Question Taking into account what we have just covered on exam technique, consider the fallawing past exam question, Identify possible costs to an organisation following an accident in the workplace. @ Approaching the Question ‘Think now about the steps you would take to answer the question: 1. The first step isto read the question carefully. This question cals for you te identify, so you don't need to give much detail ~ as we saw earlier if asked to "identify" you are expected to “select and name®, son this case name the different possible costs, 2. Next, consider the marks available. In this question there are eight marks. The question doesnt ask for ‘examples, s0 itis reasonable to assume that for eight marks you would be expected to identify eight costs As the answer hasnt been lirnited to anly eight factors, feel free to give a few extra in order to maximise the chance of gaining full marks. Howevey, don’t go overboard ~ watch the time! The question should take around, eight minutes in total 3. Now highlight the key words In this case they might look like this Identify possible COsté to an organisation following an aéeideit in the workplace. (8) 4, Read the question again to make sure you understand it and have a clear understanding of the casts of accidents (Reread your notes if you need to.) 5, The next stage isto develop a plan ~ there are various ways to de this. Your answer must be based on the key ‘words you have highlighted. Remind yourself fst ofall, that you need to be thinking about "What costs ace ‘there to an organisation i there is an accident". Think broadly, not just the more obvious costs Now have ago atthe question. Draw up an answer plan, and then use i a5 the basis to write out an answer as you would in the exam « Remember you can always contact your tutor you have any queries or need any further guidance con howto answer this question. \When you have finished, compare your plan and full answer with those that follow.Suggested Answer Plan Direct Costs Tndivect Costs * Fistaid treatment + ivestigaton me + Sickpay + Lost employee morale + Repairs to equipment + Costofaditonal conirl measures, + Lost or damaged product + Compliance with enforcement notices + Los production time + Cost of recruiting and retraining © Overtime cover for the injured person, additional employees, eg for cover Dean + Damaged customer relationships. + Compensation paymentto victim + Damaged public image Possible Answer by Exam Candidate There are many costs of accidents, which can be divided into direct and indirect casts Direct costs may include fist-aid treatment given to the vctin, together with sick pay if they are off work and overtime costs incurred to cover their absence. Direct costs also include repais to damaged equipment, and fost ‘er damaged product arising from the accident. There may also be lost production time. ia the event of legal action there may also be fines or compensation payments Indirect costs may include the time taken to investigate the aceident, the costs of ational control measures to prevent recurrence and to comply with enforcement notices. There may also be costs associated with the training and recruitment ofadaltional employees. Finaly there may bea loss of morale in the workforce which could impact productivity or damage to the organisation's public image or customer relationships Reasons for Poor Marks Achieved by Candidates in Exam ‘Most candidates should have found this question straightforward, It wasn'ta requirement of the question 10, structure the answer as “direct” and "indirect" costs; however, sometimes thisis asked (which is why we did this here), A good structure does help to ensure that items aren't missed and helps the examiner to award marks easly1 Question (2) Mentifya range of heath and safety targets that may be included in the ‘statement of intent section ofa health and safety poli. @ (b)Deseribe the purpose of (the ‘organisation’ section ofa heath and safety policy: ® (i) the ‘arrangements’ section ofa health and safety policy ®) Approaching the Question ‘Think now about the steps you would take to answer the question: The fist sep i to read the question carefully, Note that part (a) of the question asks you to identify possible health and safety targets that may be included inthe staternent of intent, As we saw earlier to “identify” something you need to select and name the key issues, We haven't tackled a description yet - for a “describe” question you need to provide an in-depth description, a word picture of what the thing is, what it looks like, how it works, etc. This requires a great amount of deta, and candidates who don't "describe where required to ‘will not gain the marks. $0 in part (b) of this question you are required to produce descriptions ofthe purpose ‘of the organisation and arrangements sections of the policy. Next, consider the marks available In this question there are eight marks soit s expected that around eight or nine different pieces of