NEBOSH

MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

UNIT IG1:
For: NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

MANAGEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

UNIT IGC1:
For: NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
NEBOSH International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
NEBOSH International Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management

Open Book Examination

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Available for 24 hours from: 02 December 2020, 09:00 GMT

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Answer sheet IG1_IGC1-0003-ENG-OBE-V1 Dec20 © NEBOSH 2020 page 1 of 7

Task 1: Managing risks for those working from home

Question 1
The organization has identified the risks and hazards related to working from home as
Ergonomic risks that arise from poor workstation design and poor mental health issues
that arise from lone working at home. Additionally, the employee is at a high risk of
contracting the virus from business meetings and client contacts (IG1_IGC1-0003-ENG-
OBE-QP-V1 Dec20 NEBOSH 2020, Para. 4). The likelihood and severity of each hazard
identified varies depending on age and other factors.
The residual risk from poor work station design at the home environment is very high and
injuries may range from musculoskeletal ailments, back and shoulder pains to eye strain
due to poor light levels.
The residual risk from lone working leading to ill mental health is high, the fact that
employees are working alone makes them susceptible to mental ill health.
In order to mitigate the ergonomic risks that arise from poor work station design at home,
the company has issued to the employees a procedure and guidance on workstation set-
up at the home working environment. This approach is not adequate because no
inspections has been conducted to ensure has set-up the home work station as outlined
in the procedure.
Secondly, the company has rolled out computer based team meetings on weekly basis to
manage risks that arise from working alone at home, such as poor mental health, mental
illness and boredom. This approach is not all inclusive, therefore, the company has gone
a step ahead and provided one-on-one meetings to those reluctant in group discussions.
This approach controls poor mental health risk from high to low, however, additional
measures should be put in place for feedback and evaluation of the effectiveness of the
procedure.
Finally, the company has adopted widespread use of technology and video-conferencing
to eliminate physical contact and thereby bringing the risk of transmission during
business meetings to very low/negligible.

Task 2: Communicating health and safety

Question 2
Written words e.g. Risk assessment, policy and reports are used to convey massages to
the workers remotely. The advantage is that it is permanent, easy to refer and can easily
be distributed to everyone.(emails was used to inform workers on hand washing
procedures and a signed copy of risk assessment will be placed on notice
boards).Broadcasting method e.g. Posters which have a merit of avoiding language
barrier and are of low coast have been effectively and were placed in a washroom where
everyone can access thus ensuring the massage reaches all workers since the
washroom is visited by everyone(were placed in washrooms to relay hand washing
procedure).There is also hand sanitizing procedures been posted on the intranet and
social distancing requirements. Verbal communication was used during meeting between
managers. Face to face communication is allowing immediate response (enabled Risk
Assessment to be signed. There is also workshops presentation as instructed by the
managing director to safety supervisor. Written communication enabled has been used
effectively to relay important information to employees e.g. the updated emergency
procedures by the human resource manager (para. 8) and updating of company policy as
directed by the managing director (paragraph 9). Verbal communication was used in
advising the management on the differences between audits and inspections and the
advantages of using external auditors. (Para. 11). Video conferencing has been
effectively used to reach out to clients and for business meetings thereby ensuring
business continuity in spite employees working from home (para.4). One on one
meetings have been used to effectively bring on board workers who are reluctant to raise

Answer sheet IG1_IGC1-0003-ENG-OBE-V1 Dec20 © NEBOSH 2020 page 2 of 7

 their issues while in their respective teams and ensures nobody is left outout9paragraph
5).
There is was also a suggestion for revision of policies regarding the control of third
parties on site and contractors.

Task 3: Benefits of certification to an ISO occupational health and safety

management system standard to the organisation

Question 3
It helps improves the image and credibility of the company. This then boosts client
confidence in the company which gives the company a competitive advantage over its
peers in the industry. (paragraph 3, it is acknowledged that having the certification has
helped attract “some important clients” which was good for business). The company will
be able to attain higher efficiency in operations due to the availability of a clear blue print
which appreciates health and safety as being an integral part in the daily operations of
the business able to save on both time and resources. (In paragraph 3,it is acknowledged
that having the certification made the organization ”more efficient”)
It will help the company get reduced insurance premiums. This is due to minimal number
of work related incidences; that is near misses, accidents, ill health and property damage.
Consistency in the management systems certification will bring confidence to clients and
contractors. (Paragraph).
An ISO 45001 certified organization has the frameworks in place to reduce the number
of injuries by maintaining a system of maintaining reduced hazards in the workplace by
implementing hierarchy of controls e.g.

