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SCENARIO (for information)

You are the newly appointed health and safety advisor for a large school for children aged 11 – 18.
The school has 125 teachers, administrators, and support workers (some of whom are vulnerable).
There are 1 900 students who attend the school, some travelling distances of up to 12 miles
(approximately 19 km) to access the school’s specialist sports and drama provision.

The campus has expanded over the last 10 years to meet the demand for more student places. This
involved additional temporary single-storey classrooms being built on an already crowded site. Many
of these temporary classrooms are now in a poor state of repair and are not currently being used.
They are to be demolished and replaced with a permanent extension next year.

Outside of school hours, and over the weekends, the sports and drama facilities are hired out to local
community groups. This provides an additional income for the school, however this income was
reduced following a recent pandemic.

Your role will be to support and advise the school’s Business and Finance Director (BFD). The BFD
is identified on the health and safety policy (dated December 2019) as having overall responsibility
for health and safety. The BFD has delegated the day-to-day health and safety to the Facilities
Manager (FM). They have also asked the FM to update the current risk assessment based on the
current state of disrepair of the school, as the BFD does not have the time to get involved. The BFD
pressurises the FM to reduce costs. As a result, the FM reduces their training budget, which
includes health and safety, in order to prioritise renovations.

The overstretched Facilities Team is led by the FM and has responsibility for general building
maintenance and improvement. The Team only comprises of two Facilities Supervisors (FS), three
Facilities Operatives, and four Cleaning Operatives including one young apprentice. This is not a full
Team, partially due to a high turnover of workers.
Many of the Team’s planned activities, such as clearing out old stock (books and stationery) from the
temporary classrooms, has been delayed due to under-staffing. Lack of space has meant some of
this old stock has been stored in boxes in the permanent building. A complaint has recently been
made by a wheel-chair user that sometimes they cannot pass through corridors due to boxes left on
the floor and near fire exits.

Appropriate action has not been taken to repair the identified faults and poor conditions in
classrooms. The health and safety (H&S) committee believe this is putting school workers at risk,
even though the school has not received many reports of near misses or accidents to workers. The
H&S committee are also concerned that health and safety inspections are not carried out frequently
enough. Teaching and Facilities workers are beginning to experience a relationship breakdown, as
both groups are frustrated about their working conditions.

You arrive at work to be told that one of the FS’s had sustained a serious injury at the weekend.
Despite torrential rain, it is believed that they were using a stepladder to carry out essential repairs at
the school.

A pregnant sports teacher found the FS unconscious on the main driveway and left a message on
the Headteacher’s answerphone. They also gave first aid and telephoned for an ambulance. No
other school workers were around. The sports teacher assumed that the FS was working on the roof
trying to clear leaves from a blocked gutter.

You open an accident investigation to try and find out what happened. At the scene there is a broken
step ladder. Brooms and sticks are still on the roof and full bags of rotting leaves are still on the
driveway. You look at the Facilities Team job-request sheets. You find some unactioned job
requests including replacing faulty ladders, but there is no reference to the gutter-clearing activity.
This supports the view that the FS could have been trying to clear the gutter to stop water
overflowing. You look for any evidence of work-at-height training, instructions on how to do the work
safely, permit-to-work, and specific risk assessments, but nothing is found.

First thing that morning you arrange informal one-to-one interviews with workers to gather as much
information as possible. You book a private meeting room at the school. Some of the workers are
visibly shaken by the accident so you allow sufficient time for answers to be given, taking breaks
when needed. You tell the interviewees you are just trying to establish facts and not to appoint
blame.

You start each interview by asking them what they know about the accident. Workers from the
Facilities Team inform you that they regularly use ladders and step ladders to access roofs. This is
to retrieve sports balls from the guttering or anything else stuck on the roof. None of them have
seen, or been involved in, risk assessments associated with the gutter-clearing task. The workers
also say that the injured FS has been working longer hours to get ‘jobs done’ but the FS had not
informed anyone that they were going to work that weekend.

Later, you talk to some of the teachers and they tell you that a roof near to the workers’ breakroom
has been leaking for several months and nothing has been done to fix it. Some of these leaks have
resulted in minor slip incidents and near misses.

During your interview with the FM, they tell you that they have been under a lot of pressure to
work within a certain budget. Many tasks that would have normally been done by an external
contractor have been carried out by the Facilities Team.