information should be provided. Questions that are split into parts (this one is split into ‘wo parts worth four marks each) are often easier to pick up marks on, because the signposts NEBOSH use are so1much easier to see. In the first part the question asks you to "identify’ and is worth four marks, so you should provide four targets. The second part is a description of the purpose of the organisation and arrangements sections of the policy, which are worth tue marks each, The whole question should take around eight minutes, which isa mark per minute! Now highlight the key words, In this ease they might look like this: (a) Identify a range of health and safety targets that may be included in the ‘statement Of Intent’ Section of 8 iy tag a ahealth and safety policy @ (b) Describe the purpose of (D_the “organisation section of a health and safety policy: 2 (i) the “arrangements” Section of a health and safety policy. 2 Read the question again to make sure you understand it and have a clear understanding of health anel safety policy and safety targets (Reread your notes i you need to.) “The next stage is to develop a plan - there are various ways to do this. Remind yourself, first ofall, that you need to be thinking about ‘the health and safety targets that could be included in the policy statement’ for the first part; and ‘the purpose of the organisation and arrangements sections! for the second part. The answer plan will take the form of bullet-pointed lst that you need to develop into a full answer, Your answer must be based on the key words you have highlighted. So, n this case we need to identify the ‘targets that may be included in a statement of intent, then describe the purpose of the organisation and arrangements sections of the policy.Now have a go at the question. Draw up an answer plan, and then use it asthe basis to write out an answer as you would in the exam, Key hints: although we know part (a) is worth four marks, if you give a couple of additional targets it may maximise your chance of gaining all four marks (though you won't get more than four marks!) For each subsection of part (b), you will get two marks for the description - it therefore needs to be detailed enough to show that you understand, for example, the purpose of the arrangements section, however you don’t need to write an essay! A few sentences should suffice. Remember, you can always contact your tutor iF you have any queries or need any further guidance con how te answer this question. ‘When you have finished, compare your plan and fll answer with those that follow. Suggested Answer Plan Targets (and Objectives) Organisation (Purpose) ‘Arrangements (Purpose) Meet legal requirements, |» The responsibilities for implementing [* The arrangements for + Safe workplace/ equipment/ | PA" implementing policy systems + Identifies operational duies for Arrangements in place to «+ Proviion of traningand health and safety manage health and safety information Identifies chain of command. + Specific arrangements for key Risk assessment ‘+ ldensifies roles and responsibilities, |S ‘Adequate resources. Covers all levels of the organisation, Communication and diectorte shepificer consultation with workforce. Reduced accidents and ill. health, Canrying out active monitoring Includes specialist roles, eg. fist aiders and safety advisors. Possible Answer by Exam Candidate @ (e) ‘An employer may identify a range of targets inthe statement of intent. These could include the exganrsation’s compliance wrth the lau; the provsion of a safe working environment with safe equjpment and procedures. The targets could also include the development of rs assessmenés for business actities, and the provision of information and taining to ernployees as a resutt ofthe risk assessments. ft ‘8 aso common to include targets to reduce the accident rate in the exganisation, which may ako include 2 target to carry out active monitoring to reduce workplace hazards, (The purpose of the organisation section ofthe policy sto establish the roles and responsibilities ‘or health and safety at all levels within the business, from director down to shop- floor and office employees. The organisation section wil also include speciahst safety roles, such as fre wardens, fist-aiders and safety advisors. The ongantsation section identifies who going to deliver the bjectves in the health and safety policy. The purpose of the arrangements section of the polly isto establish how the safety policy isto be achieved This is done by producing procedures which detail how hazards in the organisation are to be identified through rsk assessment and controlled eg. fre first-aid, spl response, eteQuestion ‘Outline the main heath ad safety responsibities of @) employers; @ ©) workers @ Approaching the Question ‘Think now about the steps you would take to answer the question’ 1 The first step isto read the question carefully. Note that this question asks you to outline health and safety responsibilities. We haven't tackled an "outline" question yet, and it isa very comrnon NEBOSH question type. ‘An outline is defined as “give the key features of”. You need to give a brief description of something or a brief explanation of reasons why. This i less depth than ‘explain’ or ‘describe’ but mare depth than alist. A great amount of depth and details not required So in this question you are required to identify the rain health and safety responsibilities of ernployers andl workers. A common mistake under exam pressure is misreading the question ~ rake sure that “employers” and “employees” don't get confused! 