Brick layer

• What is the primary legislation governing health and safety at work in the UK?

  Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Why is health and safety a significant concern in the workplace?

  Because many people are killed, injured, or suffer from work-related illnesses each year.
• What roles do the government, employers, and workers play in health and safety?

  • Government: Establishes laws and regulations
  • Employers: Must protect health and safety of employees
  • Workers: Responsible for their own and others' safety
• How many people were killed at work in the UK in 2018-19?

  147 people
• What is the number of serious injuries reported in the UK in 2018-19?

  20,000 employees
• What is the total number of absences lasting more than 7 days reported in the UK in 2018-19?

  Over 203,000 absences
• What ethical considerations are involved in health and safety decisions?

  They involve balancing safety, financial implications, and quality.
• What are the legal duties of employers under the Health and Safety at Work Act?

  • Take reasonably practicable steps to protect health and safety
  • Ensure welfare of employees and others affected by their business
• What are some supporting regulations under the Health and Safety at Work Act?

  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations
  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations
  • Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
  • Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
• What powers do health and safety inspectors have?

  They can enter premises, examine equipment, and issue notices.
• What types of notices can health and safety inspectors issue?

  Improvement notice and Prohibition notice
• What are the consequences of failing to meet health and safety regulations?

  • Legal action
  • Reduced staff morale
  • Financial penalties
• How can poor health and safety affect a company's image?

  It can lead to negative publicity and deter job applicants.
• What is the purpose of the site induction process?

  • Explaining the emergency procedures
  • Outline site rules and regulations
  • Identify site risks and hazards
  • Provide location of essential items
• What is a toolbox talk?

  • An informal meeting
  • Focuses on specific job-related topics
  • Discusses hazards and safe work practices
• What is a hazard?

  A hazard is something that could cause harm to people on site.
• What is risk?

  Risk is the chance that a hazard could cause harm.
• What is the purpose of a risk assessment?

  To assess work activities and identify significant hazards.
• What are the secondary purposes of a risk assessment?

  • Prevention of occupational risks
  • Providing information and training
  • Providing resources to implement measures
• What are control measures?

  Control measures are actions that reduce exposure to a hazard.
• What is the hierarchy of control measures?

  1. Elimination
  2. Substitution
  3. Engineering controls
  4. Administrative controls
  5. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• What UK legislation relates to risk assessment?

  Legislation includes manual handling operations regulations and control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH).
• What are physical hazards?

  Physical hazards are sources of harm such as falling objects.
• What are chemical hazards?

  Chemical hazards include dangerous substances.
• What are biological hazards?

  Biological hazards include diseases like Legionnaire's disease.
• What are ergonomic hazards?

  Ergonomic hazards include uncomfortable workstations.
• What are psychological hazards?

  Psychological hazards include occupational stress.
• What factors determine the level of risk?

  Severity and likelihood of the hazard occurring.
• How can severity of hazards be rated?

  1. Insignificant
  2. Minor
  3. Moderate
  4. Major
  5. Catastrophic
• How can likelihood of hazards be rated?

  1. Improbable
  2. Remote
  3. Possible
  4. Probable
  5. Very likely
• How can risk values be used in a risk matrix?

  To compare different risks by multiplying severity and likelihood values.
• What does a risk matrix indicate when the result is in the green area?

  • Hazard priority is low
  • Risk is acceptable
  • No further action required apart from maintaining controls
• What does a risk matrix indicate when the result is in the yellow area?

  • Hazard priority is medium
  • Risk is tolerable
  • Review the situation at the next review
• What does a risk matrix indicate when the result is in the orange area?

  • Hazard priority is high
  • Risk is intolerable
  • Improve the situation within a specific timetable
• What does a risk matrix indicate when the result is in the red area?

  • Hazard risk is unacceptable
  • Stop all activity
  • Make immediate improvements
• What are method statements?

  Method statements are documented steps for how work should be carried out.
• When are method statements especially important?

  When work involves hazardous processes or is complex.
• What should method statements include?

  • Steps for carrying out work
  • Be collated in one place
  • Be freely available to all employees
• What is the purpose of a permit to work document?

  To ensure safety protocols are followed for high-risk activities.
• What is the hierarchy of risk controls?

  1. Elimination
  2. Substitution
  3. Engineering controls
  4. Administrative controls
  5. Personal protective equipment (PPE)