IG1 NEBOSH OPEN BOOK EXAM - MARCH 2023

QUESTION 1

Task 1: Obligations of employers to workers 1 What employer obligations are likely to have been contravened, leading to the temporary worker’s accident in this scenario? (12)

 Note: You only need to consider those obligations placed upon employers under Recommendation 10 of International Labour Organisation R164 - Occupational Safety and Health Recommendation,1981 (No. 164). 

Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant information from the scenario.

ANSWER:

The employer obligations that are likely to have been contravened, leading to the temporary worker's accident in this scenario are as follows:

 -Providing a safe and healthy working environment: The employer failed to ensure a safe working environment by not properly addressing the issue of printer jams and not providing clear instructions on how to handle such situations.

 -Providing necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision: The employer did not provide adequate training to the temporary worker on how to handle printer jams and did not supervise their actions, leading to the accident.

 -Conducting risk assessments and implementing control measures: The employer did not adequately assess the risks associated with printer jams and did not implement appropriate control measures to prevent accidents.

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QUESTION 2 

Task 2: Health and safety management roles and responsibilities 2 Comment on the ineffectiveness of roles and responsibilities in relation to health and safety management at RP. (8) 

Note: You should focus on roles & responsibilities and not the health and safety management system. 

Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant information from the scenario.

ANSWER:

Task 2:

The roles and responsibilities about health and safety management at RP were ineffective in several ways:

 -          Lack of clear accountability: It is unclear who is responsible for health and safety management in the organization. The previous health and safety adviser retired, and there is confusion about the location of risk assessments and the responsibility for fixing printer breakdowns.

 -          Inadequate communication: There was a lack of communication between the ESM and the MD regarding the accident and the need for investigation. The ESM did not take immediate action and followed the MD's instruction to investigate the accident the next day.

 -          Lack of proactive measures: The LSM and MD did not take immediate action to stop the printer involved in the accident and continue the investigation. The focus was more on meeting the tight deadline for the current order rather than prioritizing health and safety.

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QUESTION 3

Task 3: Induction training 

What health and safety information should be included in the induction session for temporary workers?

ANSWER:

Task 3:

The induction session for temporary workers should include the following health and safety information:

 

-          Overview of the organization's health and safety policies and procedures.

-          Specific hazards and risks associated with the tasks the temporary workers will be performing.

-          Safe work practices and procedures for each task, including how to handle equipment and machinery.

-          Emergency procedures, including who to contact in case of accidents or incidents.

-          Reporting procedures for any health and safety concerns or incidents.

-          Information on personal protective equipment (PPE) and its proper use.

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   Question 4:

        Task 4: Accident investigation and control measures 

           4 (a) Based on the scenario only, comment on how the accident investigation was (i) ineffectively managed by RP. (6) (ii) effectively managed by         RP. (9) 

          (b) What administrative control measures could the employer put in place to help avoid a repeat of this accident? 

      ANSWER : 

     (a) The accident investigation in this scenario was not conducted effectively. There was a lack of immediate action to preserve the accident scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses. The ESM did not take responsibility for the investigation and followed the MD's instruction to investigate the next day.

       (b) To help avoid a repeat of this accident, the employer could implement the following administrative control measures:

 

-          Develop clear procedures and guidelines for handling printer jams, including the requirement for authorized personnel and power isolation.

-          Provide proper training to all workers on how to handle printer jams and ensure they understand the importance of following procedures.

-          Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of the printers to minimize the risk of jams and other malfunctions.

-          Establish a system for reporting and addressing printer issues promptly to prevent delays in fixing jams or other problems.

-          Improve communication and coordination between managers, supervisors, and workers to ensure prompt action and investigation in case of accidents or incidents.

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QUESTION:  

Task 5: Risk assessment 5 Based on the scenario only, comment on the organization’s approach to assessing health and safety risks. (16) 

Note: You only need to focus on the general approach of the organization to assessing health and safety risks, and NOT a detailed 5-step approach

Task 5: Risk assessment 5 Based on the scenario only, comment on the organization’s approach to assessing health and safety risks. (16) Note: You only need to focus on the general approach of the organization to assessing health and safety risks, and NOT a detailed 5-step approach

- Lack of up-to-date risk assessments: The risk assessment for the printer involved in the accident was dated 2017, and it did not cover how printer breakdowns are fixed. This indicates a lack of regular review and update of risk assessments.

- Incomplete risk assessment coverage: The existing risk assessment for the printer focused on its general use but did not cover the specific risks associated with printer breakdowns and how to safely handle them.

- Failure to address emerging risks: The organization did not anticipate or assess the risks associated with the temporary workers' lack of

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QUESTION: 

Task 6: Human factors contributing to the accident with the printer 6 What individual human factors could have influenced the behavior of the young temporary worker injured while unjamming the printer? 

Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant information from the scenario

ANSWER:

The individual human factors that could have influenced the behavior of the young temporary worker injured while unjamming the printer include:

 1. Lack of experience and knowledge: The young temporary worker was new to the organization and may not have had sufficient experience or training to handle printer jams. This lack of experience could have led to their uncertainty about what to do and their decision to unjam the printer themselves.

 2. Lack of awareness of safety protocols: The temporary worker may not have been fully aware of the safety protocols in place, as indicated by their lifting of the interlocking guard without authorization and not following the signage that stated not to clear printer jams without proper authorization and isolation of power.

 3. Pressure to meet deadlines: The organization had a tight deadline for the current order, and there was pressure to keep the print run going. This pressure may have influenced the temporary worker's decision to take action and unjam the printer themselves instead of waiting for proper authorization or assistance.

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QUESTION:

Task 7: Financial arguments for the MD to improve health and safety 7 What financial arguments could you use to convince the MD that health and safety needs to be improved?

ANSWER:

To convince the MD that health and safety needs to be improved, the following financial arguments can be made:

 1. Cost of accidents and injuries: The organization has already experienced a significant accident resulting in injury to a temporary worker. This incident can lead to financial costs such as medical expenses, compensation claims, potential legal fees, and potential damage to the company's reputation. By improving health and safety, the organization can reduce the risk of accidents and associated costs.

 2. Lost productivity: Accidents and injuries can lead to lost productivity due to disruption in work, investigation processes, employee absence, and increased employee turnover. Improving health and safety measures can minimize the occurrence of accidents, leading to improved productivity and reduced costs associated with lost work time.

 3. Fines and legal penalties: The organization was found guilty of contravening health and safety recommendations and was fined €20,000, with additional costs of €8,547.60. By investing in health and safety improvements, the organization can avoid potential fines and legal penalties in the future.

 4. Improved employee morale and retention: A safe and healthy work environment is essential for employee satisfaction and engagement. By prioritizing health and safety, the organization can enhance employee morale, reduce turnover rates, and attract and retain skilled workers. This, in turn, can lead to cost savings associated with recruitment, training, and productivity.

 5. Positive impact on company reputation and customer perception: Demonstrating a commitment to health and safety can enhance the organization's reputation and improve customer perception. This can attract new customers, retain existing ones, and potentially lead to increased revenue and business opportunities.

 Overall, investing in health and safety not only ensures the well-being of workers but also has financial benefits by reducing costs associated with accidents, improving productivity, avoiding fines, and enhancing the organization's reputation.