NEBOSH IG1 Open Book Exam Questions and Answers
Preparing for the NEBOSH IG1 Open Book Exam can feel overwhelming — but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this article, you’ll find realistic sample questions and fully explained model answers based on the actual format of the NEBOSH IG1 OBE. This guide is specially written for those who want to pass with confidence.
Understanding the NEBOSH IG1 Exam Format
Open Book Exam Overview
The IG1 Open Book Exam is designed to test your understanding of health and safety management systems. It’s scenario-based, meaning you’ll be given a workplace situation and asked to answer a series of related tasks.
Exam Structure
- Scenario: A fictional workplace situation (e.g., factory, warehouse, construction site).
- Tasks: 10 questions related to the scenario.
- Word Count: ~3000 words total (average 300 words per task).
- Time: You get 24 hours to complete and submit your answers.
Key Tips Before Attempting the IG1 Open Book Exam
- Read the Scenario Carefully: Every task will relate back to this.
- Understand What’s Being Asked: Look for key terms like “identify”, “explain”, “evaluate”.
- Use Your Notes: It’s open book — refer to NEBOSH books, notes, and resources.
- Structure Your Answers: Use bullet points, headings, and keep it clear.
Sample Scenario (Summary)
You are a newly appointed health and safety officer at a metal fabrication company. The company has had several minor accidents, and senior management is concerned about compliance and performance.
Let’s explore how to answer the questions based on this kind of scenario.
Task 1 – Justify the Need for Managing Health and Safety
Sample Question
Based on the scenario, justify the moral, legal, and financial reasons for managing health and safety in your organization.
Sample Answer (Summary)
Moral Reasons:
- Protect workers from harm – recent accidents show a failure to do so.
- Ethical responsibility to provide a safe workplace.
Legal Reasons:
- Breach of legal duty – possible non-compliance with OSHA/ILO standards.
- Potential for fines or enforcement actions.
Financial Reasons:
- Costs of accidents: lost time, compensation, damaged reputation.
- Insurance premiums may rise if incidents continue.
Task 2 – Describe Roles and Responsibilities
Sample Question
Explain the responsibilities of the employer and employees in managing health and safety.
Sample Answer (Summary)
Employer Responsibilities:
- Provide a safe working environment.
- Conduct risk assessments.
- Train staff and provide PPE.
Employee Responsibilities:
- Follow safety procedures.
- Report hazards or unsafe acts.
- Use PPE correctly.
Task 3 – Promoting Positive Health and Safety Culture
Sample Question
Based on the scenario, describe indicators of a negative health and safety culture and how to improve it.
Sample Answer (Summary)
Negative Indicators:
- Accidents ignored or not reported.
- Lack of visible leadership on safety.
- No employee involvement.
Improvements:
- Regular safety meetings.
- Recognition programs for safe behavior.
- Stronger supervision and training.
Task 4 – Moral, Legal, Financial Arguments
(Refer to Task 1 above — it often overlaps.)
Task 5 – Enforcement Actions
Sample Question
What enforcement actions could the organization face if it continues its current safety practices?
Sample Answer (Summary)
- Improvement Notices.
- Prohibition Notices.
- Fines or prosecution for non-compliance.
- Civil claims by injured employees.
Task 6 – Risk Assessment Principles
Sample Question
Identify and explain the five steps to risk assessment.
Sample Answer (Summary)
- Identify hazards
- Determine who might be harmed and how
- Evaluate the risk and decide precautions
- Record findings
- Review and update regularly
Task 7 – Health and Safety Policy Content
Sample Question
What should be included in a health and safety policy?
Sample Answer (Summary)
- Statement of Intent – clear commitment from top management.
- Organization – who is responsible for what.
- Arrangements – how risks will be controlled, including training, inspections, emergency plans.
Task 8 – Roles Within the Organization
Sample Question
Describe the health and safety roles of directors, line managers, and workers.
Sample Answer (Summary)
- Directors: Set the tone, allocate resources.
- Line Managers: Day-to-day supervision, enforce rules.
- Workers: Comply with procedures, report hazards.
Task 9 – Measuring Performance
Sample Question
Differentiate between active and reactive monitoring and provide examples.
Sample Answer (Summary)
- Active Monitoring: Inspections, safety audits, training attendance.
- Reactive Monitoring: Accident reports, near-misses, sickness records.
Task 10 – Reviewing and Auditing Performance
Sample Question
Explain when and why to review health and safety performance.
Sample Answer (Summary)
- After accidents or near misses
- Annually or periodically
- When introducing new equipment/processes
- To ensure continuous improvement
Common Mistakes in IG1 Open Book Exam
- Copy-Pasting from the Internet: NEBOSH checks for plagiarism.
- Ignoring the Scenario: Each answer must relate to the given situation.
- Too Generic Answers: Use site-specific examples and details.
Final Tips to Ace the NEBOSH IG1 OBE
- Practice writing in your own words.
- Keep answers relevant, concise, and scenario-based.
- Reference NEBOSH books, but don’t copy them.
- Use headings, bullets, and examples.
- Stay calm — you’ve got 24 hours!
Conclusion
The NEBOSH IG1 Open Book Exam is a great opportunity for learners to showcase their understanding in a real-world context. With careful reading, structured answers, and scenario-based responses, you can ace the exam and move one step closer to your safety career goals. Good luck!
NEBOSH IGC Exam Oriented Questions and Answers
How To Submit Your NEBOSH Exam PROPERLY (NEBOSH IGC Exam)
Legal Frameworks and International Standards in Health and Safety
Moral, Legal and Financial Reasons for Managing Health and Safety
How to Pass the NEBOSH IGC in Your First Attempt: Study Plan + Resources
FAQs
1. What is the passing mark for NEBOSH IG1?
The pass mark is 45%. You must answer all 10 tasks and achieve at least 45% overall.
2. How many questions are there in NEBOSH IG1 Open Book Exam?
There are 10 mandatory tasks you must answer, all based on a workplace scenario.
3. Can I use the internet during the OBE?
Yes, you can use the internet, NEBOSH notes, and textbooks — but avoid copy-pasting.
4. How long do I have to submit the paper?
You will have 24 hours to download, complete, and submit your answer paper.
5. Will NEBOSH check for plagiarism?
Yes. NEBOSH uses plagiarism detection tools. Write answers in your own words.