2. Next, consider the marks available. In tis question there are eight marks so itis expected that around eight or nine different pieces of information should be provided. Questions that are spi into part (this one is spit into ‘two parts worth four marks each) are often easier to pick up marks on, because the signposts NEBOSH use are so much easier to see. You will be expected to provide four pieces of information for each part of the question; the whole question should take around eight minutes. As we have said previously, if you want to provide a ‘few additional pieces of information and you have the time to do so itis fine ~ this might help you to achieve ‘maximum marks, However if a question specifically asks for four facts, then you must only give four as any others won't be marked. Here it's OK as it's only implied from the mark scheme: 4 Now highlight the key words. In this case they mightlook lice this ‘thine the main health a safety esponsiblities of (a) employes “ 4b) Workers «) 4. Read the question again to make sure you understand it and havea clea understanding of the responsibilies cof employers and employees/workers. (Reread your notes ifyou need to. You wil find that some of the information isin Element 1 as foundation material.) 5. The next stage is to develop a plan ~ there are various ways o da this. Remind yourself, ist of all chat you need to be thinking about ‘employers’ health and safety responsibilities’ for the first part; and workers! responsibilities’ for the second part. The answer plan will take the form of a bullet-pointed list that you need to develop into a full answer based on the key words that you have highlighted. Now have a go at the question. Draw up an answer plan, and then use it as the basis to write out an answer as you would in the exam. Remember, you can always contact your tutor if you have any queries or need any further guidance: fon how to answer this question, ‘When you have finished, compare your plan and full answer with those that follow.Suggested Answer Plan Employers’ Responsibilities Workers’ Responsi * Provide safe workplace, ‘+ Take reasonable care of own safety and that of others + Provide equipment whichis safe and without risks to Hers. + Comply with safety instructions and procedures. + Cany out risk assessments ‘+ Use safety equipment properly and don't tamper with + Provide safe systems of work + Provide instruction and taining + Provide supervision + Provide adequate welfare facies inchading first-aid arrangements ‘+ Implement a health and safety policy + Communicate and consult with employees. + Provide PPE free of charge. + Co-operate with other emplayers sharing the same workplace. who could be affected. it ‘+ Report hazardous situations i they can't correct. themselves). * Report any work-related accident or il health * Follow site rules, Possible Answer by Exam Candidate (2) Ao employer responsible for the following: (6) A workers responsible for the following: Provision of a safe place of work with safe means of access and egress, for example safe traffic and pedestrian routes Provision of equipment which is sate and without risk to heatth and safety for example machinery which 'scomectly guarded. Carrying out risk assessments and using these to develop safe systems of work with appropriate controls Ensuring adequate supervision to ensure thet worker behaviour is monitored and controlled and support provided Providing information. instruction and training to ensure that employees are informed of the hazards associated with the jobs that they do, together with the procedures in order to cary out the job safely Tking reasonabte care fr their own health an safety and that of other people who could be affected, such as colleagues, contractors and vistors Co-operating with their employer by following al safety instructions, site rues and procedures and Following their healeh and sateeytratning Ensuring that safety eguipment isnot misused and is used correctly Reporting any hazardous situations that they encounter at work and making effort to address hazards themselves. Reporting any injuries or illnesses which occur while at workQuestion (2) Give the meaning of the term ‘perception’ @ (b) Outline says in which workers! perceptions of hazards in the warkplace mighthe improved. (6) Approaching the Question ‘Think now about the steps you would take to answer the question: 1. The first step isto read the question carefully. This time you have been asked to "give" the meaning in part (a) NEBOSH deine this as “provide without explanation” Part (b) is another “outline”, so more details required here, and perhaps an example or two to illustrate your points 2. Next, consider the marks available. As ahvays for this type of question there are eight marks available, split here as two for part (a) and six for part (b). So for part (b) you are probably lacking to provide six pieces of information, expressed asan outline. 