NEBOSH IGC Exam Questions and Sample Answers
Unit IG1: Management of Health and Safety
1. Explain the meaning of “health,” “safety,” and “welfare” in a workplace context.
Answer:
- Health: The absence of illness or disease caused by work activities.
- Safety: Protection from hazards that may cause injury or accidents.
- Welfare: Provision of basic needs like clean drinking water, rest areas, and sanitation facilities.
2. What are the three main reasons for managing health and safety in the workplace?
Answer:
- Moral – The responsibility to protect workers from harm.
- Legal – Compliance with laws and regulations.
- Financial – Reducing costs related to accidents and poor safety management.
3. Describe the key duties of employers under the ILO Convention 155.
Answer:
Employers must:
- Ensure workplace safety and health.
- Provide training and supervision.
- Consult with workers on health and safety matters.
- Maintain a safe working environment.
4. What are the main responsibilities of workers regarding health and safety?
Answer:
Workers should:
- Follow safety procedures.
- Report hazards and unsafe conditions.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Cooperate with employers to improve workplace safety.
5. Outline the purpose of a health and safety policy.
Answer:
A health and safety policy provides a framework for managing workplace risks, setting out the employer’s commitment, responsibilities, and arrangements for ensuring a safe working environment.
6. What are the three main sections of a health and safety policy?
Answer:
- Statement of intent – Employer’s commitment to safety.
- Organizational responsibilities – Who is responsible for what.
- Arrangements – Procedures and measures for implementation.
7. Explain the term “hazard” and “risk.”
Answer:
- Hazard: Anything with the potential to cause harm (e.g., chemicals, electricity).
- Risk: The likelihood of harm occurring and its severity.
8. What is a “permit-to-work” system, and why is it used?
Answer:
A permit-to-work system is a formal, documented procedure to control high-risk activities (e.g., hot work, confined space entry). It ensures safety measures are in place before work starts.
9. Describe the “hierarchy of risk control.”
Answer:
- Elimination – Remove the hazard completely.
- Substitution – Replace with a less dangerous alternative.
- Engineering controls – Isolate people from hazards (e.g., barriers, ventilation).
- Administrative controls – Safety procedures and training.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Last line of defense.
10. What is the purpose of an accident investigation?
Answer:
To determine causes, prevent recurrence, and improve workplace safety by identifying corrective actions.
11. Define the term “near-miss” and explain its importance.
Answer:
A near-miss is an event that could have resulted in injury or damage but did not. Reporting near-misses helps identify hazards before they cause serious incidents.
12. What is an “emergency procedure,” and why is it important?
Answer:
An emergency procedure is a set of actions to follow during workplace emergencies (e.g., fire, chemical spill). It ensures a quick, organized response to minimize harm.
13. Outline the benefits of worker consultation in health and safety.
Answer:
- Improves compliance and safety culture.
- Encourages worker participation.
- Identifies hazards more effectively.
- Reduces resistance to change.
14. Explain the purpose of active and reactive monitoring.
Answer:
- Active monitoring: Identifies risks before accidents occur (e.g., inspections, audits).
- Reactive monitoring: Investigates incidents after they happen (e.g., accident reports).
15. What are leading and lagging indicators in health and safety?
Answer:
- Leading indicators: Proactive measures (e.g., safety training, inspections).
- Lagging indicators: Reactive measures (e.g., accident statistics).
16. What is a safety culture, and why is it important?
Answer:
A safety culture is the shared values and behaviors towards health and safety in an organization. A positive safety culture reduces accidents and improves compliance.
17. Explain the role of risk assessments in health and safety management.
Answer:
Risk assessments help identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards, ensuring safety measures are implemented effectively.
18. Why is health surveillance important in the workplace?
Answer:
Health surveillance detects early signs of work-related illnesses, ensuring preventive actions are taken.
19. What factors influence risk perception in workers?
Answer:
- Experience and knowledge.
- Attitudes towards safety.
- Workplace environment and peer influence.
- Communication and training.
20. Why is training important for workplace safety?
Answer:
Training ensures workers understand hazards, controls, and safety procedures, reducing accidents and improving compliance.
Unit IG2: Risk Assessment
1. What are the five steps of a risk assessment?
Answer:
- Identify hazards.
- Assess risks.
- Control risks.
- Record findings.
- Review and update.
2. What are common workplace hazards?
Answer:
- Physical (noise, vibration).
- Chemical (toxic substances).
- Biological (bacteria, viruses).
- Ergonomic (poor posture).
- Psychological (stress, bullying).
3. How should risk control measures be selected?
Answer:
Using the hierarchy of control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
4. What is the purpose of a workplace inspection?
Answer:
To identify hazards, ensure compliance, and improve safety.
5. Define a “competent person” in health and safety.
Answer:
Someone with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to assess and manage risks.
6. What is the purpose of a method statement?
Answer:
A method statement provides step-by-step safety instructions for high-risk tasks.
7. What are common causes of slips, trips, and falls?
Answer:
- Wet floors.
- Poor lighting.
- Uneven surfaces.
- Loose cables.
8. What is the purpose of PPE?
Answer:
To protect workers from hazards when other controls are insufficient.
9. What factors should be considered in a fire risk assessment?
Answer:
- Fire hazards (flammable materials).
- Fire detection systems.
- Evacuation routes.
- Emergency procedures.
10. What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?
Answer:
Injuries affecting muscles, joints, and tendons, often caused by poor ergonomics.
11. What is the purpose of a workplace ergonomics assessment?
Answer:
An ergonomics assessment identifies risks related to poor posture, repetitive movements, and workstation design to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
12. What are the key elements of a fire emergency plan?
Answer:
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Emergency escape routes and exits
- Firefighting equipment
- Emergency procedures and responsibilities
- Training and fire drills
13. Outline the main hazards associated with confined spaces.
Answer:
- Oxygen deficiency or enrichment
- Toxic gases or fumes
- Fire and explosion risks
- Engulfment or flooding
- Restricted access and movement
14. What are control measures for working at height?
Answer:
- Use guardrails and barriers
- Provide fall arrest systems (harnesses, lanyards)
- Use scaffolding or mobile work platforms
- Train workers in height safety procedures
15. What is manual handling, and how can risks be reduced?
Answer:
Manual handling involves lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads. Risks can be reduced by:
- Using mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists)
- Training workers in proper lifting techniques
- Reducing load weight and size
- Improving workplace layout to minimize manual handling
16. How can exposure to hazardous chemicals be controlled?
Answer:
- Substituting harmful substances with safer alternatives
- Using local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
- Providing appropriate PPE (gloves, respirators)
- Implementing safe storage and handling procedures
17. What are the main hazards of using hand tools?
Answer:
- Cuts and puncture wounds
- Strains from repetitive use
- Electrical shocks (for power tools)
- Flying particles or debris
18. What safety measures should be in place for electrical work?
Answer:
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
- Insulated tools and PPE
- Regular inspection of electrical equipment
- Proper grounding and circuit protection
19. What is the role of safety signs in the workplace?
Answer:
Safety signs provide visual warnings and instructions to prevent accidents. Examples include:
- Prohibition signs (e.g., “No Smoking”)
- Warning signs (e.g., “High Voltage”)
- Mandatory signs (e.g., “Wear Hard Hat”)
- Emergency signs (e.g., “Fire Exit”)
20. Why should risk assessments be reviewed and updated?
Answer:
Risk assessments should be reviewed when:
- New hazards are identified
- Work processes change
- Accidents or near-misses occur
- Regulations or industry standards are updated
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NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC)
