NEBOSH Mock Test

NEBOSH IG1 Mock Test Questions – Set 1

Part A: Short Answer Questions (2–5 Marks Each)

1. Define the term ‘hazard’.
2. List four types of enforcement notices that can be issued by an enforcing authority.
3. Explain what is meant by a ‘risk assessment’.
4. State three reasons why health and safety should be managed in a workplace.
5. Identify four responsibilities of workers under international health and safety standards.

Part B: Scenario-Based Questions (5–10 Marks Each)

Scenario:

You are a newly appointed safety officer in a small warehouse where manual handling and forklift operations are frequent. Recently, an employee suffered a back injury while lifting a heavy box.

6. Based on the scenario, identify three hazards and suggest suitable control measures for each.
7. What immediate and long-term actions would you take as the safety officer following this incident?
8. How would you ensure workers are trained in proper manual handling techniques?
9. Describe how you would monitor the effectiveness of the control measures you introduced.

Part C: Command Word Practice

10. Describe how active monitoring can be carried out in a workplace.
11. Explain why senior management commitment is crucial for effective health and safety.
12. Outline the steps involved in investigating a workplace incident.
13. Identify ways to encourage a positive health and safety culture.
14. Discuss the key components of a health and safety management system (such as HSG65 or ISO 45001).

Model Answers – Sample

1. Define the term ‘hazard’.

A hazard is defined as anything with the potential to cause harm. This can include physical objects (like machinery or sharp tools), substances (like chemicals or asbestos), conditions (like extreme temperatures or noise), or work methods (like working at height or manual handling). Hazards may also include human factors such as fatigue or lack of training.

2. List four types of enforcement notices that can be issued by an enforcing authority.

Enforcing authorities, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), may issue the following notices:

1. Improvement Notice – Issued when a legal requirement is not being met and must be corrected within a set time.
2. Prohibition Notice – Issued when an activity involves serious risk and must be stopped immediately until resolved.
3. Deferred Prohibition Notice – Activity may continue for a short time under specific conditions until the risk is removed.
4. Immediate Prohibition Notice – Requires work to stop immediately due to imminent risk to health or safety.

3. Explain what is meant by a ‘risk assessment’.

A risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify potential hazards in the workplace, evaluate the risks associated with those hazards, and determine suitable control measures to reduce those risks to an acceptable level. It involves:

• Identifying hazards
• Evaluating who may be harmed and how
• Assessing existing controls
• Deciding on additional controls
• Recording findings
• Reviewing regularly or after incidents

Risk assessments help employers fulfill their legal duty of care and promote a proactive safety culture.

4. State three reasons why health and safety should be managed in a workplace.

1. Moral Reason – Employers have an ethical duty to protect the health and well-being of employees and others affected by work.
2. Legal Reason – Compliance with occupational health and safety laws and regulations is a legal requirement.
3. Financial Reason – Managing health and safety effectively reduces the costs associated with accidents, such as medical expenses, lost productivity, and compensation claims.

5. Identify four responsibilities of workers under international health and safety standards.

According to standards like ILO Convention C155, workers are responsible for:

1. Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety.
2. Avoiding actions that could harm others.
3. Following safety procedures and using equipment correctly.
4. Reporting hazards, unsafe conditions, or incidents to supervisors.

These responsibilities support the overall goal of creating a safe working environment.

6. Identify three hazards from a warehouse scenario and suggest control measures.

7. What immediate and long-term actions would you take following a manual handling injury?

Immediate Actions:

• Provide first aid to the injured worker.
• Report the incident following company and legal procedures.
• Secure the area to prevent further injury.

Long-Term Actions:

• Conduct an incident investigation to determine root causes.
• Review and revise manual handling procedures.
• Implement additional training for staff.
• Introduce mechanical lifting aids if not already in use.

8. How would you ensure workers are trained in manual handling techniques?

• Conduct a manual handling risk assessment to identify needs.
• Arrange formal training sessions with demonstrations.
• Use visual aids and posters for reinforcement.
• Supervise workers during lifting tasks and provide on-the-job coaching.
• Evaluate effectiveness through observations and periodic refresher training.

9. Describe how you would monitor the effectiveness of control measures.

• Perform routine inspections to ensure controls are in place and working.
• Conduct audits comparing actual practices against procedures.
• Review incident/accident reports to spot trends.
• Seek feedback from employees through surveys or safety meetings.
• Use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as near-miss frequency or training completion rates.

10. Describe how active monitoring can be carried out in a workplace.

Active monitoring involves proactive measures to check whether health and safety standards are being met. Examples include:

• Routine inspections of workplace conditions and equipment.
• Observations of work practices to ensure compliance.
• Review of training records to confirm completion.
• Environmental sampling (e.g., air or noise levels).
• Use of checklists and forms to record findings and corrective actions.

This helps identify problems before accidents occur.

11. Explain why senior management commitment is crucial for health and safety.

Senior management commitment:

• Sets the tone and culture of the organization.
• Ensures adequate resources are allocated (staff, equipment, time).
• Demonstrates visible leadership, encouraging others to follow.
• Leads by example in following safety policies.
• Drives continuous improvement through performance reviews and policy updates.

Without top-level buy-in, safety systems often fail to deliver results.

12. Outline the steps involved in investigating a workplace incident.

1. Secure the scene – Prevent disturbance to gather evidence.
2. Gather evidence – Take photographs, collect equipment, review documents.
3. Interview witnesses – As soon as possible, in private and with empathy.
4. Analyze findings – Identify root causes using tools like the “5 Whys” or fishbone diagram.
5. Implement corrective actions – Address immediate and underlying issues.
6. Report results – Share with management and workforce.
7. Review procedures – Update risk assessments and training based on findings.

13. Identify ways to encourage a positive health and safety culture.

• Recognize and reward safe behavior.
• Ensure open communication between workers and management.
• Involve workers in risk assessments and safety meetings.
• Provide regular training and refresher courses.
• Ensure consistent enforcement of rules.
• Address safety issues promptly and transparently.

A positive culture leads to better cooperation, lower accident rates, and higher morale.

14. Discuss the key components of a health and safety management system (HSG65 or ISO 45001).

1. Policy – A written statement of the organization’s intent and commitment to safety.
2. Organizing – Roles, responsibilities, consultation, and communication structures.
3. Planning and Implementation – Setting objectives, conducting risk assessments, and establishing control measures.
4. Measuring Performance – Using audits, inspections, and KPIs.
5. Reviewing and Improving – Regular reviews and continuous improvement based on data and feedback.

These systems provide a structured approach to managing health and safety risks and promoting compliance.