3. Now highlight the key words, In this case they might look lke this: (2) Give the iieaning of the term ‘perception’ 2 (b) Otitine ways in which Werke pereeptions of hazaid in the workplace might be improved 6) 4, Read the question again to make sure you understand itand have a clear understanding of hazard perception, (Reread your notes if you have to). 5. The next stage isto develop a plan ~ you are now familiar with how to do this. The answer plan will take the forrn of a bullet-pointed lst that you need to develop into. full answer based on the key words that you have highlighted. Now have a go at the question. Draw up an answer plan, and then use it asthe basis to write out an answer as you would in the exam, Key hint: when you are defining “perception” you might not have ta think asa health and! safety practitioner ~ what definition swould the layman use? (Perception isn’t just a health and safety term.) Remember, you can always contact your tutor if you have any queries or need any further guidance fon how to answer this question. ‘When you have finished, compare your plan and full answer with those that follow.Suggested Answer Plan Perception (Meaning) Improving Hazard Perception +The way that people see the world + Make peaple mare aware of hazards through + The way that people interpret information that they | S@™P28ns ‘take in through their senses (including sight,smel, | * Tiain people in hazard awareness, heating, ete) + Make hazards more obvious. + Remove distractions such as noise. * Consider that people may have sensory problems such as sight or hearing impairment. Address issues which could affect senses ~ e.g hearing protection muffles sound and affects hearing, safety glasses can impact peripheral vision, Possible Answer by Exam Candidate (a) Perception can be defined as the way people interpret information which they take in through their senses 6g, hearing and sight. Different people wil perceive things in different ways (8) Toimprove hazard perception there are 2 number of approaches which can be used. Fisly the hacards need to be apparent to the workers. This can be achieved by making them easy to identily og, by using signs to warn of hot surfaces and painting trip hazards yellow. Hazards can also be made more obvious (0 workers through the use of raining and awareness raising sessions, eg. ta mtroduce the idea that Nole cen be hart to hearing. Hazarts may aso not be noticed asthe senses are overloaded with other inforrna- tion, eg, a noiy workplace may prevent a worker hearing an approaching vehice, sa background nose ‘tevels may be reduced to address this. Finally there may be issues affecting the way in which information is absorbed by dlitferent people those with hearing or sight impaiement may require additional steps to be taken to hightighe hazards eg. tac flooring near to crossing points, or vibrating pagers to warn of the fhe alarm, PPE can also impair the senses ~ the use of hearing protection reduces the ably ofthe wearer to hear a warning Reasons for Poor Marks Achieved by Candidates in Exam + Many candidates will have lost marks for not providing the outlines required. + Most candidates di’t think past training and awareness-rasing and so would have limited their marks,Question (2) Give the meaning of the term ‘risk’ AND give a workplace example, 3 i gi ph (b) Mentify the key stages ofa risk assessment 6) Approaching the Question Think now about the steps you would take to answer the question 1. The fist step isto read the question carefully, This time you have been asked to “give” the meaning in part (a) - NEBOSH define this as "provide without explanation”. Part (b) requires you to “identify” the stages of risk assessment — you will remember that this is, in NEBOSH, terms, “select and name”, 2, Next, consider the marks available. As always for this type of question there are eight marks available, split this ‘ime as three for part (a) and five for part (b). It's probable that you would gain two marks in part (a) for the meaning of riskand one mark fora suitable example. For part (b) you are prebably looking to provide five pieces of information, 3, Now highlight the key words. ln ths case they might look Ike this (8) Give the Meatng of the term ik! AND give a Workplac® evarmple °) (b) lentify the key sages of a Fk aes ©) 4, Read the question again to make sure you understand about risk and risk assessments. (Reread your notes f you. haveto.) 