NEBOSH

MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

UNIT IG1:
For: NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

Open Book Examination

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Answer sheet IG1-0037-ENG-OBE-V1 April24 © NEBOSH 2024 page 1 of 13

Task 1: Determining uninsured costs incurred from the accident

Question 1
The uninsured costs from the Northtown Health Club accident, based on the
scenario, could include but are not limited to:

1. Lost productivity: The time the fitness instructor and any other employees
spent dealing with the aftermath of the accident, including the time the
machine was out of use.
2. Administrative costs: The time spent by the health club manager and
other staff in reporting and documenting the accident, and in
communicating with the insurance company and legal advisors.
3. Damage to reputation: Potential loss of membership or difficulty in
attracting new members due to negative publicity or word-of-mouth
stemming from the accident.
4. Increased insurance premiums: Future insurance premiums might
increase due to the claim history, which could be considered an indirect
uninsured cost.
5. Loss of employee morale: The impact on staff morale and motivation
following an accident, especially if they feel the workplace is unsafe, which
can affect productivity and staff retention.
6. Training costs: The need to provide additional health and safety training
to employees to prevent future accidents, which may not be covered by
insurance.
7. Recruitment costs: If the injured employee is unable to return to work,
there may be costs associated with recruiting and training a replacement.
8. Overtime costs: Additional costs incurred if other staff members have to
work overtime to cover the duties of the injured employee.
9. Legal and consultancy fees: Costs related to legal advice or hiring safety
consultants to review and improve health and safety procedures post-
accident.
10. Repair time: Although the insurance covers the cost of repairs and
replacements, the downtime when machines are out of service is an
uninsured cost impacting the club's service offering.
11. Investigation expenses: Expenses related to conducting an internal
investigation into the accident to prevent future occurrences.
12. Psychological support: Costs for providing counseling or psychological
support to employees or members who witnessed the accident or were
affected by it.
13. Improvements and upgrades: Expenditure on upgrading equipment or
making structural changes to improve safety that go beyond simple repairs
or replacements.
14. Compensation for missed services: Refunds or credits given to members
for the inconvenience or unavailability of facilities due to the accident.

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 15. Emergency response costs: Any immediate costs incurred in responding
to the accident, such as first aid supplies or emergency services, if not
covered by insurance.
16. Impact on employee turnover: If the accident leads to increased turnover
due to perceived safety issues, the costs associated with recruiting and
training new staff can be significant.
17. Regulatory fines: Potential fines or penalties from regulatory bodies if the
investigation reveals non-compliance with health and safety laws.
18. Lost opportunity costs: The potential revenue lost from having to close
facilities or cancel classes and sessions due to the accident or subsequent
investigations and repairs.

These points illustrate the breadth of uninsured costs that can accrue from an
accident beyond the direct expenses typically covered by insurance.

Task 2: Determining management failures contributing to the accident

Question 2
Based on the scenario provided, several management failures can be identified
that contributed to the exercise machine accident at the Northtown Health Club:

1. Lack of Regular Equipment Inspections: The scenario indicates there was

no regular inspection process for exercise equipment, relying instead on
ad-hoc repairs when machines broke down.
2. Inadequate Training: The fitness instructor attempted to fix the exercise
machine without proper maintenance training, suggesting a lack of clear
guidelines on who is qualified to perform repairs.
3. Poor Communication: The HCM was waiting for someone from head
office to investigate the accident, indicating a lack of clear communication
and responsibility channels within the organization.
4. Outdated Risk Assessments: The exercise machine risk assessments were
last completed when the original machines were installed, with no updates
despite the equipment aging.
5. Ineffective Accident Investigation: There were no records of accident
investigations, implying that previous incidents weren't thoroughly
investigated to prevent future occurrences.
6. Lack of Health and Safety Understanding: Workers had read the health
and safety policy but did not understand it, indicating a failure in effectively
communicating and training staff on these policies.
7. Neglected Equipment Upkeep: The presence of several out-of-service
machines suggests a broader issue with equipment maintenance and
replacement strategies.

