Health and Safety Legislation: Essential Knowledge for Engineering Professionals

Question 1

Which of the following is not a prevalent cause of workplace accidents?

Accepted Answer

Unforeseen natural disasters.

Answer

Defective equipment.

Answer

Inadequate training.

Answer

Unsatisfactory working conditions.

Question 2

State the primary purpose of a method statement:

Accepted Answer

Documenting the safe execution of a task.

Answer

Identifying potential hazards and risks associated with a task.

Answer

Evaluating the risks involved in a task.

Answer

Controlling the risks associated with a task.

Question 3

Distinguish between a hazard and a risk:

Accepted Answer

A hazard is a potential source of harm, while a risk is the likelihood of harm occurring.

Answer

A risk is a potential source of harm, while a hazard is the likelihood of harm occurring.

Answer

Hazards and risks are synonymous.

Answer

There is no distinction between a hazard and a risk.

Question 4

Identify equipment that is not considered personal protective equipment (PPE):

Accepted Answer

First aid kits.

Answer

Safety glasses.

Answer

Hard hats.

Answer

Gloves.

Question 5

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) require employers to:

Accepted Answer

Do all of the above

Answer

Assess risks and implement control measures

Answer

Provide training and information to employees

Answer

Appoint a competent person to advise on health and safety

Question 6

The primary purpose of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances

Answer

Provide information on the risks of hazardous substances

Answer

Set exposure limits for hazardous substances

Answer

Ensure the safe use and storage of hazardous substances

Question 7

Personal protective equipment (PPE) does NOT include:

Accepted Answer

First aid kits

Answer

Respiratory protection

Answer

Eye protection

Answer

Gloves

Question 8

A safety representative's primary role is to:

Accepted Answer

Represent employees on health and safety matters

Answer

Conduct risk assessments and inspections

Answer

Provide training on health and safety

Answer

Enforce health and safety regulations

Question 9

A hazard is:

Accepted Answer

A potential source of harm

Answer

The likelihood of harm occurring

Answer

A specific incident

Answer

Always present

Question 10

Which of the following is a main objective of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999?

Accepted Answer

To assess risks to health and safety in the workplace

Answer

To provide guidance on preventing accidents and ill health at work

Answer

To set out the duties of employees in relation to health and safety

Answer

To create a framework for health and safety training

Question 11

A hazard differs from a risk in that:

Accepted Answer

A hazard is a potential source of harm, while a risk is the likelihood and severity of that harm occurring

Answer

A risk is a potential source of harm, while a hazard is the likelihood and severity of that harm occurring

Answer

There is no difference between a hazard and a risk

Answer

Hazards and risks are interchangeable terms

Question 12

Which legislation forms the fundamental legal framework for health and safety in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Answer

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Answer

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Answer

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

Question 13

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, what is the primary obligation of employers?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of their employees

Answer

To provide employees with proper training and supervision

Answer

To conduct thorough risk assessments and implement necessary precautions

Answer

To involve employees in health and safety discussions and decision-making

Question 14

Which regulation outlines the specific requirements for health and safety risk assessments?

Accepted Answer

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Answer

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Answer

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

Answer

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Question 15

What is the primary purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS)?

Accepted Answer

To furnish users with critical information on the potential hazards and safe handling procedures associated with hazardous substances

Answer

To document workplace accidents and incidents

Answer

To identify the designated health and safety manager

Answer

To list emergency contact numbers

Question 16

Which of the following is not considered personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

First aid kit

Answer

Hard hat

Answer

Safety glasses

Answer

Gloves

Question 17

What is the primary role of a safety representative in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

To represent employees' concerns and interests regarding health and safety matters

Answer

To perform regular health and safety inspections

Answer

To provide health and safety training to employees

Answer

To enforce compliance with health and safety regulations

Question 18

In the context of a risk assessment, what is the initial step in the process?

Accepted Answer

Identifying potential hazards

Answer

Evaluating the risks associated with the hazards

Answer

Developing control measures to mitigate risks

Answer

Regularly monitoring and reviewing risk control measures

Question 19

Which Act forms the primary legal framework for health and safety in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Answer

Factories Act 1961

Answer

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Answer

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Question 20

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, who bears the primary responsibility for health and safety?

Accepted Answer

Employers

Answer

Employees

Answer

Suppliers

Answer

Contractors

Question 21

What is the fundamental purpose of conducting a risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and assessing potential hazards in the workplace

Answer

Creating a comprehensive plan for managing accidents

Answer

Determining the specific training needs of individual employees

Answer

Assigning clear health and safety responsibilities to employees

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a guiding principle enshrined in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999?

