Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card Health, Safety and Welfare Law and Responsibilities Syllabus

What is a 'safe system of work'?

A formal, planned procedure resulting from a systematic examination of a task that identifies hazards and defines safe methods to eliminate or control the risks. Workers must follow it.

What legal right do workers have when they face serious and imminent danger?

The right to stop work and remove themselves from the danger without being penalised. Under the Management Regs, employers must enable workers to leave and not return until it is safe.

List the five steps of risk assessment as set out by the HSE.

1) Identify the hazards; 2) Decide who might be harmed and how; 3) Evaluate the risks and decide on control measures (precautions); 4) Record your significant findings and implement them; 5) Review the assessment and update it as necessary.

In a risk assessment, how is the level of risk commonly calculated?

Risk is rated as $\text{Risk} = \text{Likelihood} \times \text{Severity}$, where likelihood (how probable) and severity (how serious) are each given a numerical score (e.g. $1$ to $5$) and multiplied together.

In a 5x5 risk matrix, what is the maximum possible risk rating and how is it obtained?

The maximum is $25$, obtained from the highest likelihood score multiplied by the highest severity score: $5 \times 5 = 25$.

What does 'RAMS' stand for in construction safety?

Risk Assessment and Method Statement(s) - documents that identify the hazards/risks of a task and set out the step-by-step safe method for carrying it out.

What is a method statement?

A written, step-by-step description of how a particular high-risk task will be carried out safely, detailing the sequence of operations, control measures, equipment, PPE and responsibilities. It puts the risk assessment into practice.

List the levels of the hierarchy of control in the correct order (most to least effective).

1) Elimination; 2) Substitution; 3) Engineering controls (isolation/guarding); 4) Administrative controls (safe systems of work, training, signage); 5) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is always the last resort.

Why is PPE considered the last resort in the hierarchy of control?

Because it only protects the individual wearer (not others), relies on correct use/fit, can fail or be forgotten, and does nothing to remove the hazard itself. Higher controls protect more people more reliably.

Give an example of 'elimination' versus 'substitution' in the hierarchy of control.

Elimination: removing the hazard entirely, e.g. prefabricating at ground level to avoid working at height. Substitution: replacing with something less hazardous, e.g. using a water-based paint instead of a solvent-based one.

What is a 'permit to work' and when is it used?

A formal, documented authorisation system used to control high-risk activities. It states exactly what work may be done, by whom, when, and the precautions required - work cannot start until the permit is issued and signed.

Give three examples of work that typically requires a permit to work.

Hot work (welding/cutting/grinding), confined space entry, and work on or near live electrical systems. Others include excavation, work at height, and roof work.

What does the acronym RIDDOR stand for?

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.

Who is legally responsible for making a RIDDOR report, and to whom is it reported?

The 'responsible person' (usually the employer, self-employed person, or the person in control of the premises) must report to the HSE.

Under RIDDOR, how long must a worker be incapacitated for an 'over-seven-day injury' to be reportable, and what is the reporting deadline?

When a worker is incapacitated for more than 7 consecutive days (not counting the day of the accident). It must be reported within 15 days of the accident.

Under RIDDOR, within what timeframe must a death or 'specified injury' be reported?

Deaths and specified injuries (and dangerous occurrences) must be reported without delay - by the quickest means (e.g. phone for fatalities) and a report submitted within 10 days.

Give three examples of 'specified injuries' that are reportable under RIDDOR.

Fractures (other than to fingers, thumbs or toes), amputations, loss of sight, crush injuries to head/torso, serious burns, and any injury from working in an enclosed space leading to hypothermia or requiring resuscitation/24-hour hospital admission.

What is a 'dangerous occurrence' under RIDDOR?

A specified near-miss event with the potential to cause serious harm, e.g. collapse of scaffolding, failure of lifting equipment, or accidental release of a biological/chemical agent - reportable even though no one was injured.

What does RIDDOR require regarding the over-7-day injury versus an over-3-day injury record?

An over-7-day injury must be reported to the HSE. An over-3-day injury (worker incapacitated for more than 3 days) does not need reporting but must be recorded (e.g. in the accident book).

What first aid arrangements must an employer provide on site?

Adequately stocked first aid kit(s), an appointed person or qualified first aider(s), and information telling workers about the first aid arrangements (signs/notices). The level depends on the number of workers and the risks present.

What is the difference between an 'appointed person' and a 'first aider'?

An appointed person takes charge of first aid arrangements (e.g. calling the emergency services, looking after the kit) but is not trained to give first aid. A first aider holds a valid first aid qualification (e.g. FAW or EFAW) and can give treatment.

What information should a site emergency/evacuation procedure provide to workers?

The alarm signal, escape routes, location of fire-fighting equipment, the assembly point, how to raise the alarm, and the roll-call/accounting procedure - so everyone can leave quickly and safely and be accounted for.

What is an 'assembly point' and why is it important?

A predetermined safe location, away from the building/hazard, where everyone gathers after evacuating. It allows a roll call to confirm that all persons are accounted for and identify anyone still missing.

What is the purpose of an accident investigation?

To establish the root cause(s) of an accident (not to apportion blame), so that control measures can be improved and a similar accident prevented in the future.

What is the 'accident book' and what is recorded in it?

A formal record (e.g. BI 510) of injuries at work. It records the injured person's details, date/time and place of the accident, what happened, and the nature of the injury. It must comply with data protection (entries kept confidential).

How long must accident book records generally be retained?

Records must be kept for at least 3 years from the date of the entry (and RIDDOR records also for at least 3 years).

What is the typical order of priorities when responding to an accident on site?

1) Assess and make the area safe (protect yourself); 2) Help the casualty / call first aid or emergency services; 3) Raise the alarm and get help; 4) Report and record the incident; 5) Preserve the scene for investigation if serious.

What does ACOP stand for and what is its legal status?

Approved Code of Practice. It gives practical guidance on complying with the law; following it means you are likely doing enough to comply. It is not law itself, but if prosecuted, failing to follow an ACOP can be used as evidence of a breach unless you complied another way.

Why must risk assessments be reviewed regularly?

Because work conditions change - new equipment, substances, processes, personnel, or after an accident/near miss. A review ensures control measures remain valid and effective.

What is the relationship between a risk assessment and a method statement (within RAMS)?

The risk assessment identifies the hazards and evaluates the risks; the method statement then sets out, step by step, the safe working method that puts the risk assessment's control measures into practice for the specific task.

Who can be prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974?

Both organisations (employers, the self-employed, contractors) and individuals (employees, managers, directors). Individuals can be fined and/or imprisoned for breaches such as failing to take reasonable care or misusing safety equipment.