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Question 1Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Under the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011, who holds the primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of workers?

  1. The person conducting a business or undertaking Correct answer.
  2. The workers themselves
  3. The union delegate on site
  4. The supplier of safety equipment

Explanation

The WHS Act places the primary duty of care on the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). This duty covers workers and extends to other persons whose health and safety may be affected by the business. Individual workers and suppliers have their own separate duties but do not carry the primary duty.

Question 2Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

As far as is reasonably practicable, a PCBU must eliminate or minimise risks. What does this standard require?

  1. Following the cheapest control measure available
  2. Weighing the likelihood and severity of harm against the cost and difficulty of control Correct answer.
  3. Doing everything possible regardless of cost
  4. Eliminating all risk from the workplace

Explanation

The reasonably practicable standard involves balancing the likelihood and degree of harm against the cost and difficulty of reducing the risk. It does not demand every conceivable measure, nor does it allow cost alone to justify inaction. The greater the risk, the more a PCBU is expected to spend to control it.

Question 3Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What must a PCBU do first when managing a risk identified in the workplace?

  1. Provide personal protective equipment
  2. Train workers in safe procedures
  3. Place warning signs around the hazard
  4. Eliminate the risk so far as is reasonably practicable Correct answer.

Explanation

The hierarchy of control requires a PCBU to eliminate risks so far as is reasonably practicable before considering lower-order measures. Substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE follow in that order. PPE and signage are last-resort measures, not first steps.

Question 4Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A worker is injured at a construction site and the matter involves a serious risk to health and safety. Which regulator enforces the NSW WHS Act?

  1. WorkCover Queensland
  2. The Fair Work Commission
  3. SafeWork NSW Correct answer.
  4. Safe Work Australia

Explanation

SafeWork NSW is the regulator that administers and enforces the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 in New South Wales. Safe Work Australia develops model laws and guidance but does not enforce them. The Fair Work Commission deals with industrial relations, and WorkCover Queensland is another state's scheme.

Question 5Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which duty applies to a worker under the NSW WHS Act?

  1. To design safe plant and structures
  2. To ensure the business makes a profit
  3. To appoint a work health and safety officer
  4. To take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others Correct answer.

Explanation

Workers must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and ensure their acts or omissions do not adversely affect others. They must also comply with reasonable instructions and cooperate with policies. Designing plant and appointing officers are duties of other parties such as designers and the PCBU.

Question 6Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

An officer of a PCBU has a due diligence duty. Which activity best demonstrates that duty?

  1. Acquiring and keeping up-to-date knowledge of WHS matters Correct answer.
  2. Attending toolbox talks once a year
  3. Signing safety documents without reading them
  4. Delegating all safety decisions to the site supervisor

Explanation

Officers must exercise due diligence, which includes acquiring and keeping current knowledge of WHS matters and understanding the hazards of the operation. They must also ensure resources are available and verify that controls are in place. Simply delegating or rubber-stamping documents does not satisfy the duty.

Question 7Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What is the primary purpose of consultation with workers under the WHS Act?

  1. To allow workers to influence decisions that affect their health and safety Correct answer.
  2. To satisfy a paperwork requirement for insurers
  3. To shift legal liability onto workers
  4. To replace the need for a risk assessment

Explanation

Consultation gives workers a genuine opportunity to contribute to decisions that affect their health and safety. It draws on their practical knowledge and improves the quality of risk controls. It does not transfer liability, and it never removes the need for a proper risk assessment.

Question 8Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

When must a PCBU consult with workers about a change that may affect their health and safety?

  1. Only at the annual safety review
  2. Before the change is made, so far as is reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  3. Only after the change has been implemented
  4. Only if a worker complains

Explanation

Consultation must occur before decisions are made about changes that affect health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable. Consulting afterwards defeats the purpose of influencing the decision. Waiting for a complaint or an annual review is too late and not compliant.

Question 9Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A worker reasonably believes there is a serious risk to health or safety from an immediate hazard. What may the worker do under the WHS Act?

  1. Direct other workers to resign
  2. Disable the hazard without telling anyone
  3. Ignore the hazard until the end of the shift
  4. Cease work and notify the PCBU Correct answer.

Explanation

A worker may cease unsafe work if they have a reasonable concern of serious risk from an immediate or imminent hazard. They must notify the PCBU as soon as practicable. The PCBU then must try to resolve the issue, and the worker may remain available for alternative work.