Accepted Answer

Imposing strict liability on employers

Answer

Adequately controlling risks

Answer

Continuously improving health and safety practices

Answer

Fostering active worker participation

Question 23

Which of the following health hazards is not typically encountered in engineering workplaces?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to contagious diseases

Answer

Excessive noise

Answer

Exposure to harmful dust or fumes

Answer

Ergonomic issues leading to musculoskeletal disorders

Question 24

Which of the following duties is NOT explicitly imposed on employers under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974?

Accepted Answer

Reporting incidents and dangerous occurrences to relevant authorities

Answer

Providing a safe working environment and necessary equipment

Answer

Ensuring employees receive adequate training and supervision

Answer

Consulting with employees on matters affecting their health and safety

Question 25

The concept of risk assessment was formally introduced into UK health and safety legislation through:

Accepted Answer

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Answer

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Answer

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Answer

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Disregarding or ignoring identified risks

Answer

Identifying potential hazards

Answer

Evaluating the risks associated with hazards

Answer

Controlling and mitigating the identified risks

Question 27

Which defence can employers use to demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent a health and safety offence?

Accepted Answer

Due diligence.

Answer

Force majeure.

Answer

Contributory negligence.

Answer

Statutory authority.

Question 28

Which element of a health and safety management system provides a framework for the organisation's health and safety policy?

Accepted Answer

Policy statement.

Answer

Risk assessments.

Answer

Training and instruction.

Answer

Monitoring and review.

Question 29

In the context of UK health and safety legislation, what is meant by 'legal duty'?

Accepted Answer

A legal requirement to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of oneself and others

Answer

A moral obligation to ensure the well-being of others

Answer

A specific set of rules and regulations that must be strictly followed

Answer

An obligation that applies only to employers and not employees

Question 30

Which Act of Parliament established the general duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees?

Accepted Answer

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Answer

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Answer

The Factories Act 1961

Question 31

Which regulation imposes a legal requirement on employers to conduct risk assessments?

Accepted Answer

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Answer

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Answer

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Question 32

What is the primary purpose of a hazardous substances risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

To identify and evaluate the risks associated with hazardous substances and develop measures to control those risks.

Answer

To identify the sources of hazardous substances in the workplace.

Question 33

What is the primary role of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)?

Accepted Answer

To enforce health and safety legislation and provide guidance to employers and employees.

Answer

To prosecute employers who breach health and safety law.

Answer

To investigate accidents and incidents.

Question 34

What is the main purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

To protect the wearer from hazards.

Answer

To comply with legal requirements.

Answer

To improve comfort and productivity.

Answer

To reduce the risk of accidents.

Question 35

What is the key difference between a hazard and a risk?

Accepted Answer

A hazard is a potential source of harm, while a risk is the likelihood of that harm occurring.

Answer

A hazard is a threat to health, while a risk is a threat to safety.

Answer

A hazard is something that can cause harm, while a risk is the severity of that harm.

Question 36

The purpose of a strong safety culture is to:

Accepted Answer

Foster a positive attitude towards health and safety in the workplace.

Answer

Eliminate all potential risks from the workplace.

Answer

Solely reduce the number of accidents and incidents.

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a general duty imposed on employers under the UK Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the safety of employees' personal belongings

Answer

To provide adequate training and instruction to employees on health and safety matters

Answer

To provide a safe place of work for employees

Answer

To maintain work equipment in a safe and functional condition

Question 38

Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), employers are required to report:

Accepted Answer

Major injuries, certain specified diseases, and specific dangerous occurrences

Answer

All work-related accidents, incidents, and near misses

Answer

Minor injuries and illnesses

Question 39

The primary aim of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations is to protect employees from:

Accepted Answer

Exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace

Answer

Ergonomic hazards (e.g., repetitive movements)

Answer

Biological hazards (e.g., bacteria, viruses)

Answer

Physical hazards (e.g., noise, vibration)

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a key principle of risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring risks that are deemed unlikely to occur

Answer

Developing control measures to eliminate or mitigate risks

Answer

Identifying potential hazards

Answer

Evaluating and prioritizing risks

Question 41

According to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations, employers are legally required to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the risk of manual handling tasks and implement appropriate control measures.

Answer

Prohibit employees from lifting or moving heavy objects manually

Answer

Purchase mechanical aids for all manual handling tasks

Answer

Provide employees with training on how to lift correctly