5, The next stage is to develop a plan ~ you are now familiar with how te de this. The answer plan will take the form of a bullet-pointed list that you need to develop into a full answer based on the key words that you have highlighted, Now have a go at the question. Draw up an answer plan, and then use itas the basis to write eut an answer as you would in the exam. key hint: in part (b) you are asked for the key stages of risk assessment, and the marks available suggest five pieces of information are needed! ~ this in itself i big clue! Remember, you can always contact your tutor if you have any queries or need any further guidance con how to answer this question. ‘When you have finished, compare your plan and fll answer with those that follow.Suggested Answer Plan [Risk (Meaning) Risk Assessment (Key Stages) ‘Combining the likeihood of harm ‘occurring and the potential severity of the har + Example: faulty electrical equipment. Identify the hazards Identify who could be harmed and how (including ‘workers, visitors, contractors, vulnerable groups), Evaluate risk and decide on precautions Record the significant findings and implement thern, Review and update as necessary, Possible Answer by Exam Candidate (@)_ Riskis determined by considering the bkelthood of harm occurring and the potential severity of ‘harm, darvage or loss. For exarnple, if working with faulty mains powered electrical equipment ‘there is high probability that an electric shack could be received and the potential result is death (0) The HSE have identified the following 5 steps to risk assessment 1 Adentily the hazards 2 Identify who could be harmed and how (including workers Visitors, contractors, vulnerable groups such as young persons, pregnant workers and the disabled), 3 Evaluate the risk (considering likelihood and severity of harm) and decide on precautions, 4 Record the significant findings and implement them. 5 Review and update as necessary. Reasons for Poor Marks Achieved by Candidates in Exam * Many candidates confused hazard and risk. & hazards something with the potential to cause harm, Electricity isahazard. The example above shows how the knowledge that a hazard ie present is used to assess the rk (what could happen and how likely itis to happen) * Candidates who were familiar with the HSE's 5 steps to risk assessment approach would have had no problems with part (b), though many candidates seemed nat to understand this approach.Question 1 2) Give the meaning af the tem hierarchy af control @ (0) Outline, wth examples, the general hierarchy that should be applied wth respect ‘to controlling health and safety risks in the workplace. © Question 2 (@) Give the mesning of the term ‘perrit-to-work. @ (0) Hdentify THREE types of work activity that may require a permit-to-work @) (©) Outline she general details that should be inclided ina permit-o-work ® (4) Identify the factors which may influence the effectiveness ofa permit-to-work system. ” Approaching Question 1 By now you should hopefully be getting quicker at these questions, so ty this one in 15 minutes. At this stage it doesn’t matter ifit takes you longer, but on the day you will need to do each eight-mark question in about eight minutes, Think now about the steps you would take to answer the question: 1. The first step isto vead the question carefully This time you have been asked to "give" a meaning, and “outline”, with examples, the general principles. We have encountered both of these styles of question already so you should be on familiar ground 2, Next, consider the marks available, Ths time the marks are split into two for part (a) and six for part (b). For part (b) you ate probably looking to produce six pieces af information, and remember to include examples! 3, Now highlight the key words. In this case they might look like this: (a) Give the meaning of the term ‘hieiarchy oF contrat” 2) (b) Outline, with examples, the general lerarchy thae should be applied with respect to €bvitfellig health and safety risks in the workplace. (6) 4, Read the question again to make sure you understand about the hierarchy of control. (Reread your notes if you have to.) 5. The nest stage isto develop a plan ~ you are now familiar with how to do this. The answer plan will take the form ofa bullet-pointed list that you need to develop into a full answer based on ‘the key words that you have highlighted. Now have a go at the question, Draw up an answer plan, and then use it as the basis to write out an answer as you would in the exam, Remember, you can always contact your tutor ifyou have any queries or need any further guidance (on how to answer this question, ‘When you have finished, compare your plan and full answer with those that follow.Suggested Answer to Question 1 Plan Hierarchy of Control (Meaning) Hierarchy of Control (Principles) * Prionitised lst of control measures, + Avoid risks /Elirninate, decreasing in effectiveness from top to = Substitute bottom + Reduce