
Likelihood and Severity
Cost and Time
Who is involved and Where it is located.
In a workplace that employs more than five people, what is a legal requirement regarding the findings of the risk assessment?
It must be signed by the CEO.
It must be reviewed daily.
The significant findings must be recorded in writing.
It must be sent to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) immediately.
When should a risk assessment be reviewed?
Only once a year.
When there are significant changes in the work process or equipment.
When a new employee joins the team.
Both B and when it is no longer considered effective.
What does the acronym ALARP mean in the context of risk management?
Always Listen And Report Problems.
As Low As Reasonably Practical.
Avoid Legal Action, Reduce Penalties.
All Loads Are Rarely Portable.
Who has the primary legal responsibility to ensure a risk assessment is carried out in the workplace?
The employee doing the job.
The designated safety officer.
The employer.
The supplier of the equipment.
Which group of employees often needs special consideration during a risk assessment?
Full-time employees.
Managers and supervisors.
Young, new, or pregnant workers.
Maintenance staff only.
Which term describes an event that had the potential to cause injury or damage but did not?
Accident
Hazard
Near Miss
Incident
The most effective way to monitor and review the effectiveness of control measures is by:
Checking the risk assessment file yearly.
Conducting regular workplace safety audits and inspections.
Asking employees if they feel safe.
Only reviewing after an accident occurs.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations cover activities involving the use of physical effort to move or support a load. Which action is NOT classified as manual handling?
Pushing a heavy trolley.
Lifting a box from the floor.
Driving a forklift truck.
Carrying a tool bag.
What is the most common type of injury associated with poor manual handling techniques?
Head injuries.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back injuries and sprains.
Electric shock.
Hearing damage.
What should your first step be when preparing for any lifting operation?
Ask for help immediately.
Bend your knees.
Conduct a dynamic risk assessment of the load, route, and environment.
Put on a back support belt.
Which lifting technique principle is most important to protect your spine?
Keeping the load away from your body.
Twisting your back while lifting.
Keeping the load as close to your waist as possible.
Lifting with a sudden, rapid movement.
When lifting, how should you position your feet for maximum stability?
Together and close to the load.
One in front of the other, shoulder-width apart.
Crossed over each other.
With feet apart and flat on the floor, in a balanced posture.
What is the recommended best practice for pushing a heavy load (e.g., a wheelbarrow or trolley)?
Pulling the load with your back straight.
Pushing the load with your arms fully extended.
Keeping your arms straight and pushing with your body weight.
Pushing the load sideways.
The TILE acronym is a useful reminder for manual handling risk assessment. What does the 'I' stand for?
Instrumentation
Individual capability
Impact
Instruction
What is the safest way to change direction while carrying a load?
Swivel your feet and turn your whole body.
Twist your body while keeping your feet still.
Step backwards.
Drag the load sideways.
If a load is heavier on one side, where should the heavier side be positioned relative to your body when carrying it?
Farthest away from your body.
Closest to your body.
It doesn't matter, as long as your back is straight.
Positioned above your head.
Is there a legally defined maximum weight that a person can safely lift?
Yes, 25kg for men and 15kg for women.
Yes, 55kg for all workers.
No, there is no legal maximum limit; the risk assessment determines what is safe for the individual and task.
No, but the HSE recommends 10kg as a general guideline.
When moving a load, which factor makes it more difficult and increases the risk of injury?
The load has suitable handles.
The route is clear and flat.
The load is hot, wet, or slippery.
The task involves a team lift.
What is the recommended optimum height for handling objects that are being moved in and out of storage to minimise stooping or stretching?
Floor level.
Head height.
Between waist and elbow height.
Above shoulder height.
The core principle of the Work at Height Regulations is to:
Use ladders wherever possible.
Avoid work at height if it is reasonably practicable to do so.
Ensure workers always wear a safety harness.
Complete the work as quickly as possible.
Which type of fall protection is considered a collective measure (protects everyone)?
Safety harness and lanyard.
Guardrails and toe boards on a scaffold.
Work restraint system.
What is required on a scaffold?
Guardrails only.
Guardrails and toe boards on a scaffold.
Toe boards only.
Safety netting.
When using a ladder, what is the minimum number of points of contact a person must maintain with the ladder at all times?
One (clipping in a harness).
Two (e.g., two feet).
Three (e.g., two feet and one hand).
Four (both hands and both feet).
Before using a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP), what must the operator do?
Inspect it visually and complete a pre-use check.
Get a signed note from the site manager.
Check the weather forecast only.
Fill the fuel tank.
What is a fragile surface that poses a high risk of a fall on construction sites?
A concrete floor slab.
A metal scaffold platform.
An old, rusty roof sheet or an unmarked skylight.
A timber decking area.
If you cannot avoid working at height and collective measures are not possible, what is the preferred solution in the hierarchy of control for personal protection?
Fall Arrest System (allows a fall to happen, then stops it)
Fall Restraint System (prevents the worker from reaching the edge)
Only a full safety net below the work area
Working only on a windy day
If adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rain, suddenly occur while working at height, what is the required action?
Continue working but be extra careful.
Stop work, secure the site/equipment, and descend immediately.
Only stop if you are using a ladder.
Wait for a brief period to see if the weather improves.
The correct angle for a leaning ladder against a wall should be approximately:
90 degrees.
60 degrees.
75 degrees (the 1 in 4 rule: 1 unit out for every 4 units up).
45 degrees.
When working on a scaffold, who is responsible for inspecting it every seven days or after bad weather/significant alteration?
The user of the scaffold.
A competent person.
The site manager.
