Why Most NEBOSH Students Fail IG2 – And How You Can Pass Easily
The NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) is one of the most respected qualifications in the health and safety profession. While many students focus on the theoretical IG1 paper, the Unit IG2 – Risk Assessment is often misunderstood and underestimated.
As a result, many learners fail the practical unit, despite doing well in the written exam.
In this article, I’ll explain the common reasons why students fail the IG2 exam, and more importantly, I’ll show you how to avoid those mistakes and pass confidently — using my proven strategy and the risk assessment samples from my book.
What is IG2 and Why It Matters
IG2 is not a written exam — it’s a real-world practical task. You are required to:
- Visit a real (or realistic) workplace
- Identify at least 10 hazards
- Assess their risk level
- Propose suitable control measures
- Justify your actions
- Explain how the improvements will be communicated and monitored
This task demonstrates your ability to think and act like a real safety professional, which is why NEBOSH takes it seriously.
Why Most Students Fail NEBOSH IG2
Let’s look at the biggest mistakes that lead to low marks or failure in IG2:
Lack of Understanding of the Format
Many learners do not fully understand the required format of the NEBOSH risk assessment.
Instead of using clear tables, structured justifications, and timelines, they submit unorganized content or simply follow generic online templates.
NEBOSH expects a specific structure with:
- Hazard category
- Who might be harmed and how
- Control measures (existing and recommended)
- Timescale
- Responsible person
- Justification
Copy-Paste Submissions
A common mistake is copying risk assessments from the internet or friends. NEBOSH can easily detect duplicated or non-original work.
This results in automatic failure or the report being flagged for review.
Even worse, some copied content includes irrelevant or unsafe control measures, which leads to loss of marks.
Generic Control Measures
Writing vague controls like:
“Use PPE”
“Be careful”
“Follow safety rules”
…will not help you pass. NEBOSH expects detailed, realistic, and specific control measures that suit your actual workplace.
You must explain how the control will reduce the risk, who will implement it, and why it is necessary.
Not Including Justifications
One of the most overlooked parts is justification. NEBOSH wants you to justify why each recommended control is being implemented.
This shows you understand the importance of legal, moral, and financial reasons behind risk control.
Without justification, you lose valuable marks.
Poor Hazard Identification
Some students list very basic or repeated hazards such as:
“Slips and trips”
“Electricity”
“Noise”
…but do not explain the specifics of how these hazards appear in their workplace.
For example:
Instead of writing: “Working at height hazard”
Write: “Fall hazard while fixing lighting on a 3-meter scaffold without guardrails”
This shows you have observed the site properly.
How You Can Pass IG2 Easily (Step-by-Step)
Now let’s focus on how you can pass with confidence — even if it’s your first attempt.
Step 1: Understand the NEBOSH Format
My book contains 3 ready-made IG2 risk assessments based on real workplaces:
- Construction Site
- Oil & Gas Facility
- Manufacturing Plant
Each sample follows the correct format and helps you learn how to organize your own submission.
Step 2: Use a Real or Simulated Workplace
Don’t invent a fake workplace. Use your current workplace or a site you’re familiar with.
Can’t access a real site?
My book explains how to use simulated workplaces — even a friend’s workshop or a construction site photo can be acceptable, if described clearly.
Step 3: Identify a Variety of Hazards
NEBOSH wants 10 different hazards across categories such as:
- Mechanical
- Physical
- Biological
- Chemical
- Psychosocial
- Ergonomic
- Electrical
- Fire
My samples show exactly how to mix these hazard types and write them in a professional manner.
Step 4: Write Strong, Realistic Control Measures
Instead of writing:
“Use PPE”
Write:
“Provide and enforce the use of Class 3 high-visibility reflective vests for workers near vehicle movement zones. Conduct daily inspections to ensure compliance.”
The samples in my book include over 30+ detailed control measures that you can adapt for your workplace.
Step 5: Add Legal and Practical Justification
This is where most students fail.
My book shows you how to justify controls using:
- Local legal references (Factories Act, OSHA, etc.)
- International standards (ILO, ISO)
- Company policy
- Moral and financial reasoning
Step 6: Complete the Communication and Review Section
NEBOSH wants to know how your risk assessment will be:
- Shared with employees
- Monitored over time
- Updated when needed
My book includes a sample “Part 4: Review & Communication Table” to guide you in writing this section properly.
Step 7: Don’t Copy – Customize
You are welcome to use my sample as a structure and guide, but you must write your own content.
You can still borrow phrases and formatting — just make it specific to your workplace.
What You’ll Find in My Book
3 Full IG2 Risk Assessments
3 Solved IG1 Open Book Papers (Mar–May 2024)
Breakdown of All 11 Elements
Legal Justifications & Terminology
Guidance on Writing in NEBOSH Style
Free Bonus: Sample Pages + Templates
Where to Get It
Kindle / Paperback on Amazon:
Buy the Book Here
Website: https://www.hsestudyguide.com/download-the-nebosh-igc-book/
Final Thoughts
The IG2 assessment is your chance to demonstrate practical safety skills, not just theory.
By learning from others’ mistakes — and following a proven, structured approach — you can pass the exam with confidence.
With the guidance in my book and the ready-made samples, you’ll save time, avoid errors, and submit a professional-quality report.
How to Complete NEBOSH IG2 in 1 Week – With Help from My eBook
How to Use My Risk Assessment Samples in Your IG2 Exam
3 Mistakes NEBOSH Students Make – And How My Book Helps You Avoid Them
How to Prepare for NEBOSH IGC – Free Sample from My Book
Download the NEBOSH IGC Book – Complete Guide: Your Key to Passing the NEBOSH IGC Exam