You verbally agree the summary of your written notes with each interviewee before closing the
meeting.
Task 1: Accident investigation

1 (a) Based on the scenario only, comment on the positive aspects of the
interviews. (7)

QUESTION 1(a): s

(a) Set up interviews straight away

- Interviewed first thing in the morning 1 each
max 1

Prepared the interviewees 1

Tried to put the interviewees at ease 1

Ensured privacy
- Hired a meeting room 1 each
max 1

Assured interviewees it is not about blame

Assured interviewees it is about establishing facts 1 each
max 1

Took breaks during interviews 1

Gave sufficient time to answer questions 1

‘Open’ questions used

Started by asking what they know has happened 1 each
max 1

Interviewed one person at a time 1

Summarised at the end 1

[max 7]

Learning outcome(s): Take part in incident investigations

Related content reference: 4.2, 4.1
1 (b) Based on the scenario only, other than witness interviews, what initial
evidence was gathered? (4)

QUESTION 1(b): s

(b) Noticed broken step ladder

Noticed brooms and sticks on the roof
Found full bags of wet leaves 1 each
max 2

Checked the Facilities Team job requests

- No job activity found regarding cleaning the roof/guttering
- Unactioned job sheets found for replacement of ladders 1 each
max 1

Checked to see if any evidence of training

No work-at-height training evidence 1 each
max 1

Checked to see if any evidence of specific risk assessments 1

Checked to see if any evidence of a PTW

Checked to see if any evidence of a SSOW 1 each
max 1

[max 4]

Learning outcome(s): Take part in incident investigations

Related content reference: 4.2
Task 2: Managing workplace health and safety
2 (a) What possible uninsured costs could the school incur because of this
accident? (8)

QUESTION 2(a): s

(a) Equipment damage 1

First-aid-related costs
Emergency services’ costs 1 each
max 1

Fines / court costs 1

Lost workdays 1

Other Facilities workers may need to work overtime

Temporary labour wages
Sick pay 1 each
max 1

Investigation time
Administration time 1 each
max 1

Loss of expertise in FS
Loss of experience in FS 1 each
max 1

Insurance excess
Raised premiums 1 each
max 1

Loss of goodwill
Loss of image / reputation
- Loss of funding 1 each
max 1

Recruitment costs
Training replacement workers
Re-train existing workers 1 each
max 1

Counselling costs for sports teacher

Counselling costs for colleagues 1 each
max 1

[max 8]

Learning outcome(s): Moral, financial and legal reasons for managing health and
safety in the workplace
Related content reference: 1.1
2 (b) Based on the scenario only, what employer obligations are likely to
have been contravened? (6)
Note: You only need to consider those obligations placed upon
employers under Recommendation 10 of International Labour
Organisation R164 - Occupational Safety and Health
Recommendation, 1981 (No. 164).

QUESTION 2(b): s

(b) To provide and maintain workplace

- Repairs not carried out 1
- Fire exits not accessible
- Corridors blocked with boxes
- General poor maintenance of site 1 each
max 2

Provision and maintenance of equipment not provided

- Ladders not suitably maintained / replaced 1

Work method not provided

- Lack of SSOW 1
- Lack of PTW 1

Instruction and training not provided

- No training on work-at-height 1

Work not organised

- No communication of any risk assessments being done
- Insufficient information about faulty ladders 1 each
max 1

Insufficient organisational arrangements regarding occupational safety

and health
- The workers’ occupational safety and health was adversely affected
- Prioritised cutting costs over health and safety of workers 1 each
max 1

Examiners’ note: no s for headings

[max 6]

Learning outcome(s): Advise on the main duties for health and safety in the
workplace and help their organisation manage contractors. Regulating health and
safety.
Related content reference: NG1/IG1 (Oct 19) 1.3; NGC1 (Nov 14) 1.4, IGC1 (Nov
14) 1.3
Task 3: Safety culture

3 Based on the scenario only, what appear to be the negative indicators of

health and safety culture in the school? (18)

QUESTION 3: s

Lack of commitment from the top 1

- Health and safety given a low priority 1
- The BFD has a lack of interest in health and safety 1
- The BFD has no time to get involved in the updated risk assessment 1
- Action not taken to repair classrooms 1

Work overload 1
- Overstretched Facilities Team 1
- FS working longer hours to get jobs done 1

High turnover of Facilities workers 1

Lack of resources 1
- Under-staffing 1
- Delayed planned activities for the Facilities Team 1

Lack of communication 1
- Communication breakdown between Teaching and Facilities workers 1

Insufficient health and safety documentation 1

- No PTW for the work-at-height activity 1
- No RA for the work-at-height activity 1
- No risk assessments for gutter clearing 1

- General risk assessments not adequate

- General risk assessments not up to date 1 each
max 1

Lack of appropriate responses to complaints 1

Repeat near misses 1

- Repeat slips 1

Insufficient active monitoring 1

- Infrequent inspections 1

Unwillingness to spend money on health and safety 1

Unsafe behaviour exists 1

- Any suitable example of unsafe behaviour from the scenario 1

Lack of training 1
- No training for work-at-height 1

[max 18]
Learning outcome(s): Concept of health and safety culture and how it influences
performance
Related content reference: 3.2
Task 4: Policy review

4 Why might the school’s health and safety policy require a review? (15)
Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant
information from the scenario.