Question 10Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which of the following is a category of workplace issue that may be resolved through the issue resolution process?

  1. A disagreement about a competitor's pricing
  2. A dispute about a customer's payment terms
  3. A dispute about an employee's annual leave entitlement
  4. A disagreement about how a hazard control is implemented Correct answer.

Explanation

The issue resolution process deals with WHS matters, such as disagreements about hazard controls or safety procedures. It is not designed for industrial entitlements like leave, nor for commercial matters. Only health and safety issues fall within its scope.

Question 11Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What is the main role of a health and safety representative (HSR) in NSW?

  1. To issue fines to the PCBU
  2. To manage the employer's safety budget
  3. To represent workers in their work group on health and safety matters Correct answer.
  4. To conduct the PCBU's risk assessments

Explanation

An HSR represents the workers of a work group in raising and resolving health and safety matters. They can request information, issue provisional improvement notices and direct work to cease in certain circumstances. They do not manage budgets, perform the PCBU's risk assessments or issue fines.

Question 12Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

An HSR may issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN) when they reasonably believe a person is contravening WHS legislation. What must the HSR do before issuing the PIN?

  1. Get a majority vote from all workers on site
  2. Obtain approval from the regulator
  3. Consult the person and give them a chance to remedy the issue Correct answer.
  4. Wait for a serious injury to occur

Explanation

Before issuing a PIN, the HSR must consult the person believed to be contravening the law and give them an opportunity to remedy the matter. The regulator does not pre-approve PINs, though it may review one on request. A serious injury is not a precondition for issuing a notice.

Question 13Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

How long does a person generally have to request a review of a provisional improvement notice by the regulator?

  1. 14 days Correct answer.
  2. 3 months
  3. 28 days
  4. 7 days

Explanation

A person to whom a PIN is issued may request the regulator to review the notice within 14 days. During the review period the requirement to comply is suspended. The regulator then confirms, varies or cancels the notice.

Question 14Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What is the threshold for an incident to be notifiable to the regulator?

  1. Any complaint from a worker
  2. A death, serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident Correct answer.
  3. Any first aid treatment
  4. Any near miss without injury

Explanation

The PCBU must notify the regulator of deaths, serious injuries or illnesses, and dangerous incidents arising from the business. Minor first aid cases and most near misses are recorded internally but not notified. Notification must occur immediately after the PCBU becomes aware of the incident.

Question 15Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A worker suffers a serious injury at work. Which action must the PCBU take regarding the incident site?

  1. Preserve the site so far as reasonably practicable until the regulator or inspector permits otherwise Correct answer.
  2. Allow only managers to enter the site
  3. Clean the site immediately to resume work
  4. Photograph the site and then destroy all evidence

Explanation

The PCBU must preserve the incident site so far as is reasonably practicable until an inspector arrives or directs otherwise. This protects evidence for investigation. Limited action to assist an injured person or make the site safe is permitted.

Question 16Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which of the following best describes the duty owed by a PCBU to other persons such as visitors and contractors?

  1. No duty is owed because they are not employees
  2. A duty limited to providing a sign-in register
  3. A duty to ensure their health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  4. A duty that arises only after an injury

Explanation

The primary duty extends beyond employees to other persons whose health and safety may be affected by the business. Visitors, contractors and members of the public must be protected so far as is reasonably practicable. The duty exists before any harm occurs and is not limited to administrative steps.

Question 17Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A PCBU engages two subcontractors who will work together on the same site. What duty applies to overlapping responsibilities?

  1. Only the head contractor holds any duty
  2. Each must consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with the others so far as is reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  3. Each has no duty once a contract is signed
  4. The client holds all duties on behalf of everyone

Explanation

Where more than one person has a duty for the same matter, each must consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with the others. This ensures overlapping duties are managed without gaps. Signing a contract does not extinguish a duty holder's obligations.

Question 18Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What does the WHS Act require regarding the provision of information, training and instruction to workers?

  1. It is optional if workers are experienced
  2. It is only required after an incident
  3. It must be provided so workers can perform work safely and without risk to health Correct answer.
  4. It may be replaced by a signed waiver

Explanation

A PCBU must provide information, training and instruction necessary for workers to perform their work safely. This duty applies regardless of experience and must be given before work begins. A signed waiver cannot displace the obligation to train.

Question 19Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A PCBU is deciding how to control a risk that cannot be eliminated. Which sequence reflects the correct order of the hierarchy of control?