-Elimination-sending the employees to work from home there by eliminating the risk of
spreading the virus (all workers to work from home as per government instructions,
paragraph 3)
-Substitution-Replaced one on one meetings with computerized meetings
-Engineering Controls-Providing hand washing spots and ensuring thorough hand
washing is done
-Administrative Control-Development of safe systems of work (written procedure and
guidance on best practice for working from home (para. 3)
-Use of Personal protective equipment which is the last line of defence. (Para. 7)
Certification also helps to increase awareness in the workers by educating them on
implications of not following health and safety rules and the consequences attached
involved. This is attained through trainings (posters in the washrooms, giving work and
posting hand sanitization procedures on the company intranet). It helps reduce the total
operating costs of the business by putting in place measures to curb on incidents and ill
health which will in turn cut down on treatment costs and compensations claims. It will
also identify cheaper methods of operation to curb on high expenditures (carrying out
internal audits and reducing the frequency of external audits). It helps reduce
absenteeism and lowers worker turn over i.e. certification communicates a positive
massage to workers, boosts their morale and increases trust because of minimal work-
related injuries, incidents and ill health. The workers also feel well taken care of and are
consulted on wide range of issues in the company and the management ensures
provision of a safe work place(e.g. the management was concerned about the well-being
of workers and put in place measures to allow them bond and raise concern. This makes
the employee have a liking for the company thus finds no reason to move).Certification
helps to improve compliance. With a good health and safety management system, it is
easier to convince regulatory agencies that all regulatory requirements have been
attained. It also serves as a concrete proof that the Organization is unique from others in
the industry and shows its commitment to health and safety in its daily operations (By
complying with the government directive to work from home shows the commitment of
the company to health and safety.

Answer sheet IG1_IGC1-0003-ENG-OBE-V1 Dec20 © NEBOSH 2020 page 3 of 7

Task 4: Applying further control measures

Question 4
R164-occupational safety and health recommendations, 1981(No.164) article 10 outlines
the responsibilities of the employer. The administrative measures put in place help the
employer in achieving recommended standards e.g the organization has a risk
assessment program in place which is inclusive, and the information gathered is shared
with all employees prior to their return to work (Para 6 and 7). There is work in progress
to develop a clear program on training of the workers on social distance which is in line
with World Health Organization recommendations against the spread of the virus as
outlined in paragraph 9.
There is also a procedure to be developed to see to it that all workers use their personal
protective equipment at all times with emphasis being attached to those working in
enclosed spaces. (para 7). To ensure highest levels of hygiene, the company has
renewed the contract of the cleaning company. This will allow a larger area to be cleaned
and more often than before. (para 7). Emergency procedures will be updated to clearly
outline what is to be done by who and when ones any virus-related ill health is detected
and to factor in young workers (para. 9). Company also ensures that information reaches
all its employees by placing posters in washrooms (para. 7). The Development of written
procedures is also being done that will ensure each employee is versed with the correct
methods for hand sanitizing since the copies have been distributed to every worker (para.
4). The organization calls for meetings with both its workers and external partners to
ensure continuity of business by use of video conferencing facilities for business
meetings and client contacts as outlined (para 4). There is a plan to update the company
policy to ensure it is suitable and relevant. (The managing director in para 9 asked the
safety supervisor and facilities manager to update the policy before the next scheduled
meeting) .There exists a disciplinary action plan at the human resource managers office
which is brought into action when any of the workers violates the set rules and
regulations .(In paragraph; disciplinary action

Task 5: Influencing behaviour to improve performance

Question 5
This can be divided into 3 factors.
a. Organizational factors
First the management is committed to influencing health and safety behaviour. This is
through visible leadership e.g. involvement in meetings and availing resources to health
and safety. (This is evident where the Managing Director, Facilities manager, Human
resource meet to plan for a return to work formulae and sponsor benchmarking trip)
They have also ensured effective flow of information in the organization through use of
different methods such as posters, notice boards and digital platforms thus able to reach
all types of employees. (Evident when the Risk assessment carried out is shared with all
workers through team meetings, safety boards and washrooms). Procedures have also
been developed and updated from time to time e.g. in paragraph 8 the Human resource
manager is to update the first aid policy and other emergency procedures. There is also a
health and safety culture in place which clearly outlining the roles and responsibilities of
each one along the line e.g. the roles of the human resource manager in updating and
implementing disciplinary procedures. There is also involvement of workers in in
processes e.g. carrying out risk assessment in paragraph 6. This makes workers The
organization also takes part in ensuring its employees are made aware of any existing

Answer sheet IG1_IGC1-0003-ENG-OBE-V1 Dec20 © NEBOSH 2020 page 4 of 7

 hazard and risks by availing information through trainings. (In paragraph seven, work
instructions will be developed which of course will be relayed to workers through posters
or on notice boards) Through distribution of updated policies and procedures, all the
workers are well informed of the contents of the policy and their responsibilities as
recommended in Occupational safety and health convention 1981(No 155) article
16.There is evidence of employee participation by sharing their “concerns” ` through
forums during the 30-minute weekly meetings to enhance harmonious coexistence and
avoid mental ill health. (paragraph 5)
b) Job related factors
This are factors which directly affects one’s performance. This can be through the design
of procedures developed e.g. the hand washing machine maybe placed at high point thus
a short employee finds it hard to sanitize. There are also clear roles allocated to each
individual like the Human Resource Manager carrying out disciplinary actions against any
workers violating the set rules. The setting of a conducive workplace such as availability
of space, light and reduced ergonomics hazards. (in paragraph 6 the management meets
to plan for workers return meaning they have the “duty of care’; moral reason to provide a
safe workplace)
c)Individual factors
The company in paragraph 5 emphasize on training of employees. A competent worker
has an increased awareness level thus able to follow set health and safety rules unlike
one whom is not trained .Presence of young workers on site (as indicated in paragraph
10 may affect how they perceive risks thus need for adequate supervision and trainings.