time/Limit exposure + Isolation/segregation + Engineering contrals (guarding, LEV, etc. + Safe systems of work. + Information, instruction and taining * Supervision and monitoring 2 PPE Possible Answer by Exam Candidate (2) The hierarchy of controls a priosed ls of control measures with those that are mes effective at recting 1k four atthe top, decreasing in effectiveness as you go down the fst (8) There are many variations on the hierarchy of contol but an example could be: ~ Avoid risks by eliminating the hacardos activity eg by abandoning a hazardous process = Substitute the hazardous for something less hazardous, eg. by using water-based paint rather than solvent based materials ~ Limiting exposure to 2 hazard by implementing job rotation, so that an inadhviduals not carrying out hazardous process afl day eg. liiting work in a noisy environment. ~ olate the person from the hazard, for example by placing screens or an enclosure arcuind an area to exclude people, eg. preventing access to.a warehouse where forklife tricks are present by using barrie. ~ Engineering controls can be used, suchas LEV to remove dusts and guards to prevent hands entering trap pomnts. = Safe systems of work such as permits-to-work and safe operating procedures should be developed = tafermation and training on the safe ysterns of work should be provided to those carrying out the tasks ~ Workers should be supervised to ensure that the procedures are being followed. ~ PPE, eg. safety glasses and gloves, should be provided as alas resort and in combination with the other controls above Reasons for Poor Marks Achieved by Candidates in Exam + Many candidates were unable to give the meaning of the hierarchy of contol + While mary were happier with the second part of the question, the hierarchy was aften in the wrong order and ‘examples were sometimes not given, losing marksApproaching Question 2 Inthe IGC1 exam the ist question ia longer 20-mark question, which sypialy broken down into smaller parts It may cover a number of elements, NEBOSH advise that you allow yourself half an hour for this question ~ here you can allow yourself litle longer to work through the proces, but be aware that on exam day you wil be under {greater time pressure This question may kook daunting, but it should be tackled no differently from any ofthe eight-mark questions that you have already completed, The same action words are used to indicate the level of depth that you are required to provide, ‘Think now about the steps you would take to answer the question’ 1. The first step is to read the question carefully. This question requires you to give, identify and outline ~ as akvays bbe careful that the correct level of depth is used! for each part, eg, many good candidates lose marks forgiving a list rather than an outline! 2. Next, consider the marks available. For part (b) you have been instructed only to provide three types of activity It would be sensible to assure that you need to give at least eight details that should be included in a permit-to ‘work in part (©), and identify seven factors in part (d) 3. Now highlight the key words, In this case they might look like this: 2) Give the ii of te term ‘PERRIER HOR @ (b) —WdentiY THRE types oF Wee tht may reir a permietesWK ® (©) Outine the general deta that shouldbe included in a permitto-work @ (8) denny the factors which may influence the effectiveness ofa permi-to-work stem, 0 4. Read the question again to make sure you understand about permit-to-work systems (Reread your notes ifyou have to.) 5. The next stage isto develop a plan — you are now familar with how to do this, ‘The answer plan will take the form of a bullet-pointed lst that you need to develop into a full answer based on the key words that you have highlighted. Now have a go at the question. Draw up an answer plan, and then use it as the basisto write out an anger as you would in the exam, Key hints: think of this as four separate questions if that helps. Remember that, unless you are asked to limi your response to three facts (as in part (b)), providing a few additional facts may increase your chance of gaining full marks, Remember too that you can always contact your tutor if you have ary queries or need any further guidance on how to answer this question, ‘When you have finished, compare your plan and full answer with those that fallowPlan Meaning of Permit-to- Work Details to be Included in Permit-to:Work Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Permit- to Work System © Control measure used for high-hazard activities. = Formal document which records hazards and controls. © Issued by an authorised person, Wark with lve electrical equipment. Work on hazardous chemical. Confined space work, Hot work, Work at height. ‘+ Description of work 9 be performed © Duration of permit, + Location of work activity. © Hazards associated swith work. + Control measures 10 be implemented including isolation, ‘monitoring, PPE. + Issuing signature + Acceptance