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 8. Absence of Proactive Measures: The maintenance worker’s statement
about always fixing broken equipment rather than performing preventive
checks highlights a reactive rather than proactive approach to
maintenance.
9. Inconsistent Training Records: The disorganized and inconsistently kept
training records for new employees show a lack of standardization and
follow-through in training procedures.
10. Failure to Follow Up on Training: The HCM’s statement that they do their
best but everyone has a different approach indicates a lack of management
oversight and follow-up on training practices.
11. Outdated Emergency Procedures: The last recorded fire drill was
significantly outdated, suggesting a lack of regular reviews and updates to
emergency procedures.
12. Lack of Accountability: The management team rarely took action on
reported incidents, leading to a culture where issues could persist without
resolution.
13. Reliance on Unofficial Information Sources: Workers resorting to online
research for safety concerns indicates a gap in official support and
guidance from management.
14. Delayed Response from Management: The delayed response from head
office about the new swimming pool cleaning machine suggests slow or
ineffective management responses to operational needs.
15. Inadequate Health and Safety Prioritization: Overall, the management's
approach to health and safety seems to be outdated and not prioritized, as
evidenced by the outdated health and safety policy and the lack of action
on reported issues.

These points collectively paint a picture of management failures in terms of

maintenance, training, communication, and safety culture, all contributing to the
environment in which the accident occurred.

Task 3: Recognising accident investigation failings

Question 3

The delayed action in investigating the exercise machine accident, as indicated by

the scenario, could significantly affect the 'gathering information' stage of the
investigation in several ways:

1. Witness Recall: The longer the delay, the more likely witnesses' memories
of the accident will fade, leading to less accurate and reliable testimonies
about what occurred.
2. Physical Evidence Deterioration: Any physical evidence related to the
accident, such as the condition of the machine or the environment around

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 it, may have changed or been tampered with over time, making it harder to
analyze the original state.
3. Lack of Immediate Observations: Immediate observations post-accident,
which can be crucial in understanding the sequence of events, would not
have been systematically recorded, leading to gaps in the investigation.
4. Changes to the Scene: The gym environment and the setup of equipment
may have changed since the accident, making it difficult to reconstruct the
scene accurately.
5. Repair or Replacement of Equipment: Since the faulty machine was
replaced following the accident, investigators won't be able to examine the
original machine to determine the mechanical or structural issues that
contributed to the accident.
6. Inconsistencies in Documentation: Given the noted disorganization and
inconsistency in record-keeping, critical documentation related to the
machine's maintenance or previous issues might be incomplete or
inaccurate.
7. Employee Turnover: There's a chance that staff who were present during
the accident, including the injured fitness instructor, may no longer be
available for interviews due to turnover, absence, or reluctance to
participate.
8. Secondary Modifications: Any modifications or repairs made to similar
machines post-accident might obscure original design flaws or usage
patterns that contributed to the incident.
9. Erosion of Context: The specific conditions (e.g., gym busyness, staff
availability) that contributed to the decision-making process at the time of
the accident may not be fully appreciated or understood after a delay.
10. Compromised Chain of Custody: If any evidence was collected or any
records were made at the time of the accident, a delay could compromise
the chain of custody, making it difficult to verify the integrity of this
evidence.

This delayed action undermines the effectiveness of the accident investigation,

potentially leading to incomplete or inaccurate findings and, consequently,
ineffective recommendations for preventing future accidents.

Task 4: The approach taken to the audit

Question 4
The approach taken to the audit in the scenario showcased several positive aspects, which
include:

1. Thorough Preparation: The auditor, with their extensive experience and recent
chartership, contacted the HCM in advance to discuss the audit process, setting a
foundation for a comprehensive review.

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 2. Comprehensive Review: The auditor planned to visit each department and review
all relevant health and safety documents, ensuring a thorough examination of the
club's practices and policies.
3. Direct Engagement: By arriving on-site and being greeted by the HCM, the
auditor established a direct line of communication with the club's management,
facilitating open dialogue and collaboration.
4. Incident Focus: The auditor took an interest in understanding the specifics of the
recent serious accident, allowing for a targeted review of related safety protocols
and equipment.
5. Equipment Examination: Observing the current state of the gym equipment,
especially the machines marked 'Do not use', gave the auditor firsthand insight into
potential safety hazards and maintenance practices.
6. Document Review: Requesting and reviewing the health and safety
documentation, including old policies, risk assessments, and incident records,
provided a historical context to current practices and areas needing improvement.
7. Attention to Detail: By noticing the discrepancy in workplace inspection records
and actively seeking them out, despite being initially given maintenance records,
the auditor demonstrated attention to detail and persistence.
8. Worker Engagement: Interviewing workers from different sections separately
allowed for diverse perspectives on health and safety practices, ensuring that the
audit covered a broad range of experiences and concerns.
9. Policy and Training Evaluation: The auditor’s review of training records and
discussions about the health and safety policy helped to identify gaps in
understanding, implementation, and documentation.
10. Constructive Approach: The overall approach was constructive, aimed at
identifying areas for improvement without casting blame, which is conducive to
making positive changes based on the audit findings.