The client.
A fall arrest lanyard must include a component to reduce the force exerted on the body in the event of a fall. What is this component called?
Anchor point.
Harness strap.
Energy absorber.
Carabiner.
What is the main safety requirement for an anchor point used for fall protection?
It must be easily accessible.
It must be near a door or window.
It must be suitably strong and certified to withstand the forces of a fall.
It must be a permanent part of the building structure.
What is the primary health risk associated with exposure to silica dust (created when cutting concrete, stone, or brick)?
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Skin irritation only
Silicosis and other lung diseases
Temporary hearing loss
What does HAVS stand for, and what is it caused by?
High-Altitude Velocity Sickness; caused by working on tall structures.
Health and Ventilation System; caused by poor air quality.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome; caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools.
Heating and Vapour System; caused by exposure to hot steam.
What is the main purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on a construction site?
To outline the daily work schedule.
To provide detailed information on a hazardous chemical (including safe use, storage, and emergency procedures).
To record the number of hours worked.
To list the contact information of all site personnel.
What is a serious health hazard found in older buildings (pre-2000) that can cause fatal lung diseases when disturbed?
(a)
What is the most effective way to protect yourself from excessive noise exposure on a construction site?
Using administrative controls like job rotation.
Using collective protection like engineering controls to reduce noise at the source.
Wearing mandatory ear defenders (PPE).
All of the above, following the hierarchy of control.
What is a potential health consequence of prolonged exposure to the sun and high temperatures on site without proper protection?
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Heat stress, heatstroke, and increased risk of skin cancer.
Hearing loss.
Weil's disease.
Which construction activity often results in exposure to hazardous fumes and gases, requiring local exhaust ventilation or respiratory protective equipment?
Manual digging.
Painting with water-based paint.
Welding or cutting metal.
Sweeping the ground.
What should a worker do if they find damaged or defective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Continue using it until the end of the shift.
Report it immediately and have it replaced.
Try to repair it themselves.
Swap it with a colleague.
What is the main health risk associated with working in confined spaces, such as trenches, shafts, or enclosed vessels?
High noise levels.
Exposure to moving plant.
Oxygen depletion or exposure to toxic gases.
Falling from height.
What is a key step in preventing dermatitis (skin irritation/inflammation) when working with cement or solvents?
Wearing a safety helmet.
Ensuring good personal hygiene and wearing appropriate gloves.
Using a full-body harness.
Working only on sunny days.
Exposure to high-intensity visible light (e.g., from arc welding) can cause which health issue if appropriate screening is not used?
Vibrating fingers.
Arc eye (a painful inflammation of the cornea).
Hypothermia.
Silicosis.
The most important reason for washing your hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking on a construction site is:
To remove hazardous substances and prevent ingestion or absorption
To look presentable to coworkers
To avoid getting food on your hands
To comply with company dress code
Before operating any plant or heavy equipment, what is the mandatory requirement for the operator?
They must have worked on the site for at least six months.
They must be over 25 years old.
They must be trained, competent, and authorised to use the specific machinery.
They must have personal liability insurance.
What is the most significant danger when working in the vicinity of moving plant, such as excavators or dumpers?
Loud noise.
The risk of being struck by or crushed by the moving vehicle.
The risk of manual handling injury.
The machinery breaking down.
What must always be switched off and secured (e.g., using Lockout/Tagout) before a worker carries out maintenance, adjustment, or cleaning on machinery?
The lighting system.
The main power source or energy isolating device.
The radio.
The safety barrier.
When working near plant that has an obstructed view for the operator (e.g., reversing dumper), who is essential for guiding the operator safely?
The site manager.
A general labourer.
A designated and trained Banksman/Signaller.
A traffic warden.
What is the best practice to prevent entanglement in machinery with rotating parts (e.g., drills, mixers)?
A) Standing at least 2 meters away.
B) Removing all safety guards to allow a better view.
C) Wearing tight-fitting clothing and securing long hair, and
If a safety guard on a piece of equipment is found to be damaged or missing, what is the required action?
Use the equipment carefully and report it later.
Stop using the equipment immediately, isolate it, and report it for repair.
Tie a piece of rope around the exposed part.
Only use it for non-hazardous tasks.
When dismounting a piece of heavy equipment (e.g., a telehandler), what is the correct safety technique?
Jumping down to save time.
Using the steps and handholds, maintaining three points of contact.
Sliding down the main arm.
Facing away from the machine.
What does a Prohibition Sign (round, red border, diagonal line) near equipment typically indicate?
Advice on how to use the equipment safely.
A warning of a nearby hazard.
Something that is forbidden (e.g., "Do Not Operate").
A mandatory action to be taken.
Why must excavation work be carried out with caution around buried plant and services (e.g., electricity cables or gas pipes)?
To avoid getting the digger dirty.
To prevent costly damage and the risk of electric shock, fire, or explosion.
To ensure the hole is a perfect square.
To prevent loud noises from being created.
What information is essential to check before moving a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) to a new location?
The operator's lunch break time.
The manufacturer's colour preference.
That the ground is firm, level, and free from overhead obstructions (like power lines).
The MEWP's top speed.
When is it acceptable for an unauthorised person to enter the operating zone (swing area) of a large piece of plant like an excavator?
When the operator waves at them.
When the machine has been fully shut down, isolated, and confirmed safe by the operator.
When the machine is moving slowly.
Never, under any circumstances.
What is the term for a designated zone around plant or equipment where only authorised personnel can enter?
A No-Go area.
A Exclusion Zone.
A Safety Bubble.
A Restricted Access Point.