  1. Administrative controls, PPE, substitution, engineering controls
  2. Engineering controls, PPE, substitution, administrative controls
  3. Substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE Correct answer.
  4. PPE, administrative controls, engineering controls, substitution

Explanation

After elimination, the hierarchy moves through substitution, then engineering controls, then administrative controls, with PPE as the last line of defence. Higher-order controls are more reliable because they do not depend on human behaviour. PPE should only be relied on when other measures cannot adequately control the risk.

Question 20Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which statement correctly describes a PCBU's duty regarding the design of plant to be used at a workplace?

  1. The PCBU's duty begins only when the plant breaks down
  2. The PCBU may rely solely on the manufacturer's reputation
  3. The PCBU has no duty if the plant is bought second-hand
  4. The PCBU must ensure the plant is designed to eliminate or minimise risks so far as reasonably practicable Correct answer.

Explanation

A PCBU that designs plant must ensure it is designed without risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes considering the plant's lifecycle and foreseeable use. Buying second-hand or relying on reputation does not remove the duty.

Question 21Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What is the role of Safe Work Australia in the national WHS framework?

  1. It hears appeals against PINs
  2. It issues white cards to construction workers
  3. It develops and maintains the model WHS laws and national policy Correct answer.
  4. It prosecutes NSW businesses for safety breaches

Explanation

Safe Work Australia is a national body that develops model WHS laws and policy guidance for adoption by jurisdictions. It does not prosecute businesses, issue white cards or hear appeals. Enforcement and review functions belong to state regulators and courts.

Question 22Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which of the following is an example of a PCBU duty relating to workplace facilities?

  1. Providing facilities only for management staff
  2. Allowing workers to arrange their own amenities
  3. Charging workers for drinking water
  4. Providing adequate toilets, drinking water and first aid so far as is reasonably practicable Correct answer.

Explanation

A PCBU must provide adequate facilities for the welfare of workers, including toilets, drinking water and first aid, so far as is reasonably practicable. These are basic welfare requirements that cannot be left to workers to arrange. Charging workers or restricting facilities to management would breach the duty.

Question 23Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A PCBU becomes aware that a notifiable incident has occurred. When must it notify the regulator?

  1. At the end of the financial year
  2. Within seven days
  3. Immediately after becoming aware Correct answer.
  4. Within 24 hours

Explanation

The PCBU must notify the regulator immediately after becoming aware of a notifiable incident. The notification can be made by telephone or in writing as the regulator requires. Delaying notification can hinder investigation and may itself be an offence.

Question 24Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which statement best explains why the WHS Act imposes duties on multiple parties rather than only on employers?

  1. To ensure everyone who can affect health and safety is accountable for their part Correct answer.
  2. To reduce the regulator's workload
  3. To spread blame evenly among everyone on site
  4. To make insurance claims simpler

Explanation

The Act imposes duties on those who can affect health and safety, such as designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and workers. This reflects that risks arise from many activities and each party should control the risks within its influence. The aim is accountability, not evenly spreading blame.

Question 25Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A worker is directed to perform a task that they believe is unsafe. Under the WHS Act, what must the PCBU ensure about the worker's response?

  1. The worker must pay for any delay caused
  2. The worker is not disadvantaged for raising a reasonable safety concern Correct answer.
  3. The worker must complete the task before raising any concern
  4. The worker can be dismissed immediately for refusing

Explanation

The WHS Act protects workers from discrimination or disadvantage for raising reasonable health and safety concerns or exercising their rights. A PCBU must not dismiss or penalise a worker for such action. Requiring completion before raising a concern defeats the protective purpose of the law.

Question 26Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which legislation is the primary work health and safety statute in New South Wales?

  1. The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth)
  2. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) Correct answer.
  3. The Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW)
  4. The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW)

Explanation

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) is the primary statute establishing duties, consultation, representation and enforcement in NSW. The Regulation sits under the Act and supplies detailed requirements rather than the core duty framework. The Commonwealth and workers compensation statutes address different schemes.

Question 27Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Under the WHS Act, who is a 'worker' for the purposes of the duties owed?

  1. Only persons who are paid wages by the PCBU
  2. Only persons performing work on the PCBU's premises
  3. Only persons employed under a contract of employment
  4. A person who carries out work in any capacity for a PCBU, including contractors, volunteers and apprentices Correct answer.