These aspects highlight an audit process that was not only thorough and methodically
planned but also inclusive and aimed at genuinely improving the health and safety
standards at the Northtown Health Club.

Task 5: Prioritising health and safety issues

Question 5

After receiving the audit report, the health and safety committee of Elite Health
Group should prioritize the following health and safety issues, drawing directly
from the audit findings:

1. Updating Health and Safety Policies: The 10-year-old health and safety
policy needs a comprehensive review and update to reflect current
standards and practices.
2. Regular Equipment Inspections: Implementing a systematic and regular
inspection schedule for all exercise equipment to prevent malfunctions and
ensure safety.

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 3. Training for Emergency Situations: Addressing the lack of recent fire
drills and ensuring that all staff are trained for various emergency
scenarios, including fire safety.
4. Accident Investigation Procedures: Developing clear procedures for
investigating accidents and incidents to ensure they are handled effectively
and learnings are applied.
5. Maintenance Record Keeping: Improving the system for recording
equipment maintenance and repairs to ensure a clear history of equipment
status and issues.
6. Risk Assessment Updates: Ensuring that risk assessments are regularly
reviewed and updated, especially when new equipment is introduced or
significant changes occur.
7. Clear Reporting Protocols: Establishing clear protocols for reporting
health and safety issues, incidents, and near-misses, ensuring that all staff
know how and when to report.
8. Staff Training and Induction: Standardizing the training and induction
process for all employees, including consistent documentation and
verification of training received.
9. Health and Safety Understanding: Enhancing the clarity and accessibility
of health and safety policies to ensure all staff understand and can apply
them effectively.
10. Equipment Replacement Plan: Creating a strategic plan for the timely
replacement of outdated or frequently malfunctioning equipment to
ensure safety and reliability.
11. Communication Improvement: Improving communication channels
between the health clubs and the management team to ensure timely
responses to safety concerns and requests.
12. Employee Involvement in Safety: Encouraging a culture where all
employees feel responsible for and capable of contributing to a safe
working environment.
13. Emergency Equipment Checks: Ensuring all emergency and safety
equipment, such as first aid kits and fire extinguishers, are regularly
checked and maintained.
14. Investment in Safety Features: Considering additional investments in
safety features for the gym, such as better flooring, signage, and
equipment safety locks.
15. Handling of 'Do Not Use' Equipment: Developing a protocol for dealing
with out-of-service equipment to prevent unauthorized use and ensure
timely repairs.
16. Legal Compliance and Updates: Reviewing current practices for
compliance with local and national health and safety regulations and
updating practices as needed.
17. Psychological Support Systems: Implementing support mechanisms for
employees and members who might be affected by accidents or near-
misses, promoting mental well-being.

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 18. Proactive Safety Culture: Fostering a proactive safety culture that
encourages regular feedback from staff and members on potential hazards
or improvements.
19. Safety Training for Specific Roles: Ensuring that employees in specific
roles, such as maintenance or fitness instruction, receive role-specific
health and safety training.
20. Long-term Safety Strategy: Developing a long-term strategy for health
and safety that includes regular audits, continuous improvement, and
investment in safety infrastructure.

Prioritizing these issues will address immediate safety concerns, improve the
organization's overall health and safety culture, and reduce the risk of future
incidents.

Task 6: Recognising change and its impacts

Question 6 (a)
Based on the scenario, several changes at Elite Health Group may necessitate the
implementation of change management controls:

1. Acquisition of New Health Clubs: The organization recently acquired two

new health clubs, which could introduce new operational challenges and
require integration into existing practices.
2. Introduction of a Health and Safety Committee: The formation of a new
committee represents a structural change in how health and safety are
managed organization-wide.
3. Increase in Health and Safety Budget: An increased budget indicates a
shift in priorities and potentially new health and safety initiatives.
4. Creation of a Health and Safety Officer Role: This new role could alter
reporting lines and responsibilities within the health clubs, requiring
adjustments in workflows and communication channels.
5. Technological Changes: The replacement of an exercise machine
following an accident, along with any other equipment updates,
necessitates changes in maintenance and operation procedures.
6. Policy and Procedure Updates: The need to review and update the
decade-old health and safety policy and related procedures will introduce
changes in daily operations and compliance requirements.
7. Training Regime Adjustments: Any modifications to the training and
induction processes for new and existing staff will affect how knowledge
and competencies are developed and assessed.
8. Accident Reporting and Investigation Processes: Implementing
systematic accident investigation and reporting processes will change how
incidents are managed and learned from.

