NEBOSH Construction cheat sheet

The management system follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle: set policy and objectives (Plan), implement and operate controls (Do), monitor and measure performance (Check), review and correct (Act).

Risk assessment hierarchy of control order: eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, then PPE as the last line of defence.

A permit-to-work system is required for high-risk tasks such as confined-space entry, hot work, and work on live electrical systems; it records isolation, verification, and authorised sign-off.

The accident ratio (Bird's triangle) indicates roughly 1 serious injury to 10 minor injuries to 30 property-damage incidents to 600 near-miss incidents, so near-miss reporting predicts harm.

Competence requires the combination of training, experience, and knowledge; supervision level must match the risk and the worker's competence.

A method statement (safe system of work) sequences the task, identifies hazards, states controls, and names responsible persons before work starts.

Emergency planning must cover first aid, fire, rescue from height, and rescue from confined spaces, with drills and named responsible persons.

Safety performance is measured by reactive indicators (incident rates, lost-time frequency) and proactive indicators (inspections, near-misses, training completion).

Falls from height are the leading cause of construction fatalities; control by eliminating work at height, then edge protection, guardrails, nets, and finally fall-arrest harnesses.

Excavation collapse: support or batter sides, keep spoil and plant back from the edge (typically at least 1 m), and inspect daily and after rain by a competent person.

Confined-space entry requires atmospheric testing before and during entry, forced ventilation, a rescue plan, and a standby person outside.

Electrical: use 110 V centre-tapped-to-earth reduced low voltage on site; RCD protection is required for 230 V equipment; isolate and lock off before maintenance.

Manual handling injuries are controlled by mechanical aids, team lifting, and reducing carry distances; assess load weight, posture, and repetition.

Hazardous substances (silica dust, asbestos, solvents) require COSHH assessment, extraction or water suppression, and RPE/PPE as the last resort.

Plant and vehicle movements are controlled by segregated pedestrian routes, banksmen, reversing aids, and speed limits on site.

Fire on site: control ignition sources, store flammables separately, provide escape routes, and prohibit hot work without a permit near combustibles.

A site inspection report should record the observation, its location, the hazard/risk, the control required, a responsible person, and a target completion date.

Risk rating is commonly calculated as likelihood multiplied by severity; ratings map to priority (high, medium, low) and drive the action timescale.

An inspection checklist is structured by area (excavations, scaffolds, electrical, housekeeping) so no hazard category is missed.

Findings must distinguish immediate danger (stop work) from longer-term improvements (scheduled action with a date).

A practical assessment typically requires identifying hazards, assessing risk, recommending controls, and producing an action plan with priorities.

Evidence of monitoring includes photographs, inspection records, and signed action plans kept for audit and follow-up.

Follow-up verification confirms that corrective actions were implemented and are effective, closing the loop in the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others affected.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require suitable and sufficient risk assessments and appoint competent persons.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 place duties on clients, principal designers, principal contractors, designers, and contractors; notification is required for projects over 30 working days with more than 20 workers simultaneously, or over 500 person-days.

CDM 2015 requires a construction phase plan before work starts and a health and safety file handed to the client at completion.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require avoiding work at height where possible, preventing falls, and minimising consequences of a fall.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require equipment to be suitable, maintained, inspected, and used only by trained persons.

Enforcement: inspectors may serve improvement notices (remedy a contravention) or prohibition notices (stop dangerous activity immediately); appeals go to an employment tribunal.

Criminal liability arises from breaches of statutory duty and the general duties; penalties include unlimited fines and, since the 2008 Act, imprisonment for serious breaches.