Task 1: Demonstrating management commitment (16 marks)

The Managing Director (MD) demonstrates poor management commitment to

health and safety in several ways:

Absence from daily operations – The MD spends most of their time in the office
on the telephone rather than actively engaging with workers, showing a lack of
visible leadership.

Failure to address worker concerns – When younger workers raised issues about
Worker A’s bullying behaviour, the MD dismissed them, telling them to return
when they were “less busy.” This discourages reporting of concerns.

Outdated documentation – The health and safety policy and risk assessment are
from 2018 and have not been reviewed or updated, showing neglect of legal and
best practice requirements.

Lack of communication and awareness – The MD did not ensure that the health
and safety policy was displayed or communicated to workers.

Ignoring accident reporting requirements – The MD claimed there had been no

accidents, which is unlikely, suggesting underreporting or deliberate
concealment.

Failure to invest in training – Belief that once trained, workers do not require
further training. No refresher training in three years despite staff turnover.

Failure to act on unsafe equipment – When the faulty ladder was identified, no
action was taken to remove it from service. The MD later replaced it in the
container instead of ensuring repair or disposal.

Pressure for productivity over safety – The MD pushed for quick completion of
owl aviary clearance despite limited resources, leading to unsafe lone working.

No adequate emergency arrangements – The first aid kit was not clearly located,
and staff did not appear to have first-aid training, delaying response to Worker
A’s accident.
Failure to supervise contractors/work – Workers were left unsupervised to carry
out hazardous tasks such as relocating nesting boxes at height.

Overall, the MD shows a reactive, dismissive attitude, prioritising cost savings

and productivity over safety.

Task 2: Improving communication at F&W (11 marks)

Effective communication could be improved at F&W through:

Regular safety meetings/toolbox talks – Workers should have scheduled

opportunities to raise concerns and receive updates.

Open-door policy with accountability – The MD must make themselves

approachable and responsive to safety issues.

Clear display of safety information – Health and safety policy, emergency

contacts, and reporting procedures should be posted visibly.

Formal reporting channels – Implement incident/near-miss reporting forms with

follow-up feedback.

Induction and refresher training – Ensure all new and existing staff understand
their responsibilities and hazards.

Worker consultation – Involve workers in risk assessments and decision-making

about tasks, e.g., safe relocation of nesting boxes.

Noticeboards and digital communication – Share safety updates and instructions

regularly.

Encouraging upward feedback – Actively listen to concerns from younger and

part-time workers without dismissiveness.

Assigning safety representatives – Appoint a competent person to act as liaison

between management and workers.
Language clarity – Ensure safety messages are simple and clear, suitable for
young and less experienced workers.

Accident/incident briefings – Share lessons learned from accidents to prevent

recurrence.

Task 3: Advising on audits and inspections (10 marks)

Audit

A systematic, independent, formal process.

Compares actual practices against documented policies, standards, and legal

requirements.

Evaluates the overall effectiveness of the health and safety management

system.

Typically less frequent (e.g., annually).

Conducted by internal or external competent persons.

Example: The HSC reviewing F&W’s policies and records.

Workplace Inspection

A routine, practical check of the workplace, equipment, and activities.

Identifies hazards and unsafe practices directly.

Usually conducted more frequently (weekly/daily).

Carried out by supervisors, managers, or safety reps.

Example: Checking the ladders, waste container area, or aviaries for hazards.

In short: Audits check the management system’s effectiveness; inspections

check day-to-day conditions.

Task 4: Benefits of a formal H&S management system (18 marks)

Implementing a formal health and safety management system (e.g., ISO 45001,
HSG65) would bring the following benefits to F&W:

Clear roles and responsibilities – Workers and management understand their

duties.

Regular policy review – Ensures the policy and risk assessments are current.

Structured training program – Systematic inductions, refreshers, and

competency records.

Improved risk management – Identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards (e.g.,

work at height, equipment use).

Better worker consultation – Formal structures encourage worker participation.

Proactive monitoring – Regular inspections prevent issues like faulty ladders

being overlooked.

Accident reporting and investigation – Ensures lessons are learned and repeated
incidents avoided.

Continuous improvement – Systematic audits and reviews drive performance.

Enhanced safety culture – Workers feel valued and supported, reducing turnover.
Emergency preparedness – First aid, evacuation, and accident response are
planned.

Resource allocation – Safety given financial priority, preventing shortcuts.

Visitor protection – Demonstrates responsibility to the public.

Compliance with law – Avoids enforcement action or penalties.

Improved reputation – Builds trust with Animal World and visitors.

Reduced absenteeism and ill health – Safer working conditions lower sickness.

Protection of young workers – Ensures age-appropriate training and supervision.

Asset protection – Proper maintenance prevents damage to equipment and

facilities.

Long-term cost savings – Prevents costly accidents and claims.

Task 5: Employer obligations under ILO R164 (10 marks)

Under ILO R164, employers must:

(a) Provide safe and healthy working conditions – F&W failed by allowing
defective ladders and inadequate supervision.

(b) Provide training – No recent training, belief that refresher training is

unnecessary.

(c) Provide necessary protective equipment – No mention of PPE for hazardous

tasks such as handling tools or working at height.
(d) Provide adequate supervision – Workers left alone on dangerous tasks
without competent oversight.

(e) Establish procedures for emergencies – First aid arrangements inadequate;

no clear procedures for accident response.

Conclusion: F&W has not met multiple obligations, exposing workers to

preventable risks.

Task 6: Organisational factors negatively influencing safety (14 marks)

Poor leadership commitment – MD prioritises cost and productivity.

Financial constraints – Lack of investment in training, equipment, and safety

improvements.

Outdated policies – Health and safety documents not maintained.

Weak safety culture – Attitude of “no accidents” despite clear evidence to the
contrary.

Ineffective communication – Workers’ concerns ignored.

Inadequate training system – No refreshers, no induction for new workers.

High staff turnover – Contributes to lack of experienced workforce.

Bullying behaviour tolerated – Worker A’s superiority unchecked.

Lack of monitoring – No inspections or proactive checks.

Inadequate supervision – Dangerous lone working allowed.

Poor emergency preparedness – Confusion over first aid arrangements.

No equipment maintenance – Ladders defective and not repaired/replaced.

Failure to involve workers in decisions – No consultation on clearing or relocating

nesting boxes.

Over-reliance on informal practices – Unsafe disposal of equipment in waste

container.

Task 7: Reactive monitoring measures (10 marks)

F&W could use the following reactive monitoring (lagging) measures:

Accident/incident records.

Near-miss reports.

Dangerous occurrences reports (e.g., ladder collapse).

Worker absence/sickness records linked to work.

First aid treatment records.

Compensation/insurance claims.

Enforcement actions (notices, prosecutions).

Complaints from workers or visitors.

Property/equipment damage reports.

Visitor safety incident logs (slips, trips, etc.).

Task 8: Induction content for new workers (11 marks)

Induction training should prioritise:

Introduction to F&W – Organisation, values, and commitment to health and

safety.

Roles and responsibilities – Legal duties of employer and employees.

Health and safety policy and procedures – Including reporting of hazards and
accidents.

Emergency arrangements – Fire evacuation, first aid, contact persons.

Accident/incident reporting – Process and importance.

Safe systems of work – Particularly for bird handling, cleaning, maintenance, and
working at height.

Use of equipment/tools – Ladders, drills, cleaning gear, etc.

Hazard awareness – Slips, trips, manual handling, zoonotic diseases from birds.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) – What is required and how to use it.

Young worker protections – Age-appropriate restrictions, need for supervision.

Visitor interaction – Safe conduct around the public.