Explanation

The definition of worker is deliberately broad and covers employees, contractors and subcontractors, volunteers, apprentices, trainees, work experience students and others carrying out work in any capacity. The duty is not limited to employment relationships or to work performed on particular premises. Payment of wages is not the test.

Question 28Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which statement best describes the primary duty of care owed by a PCBU?

  1. To provide insurance cover for any injury that occurs at the workplace
  2. To ensure the health and safety of workers and others affected by the business or undertaking, so far as is reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  3. To eliminate all risks to workers regardless of cost or feasibility
  4. To comply with any direction given by the regulator about specific hazards

Explanation

The primary duty requires the PCBU to ensure health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable, which balances the likelihood and degree of harm against what is known and the resources available. It is not an absolute guarantee of a risk-free workplace. Insurance and regulator directions do not define the scope of the duty.

Question 29Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What does 'reasonably practicable' require a duty holder to weigh up?

  1. The views of the regulator alone
  2. Only the cost of any proposed control measure
  3. The length of time the business has been operating
  4. The likelihood and degree of harm, what the duty holder knows, and the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or minimise the risk Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act sets out matters to be weighed, including the likelihood of the hazard or risk eventuating, the degree of harm, what the duty holder knows or ought reasonably to know, and the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or minimise the risk. Cost and trouble may be considered but only in relation to whether a measure is grossly disproportionate. It is not a simple cost test.

Question 30Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A PCBU engages a labour hire worker who is directly supervised by the host business. Which statement reflects the duties involved?

  1. No duty is owed because the worker is not an employee of the host
  2. Only the host business owes a duty because it directs the work
  3. Both the labour hire provider and the host business may owe duties, and each must discharge their own duty Correct answer.
  4. Only the labour hire provider owes a duty because it employs the worker

Explanation

Duties under the WHS Act are non-transferable and can apply to more than one person at the same time. A labour hire provider and a host business each owe duties in relation to the worker to the extent they influence or control the work. Neither can contract out of its duty by relying on the other party.

Question 31Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What is the effect of a PCBU attempting to contract out of its work health and safety duties?

  1. The arrangement is effective only for contractors, not employees
  2. The arrangement is valid if the contractor holds relevant insurance
  3. Such a term is invalid and the duty remains with the PCBU Correct answer.
  4. The arrangement is effective if both parties agree in writing

Explanation

The Act provides that a duty cannot be transferred to another person and that any term of an arrangement purporting to transfer or exclude a duty is void. A PCBU cannot avoid its obligations by agreement, indemnity or insurance. The duty continues to apply to the person on whom it is imposed.

Question 32Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which duty applies to a self-employed person who works alone and does not engage any workers?

  1. The duty applies only when the person engages at least one employee
  2. The self-employed person must ensure their own health and safety, and that of others affected by their work, so far as reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  3. The duty applies only if the person works at a licensed premises
  4. No duty applies because there are no workers

Explanation

A self-employed person is a PCBU and owes duties in relation to their own health and safety and to other persons who may be affected by the conduct of the business. The absence of employees does not remove the duty. Members of the public, visitors and others affected by the work are still protected.

Question 33Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A PCBU supplies plant to another business knowing it will be used at that business's site. What duty does the supplier have?

  1. To ensure the plant is without risks to health and safety when used for its intended purpose, so far as reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  2. To take out insurance covering the purchaser's workers
  3. To guarantee that no injury occurs from any use of the plant
  4. To supervise how the plant is operated at the other business's site

Explanation

A person who supplies plant or substances has a duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that the item is without risks to health and safety when used for its intended purpose. This includes ensuring adequate information about its use is provided. The supplier does not take over the operator's supervisory obligations.

Question 34Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What must an officer of a PCBU do to exercise due diligence under the WHS Act?

  1. Attend every toolbox talk held on site
  2. Keep up to date with WHS matters and understand the hazards and risks of the operations Correct answer.
  3. Personally conduct all incident investigations
  4. Delegate all safety decisions to the health and safety manager

Explanation

Due diligence requires officers to acquire and keep up-to-date knowledge of WHS matters and to understand the nature of the operations and the hazards and risks associated with them. It also involves ensuring the PCBU has appropriate resources and processes and verifying that they are used. Simply delegating or attending meetings is not enough.

Question 35Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

An officer becomes aware that the PCBU's risk control processes exist on paper but are not being followed in practice. What does due diligence require?