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 9. Cultural Shifts: A push towards a more proactive safety culture, as implied
by the audit findings and the reaction of the staff, will require changes in
attitudes and behaviors across the organization.

Question 6 (b)
When planning for significant changes, the organization should consider the
following:

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Involving all stakeholders, including health club

managers, employees, and possibly members, to understand their concerns
and gain their support.
2. Communication Strategy: Developing a clear communication plan to
inform everyone about the changes, the reasons behind them, and the
expected benefits.
3. Training and Support: Providing adequate training and resources to staff
to help them adapt to new equipment, policies, or procedures.
4. Impact Assessment: Evaluating the potential impacts of the changes on
current operations, employee workload, and member services to mitigate
any negative effects.
5. Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for receiving feedback on
the changes from employees and members, allowing for continuous
improvement.
6. Timeline and Milestones: Setting a realistic timeline with clear milestones
for implementing the changes, allowing for monitoring progress and
making necessary adjustments.
7. Risk Management: Identifying potential risks associated with the changes
and developing strategies to manage these risks.
8. Cultural Readiness: Assessing the organizational culture's readiness for
change and implementing strategies to foster a positive attitude towards
the upcoming changes.

By considering these aspects, Elite Health Group can ensure that the
implementation of changes is smooth, effective, and aligned with the
organization's strategic objectives and health and safety priorities.

Task 7: Identifying the influence of job factors

Question 7
The behavior of the injured fitness instructor, as described in the scenario, could
have been negatively influenced by several job factors:

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 1. Lack of Clear Procedures: The absence of a clear procedure for handling
malfunctioning equipment likely led the instructor to attempt a fix, despite
the risks.
2. Inadequate Training: The instructor's decision to inspect and test the
faulty machine suggests they may not have been adequately trained in
equipment maintenance and safety protocols.
3. Pressure to Maintain Operations: With the gym less busy and the need to
keep equipment available for use, the instructor might have felt pressured
to quickly resolve the issue without escalating it.
4. Culture of Informal Repairs: The norm of fitness instructors fixing minor
faults without calling a maintenance engineer could have encouraged the
instructor to undertake repairs beyond their expertise.
5. Lack of Support: The scenario indicates a lack of immediate support or
guidance from management or maintenance staff, pushing the instructor
to act independently.
6. Underestimation of Risk: The instructor may not have fully understood
the risk associated with using heavier weights or the machine's condition,
indicating a gap in risk assessment training.
7. Inadequate Safety Equipment: The absence of mention of safety
equipment or protocols for testing equipment suggests the instructor may
not have had the necessary tools to safely inspect the machine.
8. Insufficient Communication Channels: The instructor's decision to
proceed without consulting further may reflect inadequate communication
channels for seeking advice or reporting issues.
9. Ambiguous Role Definitions: Unclear definitions of responsibilities might
have led the instructor to believe that inspecting and attempting to fix the
machine was part of their duties.
10. Organizational Pressure: An underlying pressure to avoid downtime or
complaints from members could have influenced the instructor's decision
to try and quickly resolve the issue.
11. Lack of Incident Reporting Procedures: The absence of a structured
incident reporting and investigation process might have made the
instructor less aware of the importance of documenting and not
intervening with faulty equipment.
12. Peer Practice: If other instructors commonly attempted repairs, this peer
practice could have influenced the instructor's decision to do the same,
underestimating the potential danger.
13. Lack of Accountability Mechanisms: Without clear accountability
mechanisms, the instructor might not have felt the urgency or
responsibility to escalate the issue to a higher level of expertise.

These factors collectively contributed to an environment where the fitness

instructor felt compelled to take actions that ultimately led to the accident,
highlighting the need for clearer procedures, better training, and stronger support
systems within the health club.