signature + Date and time ofissue + Hand-back signature + Cancellation signature © Confirmation of removal af isolations. Understanding of the job and workplace, + Adherence to the procedure, + Failure to implement controls Breakdown of system (eg-failure to hand back and cancel), + People not valuing the process Lack of competence (issuer and acceptor). Process systern t00 complexPossible Answer by Exam Candidate @) A permitcto-work (PTW) is 2 formal document which records the hazards ofan activity and the control measures needed. PIWs are usec in high -hacard environments and are issued by an authorised person. (6) Work activities covered by a PTW include work in confined spaces, work with ve electrical systems and hot work, (©) General details to be mekeded in a PTW ince + Details of the activity to be carried out (in sufficient detail that it can be understood by al) + Quration of the permit date of start and fis). + Details of the location ofthe worksite to ensure thatthe activity doesn ¢ conflict with other gperations + Anassessment of the hazards of the activity including the potential presence of sources of energy, hazardous substances, moving parts, sharp or hot surfaces, ete + Detai’sof contro! measures ta be followed by the workers including: = kolations to be implemented (eg. electrical supply alsconnected: chemical lines physicaly disconnected, not turned offat valves). ~ PPE required {details ofthe specific PPE required, eg: buy! gauntlets). = Monitoring requirements, eg. gas checks for confined space werk ~ Emergency procedures | + Name and signature of the person issuing the permit + Name and signature ofthe persom accepting the permit + Dateand time offssua + Name and signature ofthe person handing back the permit, with the date and time of hand: back + Name and signature of the person cancelling the permit. with the date and time of cancellation + Confirmation thatthe ésotations have been removed and the area returned to service, (@ A permit-t0-work s only as good as the information provided, therefore itis esentia hat the person ‘swing the permit has a thorough knowledge of the process and the work to be carried out. The permit must be completed rigorous, with all sections completed The ixolations must be correctly Implemented, eg. electricity disconnected rather than switched off chemical tines disconnected rather than closed ata valve. Controls which are specified must Be implemented eg. PPE specified in the permit must be worn. The asue and acceptance sections must be completed to demonstrate that contro! of the area has been handed to the person carrying out the work Likewise the permit must be handed Sackand terminated, showing that the area is back under the control ofthe site. Finaly the bolations snust be removed before the process is returned to normal operation, as failure to remove isolations could result damage to equipment or danger to persons. if permit issuers aren't competent to iste a peri, the process wil be ineffective and wil break down. An overly complex PTW process stern may reduce the system's effectiveness Reasons for Poor Marks Achieved by Candidates in Exam Most candidates showed some understanding of a permit system, Part (d) caused the mast difficulty, with some candidates repeating what they had written for part (e) without explaining why a permit system may be ineffective.Question entity: (a) FOUR active (proactive); @ (©) FOUR reactive ‘means by which an organisation can monitor its health and safety performance, Approaching the Question {8 new you should hopefully be getting quicker at these questions, so try thisone in 15 minutes. AC this stage it doesn't matter if takes you longer but on the day you will ned to do each eight mark question in about sight minutes. Think now about the steps you would ake to answer the question 1. As always, read the question carefully. Ths should be a relatively quick question to answer as you just have to identify active and reactive monitoring techniques Next, consider the marks available. The question specifically asks for FOUR active and FOUR reactive techniques, therefore if you provide more than that only the first four will be rnarked. 3. Now highlight the key word n thi case they might look ke his aan () FOURAEINE (pacts); ” () FoURiicive ® means by which an organiston can BSE ERA SS SE, Read the question again to make sure you understand the difference between active and reactive montoring. (Reread your notes iF you have ta.) 5, The next stage is to develop a plan — you are now familiar with how to do this, The answer plan will take the form of a bullet-pointed lst that you need to develop into a full answer based on the key words that you have highlighted. Now have a go at the question. Draw up an answer plan, and then use it as the basis to write out an answer as you would in the exam Remember, you can always contact your tutar ifyou have any queries or need any further guidance ‘on how to answer this question, ‘When