  1. Taking reasonable steps to verify and ensure the processes are actually used and resourced Correct answer.
  2. Reporting the matter to the regulator as a notifiable incident
  3. Waiting until an injury occurs before intervening
  4. Nothing further, because documented processes satisfy the duty

Explanation

Due diligence includes taking reasonable steps to ensure the PCBU has and uses resources and processes to eliminate or minimise risks, and to verify the provision and use of those resources and processes. Documented processes that are not implemented do not satisfy the duty. An officer should act on the gap rather than wait for harm.

Question 36Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What is the role of the regulator in the NSW WHS framework?

  1. To provide legal advice to individual workers in disputes with employers
  2. To determine workers compensation entitlements
  3. To monitor and enforce compliance with WHS laws and provide guidance and education Correct answer.
  4. To set the national model WHS laws for all jurisdictions

Explanation

The regulator, SafeWork NSW, administers and enforces the WHS Act and Regulation, provides guidance and education, and may investigate incidents and take enforcement action. It does not act as a private legal adviser to workers. National model laws are developed through Safe Work Australia, and compensation is handled under separate schemes.

Question 37Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

An inspector attends a workplace and wants to speak with workers about safety concerns. What is the position under the WHS Act?

  1. Interviews must be recorded and approved by the PCBU before they occur
  2. Workers may be interviewed privately and the PCBU must not obstruct or hinder the inspector Correct answer.
  3. Workers may only be interviewed with the PCBU's written consent
  4. Inspectors may only interview managers and supervisors

Explanation

Inspectors have broad powers to enter workplaces, inspect, take samples, require documents and interview persons, including workers in private. It is an offence to obstruct or hinder an inspector or to give false or misleading information. The PCBU cannot require its consent as a precondition.

Question 38Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

What is the maximum penalty category that may apply to a corporation for a Category 1 offence under the WHS Act?

  1. A fine only, with no other orders available
  2. A small administrative penalty issued by the regulator
  3. A maximum of one year of imprisonment for the corporation
  4. A fine in the millions of dollars, with imprisonment not applicable to a corporation Correct answer.

Explanation

Category 1 is the most serious offence, involving reckless conduct, and for a body corporate the Act sets a very high maximum fine. A corporation cannot be imprisoned, so imprisonment applies to individuals. Courts may also make other orders, and the regulator can issue infringement notices for lesser matters.

Question 39Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

A worker is injured at work and the PCBU must preserve the incident site. What is the general requirement?

  1. Preservation is only required if the police attend
  2. The site may be cleaned immediately once the injured worker leaves the premises
  3. The site must be preserved until an inspector arrives or the regulator directs otherwise, except to assist an injured person or make the site safe Correct answer.
  4. The site must be preserved for at least 30 days in every case

Explanation

Where a notifiable incident occurs, the PCBU must ensure the site is not disturbed until an inspector arrives or the regulator directs otherwise. Limited exceptions allow action to assist an injured person, make the site safe or reduce a risk of further injury. Cleaning up immediately can destroy evidence and may breach the Act.

Question 40Work health and safety laws and duties (NSW WHS framework)

Which of the following is an example of a duty owed by workers under the WHS Act?

  1. To purchase their own personal protective equipment
  2. To take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others, and to comply with reasonable instructions Correct answer.
  3. To conduct risk assessments for the whole business
  4. To ensure the PCBU complies with all WHS laws

Explanation

Workers must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other persons, comply with reasonable instructions and cooperate with policies and procedures. Workers do not bear the PCBU's overarching duty to ensure compliance or conduct business-wide risk assessments. Provision of PPE is generally a PCBU responsibility.

Question 41Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

On a construction site, what is the first step in the risk management process before controls are chosen?

  1. Report the hazard to the regulator
  2. Identify the hazards associated with the work Correct answer.
  3. Purchase additional personal protective equipment
  4. Assign a worker to monitor the task

Explanation

Risk management begins with hazard identification, because a hazard that has not been recognised cannot be assessed or controlled. Only after hazards are identified can the risk be evaluated and suitable controls selected. Buying equipment or notifying a regulator comes later in the process.

Question 42Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A worker notices a frayed electrical lead on a power tool. Under the hierarchy of control, which action is the most reliable way to eliminate the risk?