QUESTION 4: s

Passage of time 1
- Dated December 2019 1

The existing policy is outdated

- Pre-pandemic was last review 1 each
max 1

Legal argument 1
- Health and safety legislation mandates 1

Changes to health and safety legislation 1

Changes to health and safety standards 1
Changes to health and safety guidance 1

Changes to the workforce 1

- Recruitment 1

Modifications to the existing site 1

- Organisational restructure / growing campus
- Building new classrooms 1 each
max 1

Objectives of policy not been met 1

Change in working patterns 1

Change in working practices 1

- All jobs now done by Facilities workers 1

Changes in technology 1

The accident that has occurred 1

Results from accident investigations 1

Complaints from workers 1

Results of enforcement action 1

[max 15]

Learning outcome(s): Main ingredients of health and safety management systems

that make it effective – general policy, organisation, arrangements
Related content reference: 2.2
Task 5: Assessing the application of risk assessment

5 (a) Based on the scenario only, what are the main types of workers the
FM should take account of in the workplace risk assessment? (4)
Note: You do not need to specify the worker’s job title (such as
supervisor, manager, etc), it is the type of worker (such as a migrant
worker, etc) that would need to be considered.

QUESTION 5(a): s

(a) Young workers

- Apprentice 1 each
max 1

Vulnerable workers
- Wheelchair users 1 each
max 1

Pregnant workers
- Sports teacher is pregnant 1 each
max 1

Lone workers
- Facilities supervisor working alone 1 each
max 1

Contractor(s) 1

Workers 1

[max 4]

Learning outcome(s): Explain the principles of the risk assessment process

Related content reference: 3.4
5 (b) What arguments would you use to persuade the BFD to become
more involved in risk assessments? (8)
Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant
information from the scenario.

QUESTION 5(b): s

(b) Legal requirement 1

- Helps reduce risk of enforcement action 1

Helps direct resources effectively

Helps with prioritisation of resources 1 each
max 1

It helps prevent accidents

It helps prevent ill-health 1 each
max 1

Enables preventative measures to be applied

Enables controls to be applied 1 each
max 1

Those involved in a task are more knowledgeable 1

Increases understanding of organisational risks 1

Demonstrates commitment to health and safety

Demonstrates leadership of health and safety 1 each
max 1

Demonstrates care of workers 1

Demonstrates ownership of health and safety

- Their signature is on policy 1 each
max 1

Demonstrates responsibility for health and safety 1

Reinforces the health and safety policy 1
Informs organisational objectives 1

[max 8]

Learning outcome(s): Explain the principles of the risk assessment process

Related content reference: 3.4
Task 6: Benefits of inspections/inspection frequency

6 (a) You have advised the school to carry out health and safety inspections
more frequently.

What should the school consider when deciding on the frequency of

these inspections? (10)

QUESTION 6(a): s

(a) Statutory requirements

Conventions
Recommendations 1 each
max 1

HSE/ILO approved guidance

Best practice 1 each
max 1

Activities carried out in the workplace

Risk level 1 each
max 1

Policy requirements 1

Health and safety culture of the school 1

Results from previous inspections

Results from previous audits
History of compliance 1 each
max 1

Recommendations following risk assessments 1

Rights of Workers’ Representatives 1

Following complaints 1

Introduction of new equipment

Introduction of new processes
Introduction of new SSOW 1 each
max 1

Accident statistics 1

Outcomes of accident investigations 1

Ill-health reports
Ill-health records 1 each
max 1

Level of worker turnover 1

 Enforcement action
Advice from enforcement inspector 1 each
max 1

Manufacturers’ recommendations 1

Insurers’ requirements 1

[max 10]

Learning outcome(s): Common methods and indicators used to monitor the

effectiveness of management systems
Related content reference: 4.1
6 (b) What are the benefits of carrying out health and safety inspections at the
school? (10)

QUESTION 6(b): s

(b) Identifies unsafe acts

Identifies unsafe behaviours 1 each
max 1

Identifies unsafe conditions 1

Checks if remedial actions have been taken 1

Checks if further improvements are required 1

Ensures organisational standards are continually met

Ensures workplace standards are continually met 1 each
max 1

Ensure general legal compliance 1

Help improve morale 1

- Frequent consultation with workers will make them feel more involved
- Listen to workers’ concerns 1 each
max 1

Help improve the culture 1

Aids reporting on health and safety statistics

Help identify trends 1 each
max 1

Physical evidence can become available 1

A form of active monitoring 1

Workers are likely to act more safely 1

Trigger updates to risk assessments 1

[max 10]
Learning outcome(s): Common methods and indicators used to monitor the
effectiveness of management systems
Related content reference: 4.1
Task 7: Permit-to-work

7 Why should a permit-to-work (PTW) system be used to help manage the risk of
any further falls from height? (10)

QUESTION 7: s

A formally recorded process 1

For potentially hazardous work 1
Requires authority 1

The activity is high risk

The activity is hazardous 1 each
max 1

Permit-to-work confirms control measures 1

The activity is non-routine

The activity is a special risk
The activity is an unusual risk 1 each
max 1

There is a large potential for a serious incident

There is a large potential for a serious fall 1 each
max 1

Help control potentially hazardous work at height activities 1

It is an essential part of the risk assessment process 1

It is an essential part of the safe system of work 1

The formality of the PTW helps to reduce risk 1

Competent authorised people have reviewed the risks

Permit issuer has reviewed the risks 1 each
max 1

Following the risk assessment 1

[max 10]

Learning outcome(s): The role, function and operation of a permit-to-work system

Related content reference: 3.7