Task 6: Checking management system effectiveness through auditing

Question 6 (a)
The occupational safety and health recommendation, 1981(No 164) articles 15.1 and
15.2 requires an employer to carry our audits and inspections and keep records of the
same.
An audit is a systematic, objective and a critical evaluation of an organizations
occupational health and safety management system while an inspection is simply a
process where a workplace is checked for hazards by a competent person and address
the mitigation measures if found.
An audit is usually done annually or as suggested by authorities or risk assessment while
an inspection is done often usually daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly.
In an audit feedback involves verbal followed by long detailed reports showing major and
minor conformities, recommendations and time span for corrective actions while in an
inspection the report is short highlighting corrective actions to be taken
An audit is involving in terms of time, resources and scope covering the entire health and
safety management system while an inspection is shorter, consumes less time and uses
mainly observations of happenings in a workplace
Audits review document: policy, incident records, records of training and some
observations and some interviews but an inspection are observation based and with very
minimal paperwork being checked and also minimal or no interviews
It carries out an assessment on the entire health and safety management system of an
organization while an inspection only aims at ensuring control measures are operating
effectively and that they are appropriate to the existing conditions in the workplace

Question 6 (b)
. External auditors are advantageous since they are impartial (provide a third eye) and
thus can critique without fear by giving an unbiased opinion on the management system
and a non-conformance report and thus taken seriously by the management. They also
tend to see the organization from a different perspective and therefore quicker in

Answer sheet IG1_IGC1-0003-ENG-OBE-V1 Dec20 © NEBOSH 2020 page 5 of 7

 identifying noncompliance faster. They help in incorporating training to the company’s
internal auditor during the audit process thus equipping with more knowledge which he in
turn uses in bettering internal audits in the workplace. They also help provide assurance
to company’s top management on the reports they receive from internal auditors.
External third auditors provide have better understanding in terms of knowledge sine they
have benchmarked from other workplaces.

Task 7: Identifying data used to monitor health and safety performance

Question 7

Training records show the number of employees trained in a bid to increase awareness
about the virus. The higher the number of employees trained the less the number of
incidents and the safer the workplace will be. (Paragraph 9 assures on an emphasized
training program which will help train on the virus).
Audit reports will also look at the number of audits carried out, if the audits are internal or
external the recommendations made before and after the company implement the
changes on the audit process(In paragraph 11,the management suggests a reduction in
the number of audits and wishes to use internal auditors.)Number of virus transmission
cases and first aid cases recorded will help in identifying trends and patterns and
compare the number of accidents in the workplace with peers in the industry and also
other organizations larger than ours in fighting the virus (paragraph 6,was given money to
go for benchmarking).Checking if the employees are complying with set health and safety
rules attained through observing their behaviours. If positive, then the performance will
be positive and if not performance will be negative (e.g. how the managers and
supervisors come in to help implement the modified procedures and what the worker’s
response will be. High staff turnover will help indicate that workers feel safe and confident
working for the company while a low turnout will indicate lack of trust in the organization,
its systems, processes and policy on health and safety. Complaint records can also be a
good indicator. Increased number of complains will indicated employee dissatisfaction
with health and safety system and reduced complaints show employees are ok with
working environment and the health and safety management systems in place. Will also
look at the number of safety observations reported by supervisors and managers and
finally, the number of safety tours conducted by supervisors and managers (paragraph
9).

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Documents and IG1_IGC1-0003-ENG-OBE-QP-V1 Dec20 NEBOSH 2020.

sources of information (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2020, from
you used in your https://www.nebosh.org.uk/ Scenario
examination ISO 9001:2015. (2015, September 01). Retrieved December
3, 2020, from https://www.iso.org/standard/62085.html

ISO 45001:2018. (2018, March 12). Retrieved December 3,

Answer sheet IG1_IGC1-0003-ENG-OBE-V1 Dec20 © NEBOSH 2020 page 6 of 7

 2020, from https://www.iso.org/standard/63787.html

Publications. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2020, from

https://www.ilo.org/global/publications/lang--en/index.htm

End of examination

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Answer sheet IG1_IGC1-0003-ENG-OBE-V1 Dec20 © NEBOSH 2020 page 7 of 7