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Task 8: Administrative measures

Question 8
To help prevent a recurrence of the exercise machine accident, the organization
could implement the following administrative measures:

1. Clear Reporting Procedures: Establish formal procedures for reporting

faulty equipment, ensuring that all staff know how to report and escalate
safety concerns.
2. Defined Repair Protocols: Specify who is qualified to perform repairs on
gym equipment, distinguishing between tasks for fitness instructors and
maintenance personnel.
3. Regular Equipment Audits: Schedule regular and thorough inspections of
all gym equipment by qualified personnel to identify and address potential
safety issues.
4. Incident Investigation Process: Develop a standardized process for
investigating accidents and incidents, including documentation and follow-
up actions.
5. Risk Assessment Updates: Regularly update risk assessments for all
equipment and activities, incorporating new equipment and changes in
gym layout or offerings.
6. Training Programs: Implement comprehensive training programs for all
staff on health and safety protocols, emergency procedures, and specific
roles in equipment maintenance.
7. Equipment Maintenance Records: Maintain detailed records of all
maintenance, repairs, and inspections for each piece of equipment,
accessible to relevant staff.
8. Safety Signage: Place clear and visible safety instructions and warnings on
all gym equipment, highlighting proper use and whom to contact if issues
arise.
9. Communication Channels: Enhance internal communication channels to
ensure swift reporting and response to equipment issues and safety
concerns.
10. Staff Inductions: Include specific health and safety training in inductions
for new employees, focusing on the importance of safety protocols and
proper equipment use.
11. Member Reporting System: Encourage and facilitate gym members to
report any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns, ensuring these
reports are promptly addressed.
12. Emergency Response Training: Regularly train staff in emergency
response, including first aid, to ensure preparedness for any incidents.

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 13. Policy Accessibility: Ensure that all health and safety policies are easily
accessible to staff at all times and are regularly reviewed and understood.
14. Safety Culture Promotion: Foster a culture of safety where employees feel
responsible for and committed to maintaining a safe environment for
themselves and gym members.
15. Equipment Use Training: Provide specific training for both staff and
members on the correct use of gym equipment to prevent misuse that
could lead to accidents.
16. Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for staff to provide feedback
on health and safety issues and suggestions for improvements.
17. Role Clarification: Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities related to
equipment maintenance and health and safety in job descriptions and staff
handbooks.
18. Performance Reviews: Incorporate health and safety adherence into staff
performance reviews to emphasize its importance and encourage
compliance with safety protocols.

These administrative measures, grounded in the scenario's details, would help

establish a safer environment in the health clubs, addressing both immediate
concerns related to equipment safety and broader cultural aspects related to
health and safety awareness and practices.

Task 9: Health and safety morals

Question 9
The moral approach to managing health and safety at Northtown Health Club, as
depicted in the scenario, reveals several unacceptable aspects:

1. Reactive Rather Than Proactive: The club's approach to dealing with

health and safety issues, such as waiting for equipment to break before
fixing it, is reactive, compromising members' and employees' safety.
2. Neglect of Employee Training: The lack of comprehensive and updated
training for employees, especially regarding equipment maintenance and
emergency procedures, shows a disregard for their safety and
development.
3. Inadequate Risk Assessments: Failing to regularly update risk
assessments for equipment and activities demonstrates a lack of concern
for identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
4. Poor Communication and Reporting: The absence of clear and efficient
communication channels for reporting safety concerns reflects a lack of
commitment to addressing potential risks promptly.

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 5. Lack of Accountability: The management team's rare action on reported
incidents and accidents indicates a lack of accountability and responsibility
for maintaining a safe environment.
6. Insufficient Safety Culture: The overall safety culture at the club seems to
be lacking, with a casual attitude toward safety protocols and procedures.
7. Outdated Health and Safety Policy: Relying on a 10-year-old health and
safety policy without regular reviews or updates shows a disregard for
evolving safety standards and practices.
8. Ignoring Staff Concerns: The scenario suggests that staff concerns and
suggestions for safety improvements are often overlooked, devaluing their
input and expertise.
9. Deprioritization of Employee and Member Safety: The overall approach
suggests that operational efficiency and cost savings are prioritized over
the safety and well-being of employees and members.
10. Lack of Emergency Preparedness: The absence of recent fire drills and
unclear emergency procedures indicate a lack of preparedness for potential
emergencies, compromising everyone's safety.
11. Inadequate Investigation of Accidents: The failure to thoroughly
investigate accidents and learn from them to prevent future occurrences
shows a disregard for the well-being of employees and members.
12. Reliance on Ad-Hoc Solutions: Resorting to quick fixes for equipment
issues and relying on employees to research safety concerns online reflects
a lack of structured, formal approaches to health and safety management.

These points highlight a morally unacceptable approach to health and safety,

where the well-being of employees and club members is compromised by a lack
of proactive measures, insufficient training, and a general disregard for
established health and safety practices.

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