  1. Tag the tool out of service and remove the damaged lead from the site Correct answer.
  2. Schedule the lead for inspection next month
  3. Issue the worker insulated gloves before use
  4. Place a warning sign next to the tool

Explanation

The hierarchy of control ranks elimination highest because removing the hazard removes the risk entirely. Taking the damaged lead out of service prevents any exposure. Gloves, signs and delayed inspection only reduce or manage exposure rather than remove the hazard.

Question 43Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which of the following best describes a hazard on a construction site?

  1. The number of workers on site at one time
  2. The cost of repairing damaged equipment
  3. The likelihood that an incident will occur
  4. Anything with the potential to cause harm to people or property Correct answer.

Explanation

A hazard is any source or situation with the potential to cause injury, illness or damage. Likelihood combined with consequence describes risk, not hazard. Cost and headcount are site conditions that may influence risk but are not hazards themselves.

Question 44Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What does a risk assessment primarily determine about an identified hazard?

  1. The exact date the hazard will cause an incident
  2. Which worker is personally responsible for the hazard
  3. The likelihood and severity of harm and whether existing controls are adequate Correct answer.
  4. The total insurance premium for the project

Explanation

A risk assessment evaluates how likely harm is, how severe it could be, and whether current controls reduce the risk to an acceptable level. It does not predict exact incident dates or assign personal blame. Insurance costs are a commercial matter outside the assessment.

Question 45Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A worker is required to work at height. Which control sits highest in the hierarchy of control for this task?

  1. Provide a safety harness and lanyard
  2. Install guardrails around the work platform
  3. Brief workers on the fall hazards before starting
  4. Eliminate the need to work at height by completing the task at ground level Correct answer.

Explanation

Eliminating the need to work at height removes the fall hazard altogether and is the most effective control. Guardrails are an engineering control that reduces but does not remove the hazard. Harnesses and briefings are lower-order controls that depend on equipment and behaviour.

Question 46Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which document should be consulted to confirm that a risk control measure is still working as intended after a site change?

  1. The site visitor sign-in register
  2. The project completion certificate
  3. The reviewed risk assessment and associated safe work method statement Correct answer.
  4. The equipment purchase invoice

Explanation

Risk assessments and safe work method statements record the controls selected and are reviewed whenever the work or site conditions change. They are the documents used to confirm controls remain suitable. Registers, invoices and certificates do not describe control measures.

Question 47Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What is the main purpose of consulting workers when identifying hazards?

  1. To reduce the number of hazards that must be recorded
  2. To draw on their direct knowledge of how the task is actually performed Correct answer.
  3. To satisfy a paperwork requirement only
  4. To transfer legal liability for the hazard to the workers

Explanation

Workers who perform a task know the practical difficulties and near misses that formal documents may miss. Consultation improves hazard identification and the quality of controls. It does not shift liability or reduce the number of hazards that must be recorded.

Question 48Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A hazard cannot be eliminated and engineering controls are not practicable. According to the hierarchy of control, what should be considered next?

  1. Administrative controls such as procedures and training Correct answer.
  2. Relying solely on personal protective equipment
  3. Doing nothing because the hazard cannot be removed
  4. Ignoring the hazard until an incident occurs

Explanation

After elimination and engineering controls, the hierarchy moves to administrative controls such as procedures, training and rotation. Personal protective equipment is the last line of defence, not the next step. Ignoring a hazard is never acceptable.

Question 49Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A mobile crane will operate beside an excavated trench. Which combination of controls best addresses both the crane tip hazard and the worker fall hazard?

  1. A geotechnical assessment, a crane exclusion zone and edge protection with a secure barrier Correct answer.
  2. A toolbox talk reminding operators to be careful
  3. Providing high-visibility vests to all workers
  4. A sign at the gate warning of the trench

Explanation

The crane needs ground bearing verification to prevent tipping, and the trench needs physical edge protection to prevent falls. Combining an engineering assessment with barriers addresses both hazards directly. Talks, signs and vests do not prevent collapse or falls.

Question 50Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

During a risk assessment, a task is rated as high risk. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

  1. Stop the task and implement further controls before work proceeds Correct answer.
  2. Reduce the number of workers so the rating appears lower
  3. Record the rating and allow workers to decide individually
  4. Continue the task and review the rating at the next monthly meeting

Explanation

A high-risk rating means the current controls are inadequate, so the task should be paused until stronger controls reduce the risk. Deferring review or leaving the decision to individuals allows serious harm to continue. Reducing headcount does not address the hazard.