you have finished, compare your plan an full answer with those that follow 70 pare your plSuggested Answer Plan ‘Active (Proactive) Reactive + Safety tours + Accident reporting and accident data, + Safety inspections, + liLhealth /absence reporting data + Audits of management systems + Incident reporting including near misses. * Behavioural observations + Complaints + Industrial hygiene monitoring, eg. dust + Prosecutions and enforcement actions ‘monitoring, noise monitoring. Health surveillance. Cost of claims, Property damage reports, Possible Answer by Exam Candidate @ (b) Four active monitoring techniques could be: + Safety tours carried out by managers to monitor safety standards and identify hazards + Safety inspections carried out by a safety representative, + Monitoring of noise levels by a specialise + Observation of behaviours to check compliance to procedures, Four reactive monitoring techniques could be: + Colecting accident and incident data and reports and analysing trends Analysing absence and sickness data + Reviewing complaints from employees + Galeulating the cost of claims brought due to injuries and analysing trends Reasons for Poor Marks Achieved by Candidates in Exam, Some candidates could only provide accident data a a reactive measure when in realty there are lots!Question A workplace accident has occured and an investigation iso take place (a) Give the meaning of the term ‘immediate causes’ 2) (b) Give TWO examples of immediate causes that could have contr buted to a workplace accident 2 (0) Give the meaning ofthe term ‘underlying (rast) causes ®) (4) Give TWO examples of root causes that could have contributed to a workplace accident. @) Approaching the Question By now you should hopefully be getting quicker at these questions, so try this one in 15 minutes, At ths stage it doesn't matter ifit takes yau longer, but on the day you will need to do each eight-mark question in about eight minutes Think now aboout the steps you would take to answer the question: 1. As always, read the question carefully. Ths should be avelatvely straightforward question where you are required to give (provide without explanation) four short answers 2. Next, consider the marks available, Where you are asked for two examples, you rnust give two and no more, as any additional responses won't be marked, 3. Now highlight the key words. In this case they might look like this: ‘A workplace accident has occurred and an investigation isto take place, @ (b) Give TWO kaiiples of iimnediate/€aU65 thar could have contributed toa workplace accident, (2) te meaning of the term “inimiediate Cause (oo) (©) Give the meaning of che term ‘underlying (ot) ess’ Q (8) GIveTWO esarples of FS6t eased that could have contributed to a workplace accident ® 4, Read the question again to make sure you understand the difference between immediate and root causes of accidents. (Reread your notes if you have 10) 5, The next stage is to develop a plan ~ you are now familiar with howto do this ‘The answer plan will take the form of a bullet-pointed list that you need to develop into a full answer based on the key words that you have highlighted, Now have a go at the question, Draw up an answer plan, and then use its the basis to write cut an answer as you would in the exarn, Remember, you can always contact your tutor if you have any queries or need any further guidance ‘on how ta answer this question. ‘When you have finished, compare your plan and full answer with those that follow.Suggested Answer Plan Immediate Causes of Accidents Underlying (Root) Causes of Accidents >The unsafe acts or conditions which give rise to the accident. + eg ~ Water spilled on floor (results ina slip). Pallet protruding into a walkway (causes bruise to ankle) = Unguarded lathe (amputation) Factors which le behind the immediate causes, resulting in the unsafe condition or behaviour Ege Poor maintenance of roof, resulting in leaks and hence water on floor. LLadk of supervision results in walkways obstructed Inadequate inspections ~ failed to notice guard. removed from lathe. Lack of training ~ operator unaware of danger. Possible Answer by Exam Candidate (The term ‘immediate causes’ refers to the unsafe acts and unsafe conditions which directly cause an incident (b) Bamples of immediate causes include ot! or water spills which cause a person to ship, andan un. guarded machine which a person comes into contact with, causing injuty. (©) The term ‘underlying causes’ refers to the failures (eg. management system failures) which tie behind the immediate causes and result in the unsafe acts or conditions (a) Examples of root causes include a failure to maintain, which resulted in a spillage or leak, and the failure to train operators in the need to ensure guards are in place on the machine. Reasons for Poor Marks Achieved by Candidates in Exam Some candidates didn’t understand the terms “immediate” and "underlying causes” and asa result weren't able to provide good examples.