HS&E Operatives practice question: Duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (5 of 7)
A. Working environment A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
You think part of a scaffold is unsafe. You told your supervisor, but nothing has been done and work is carrying on.
What can you do next?
Choose one answer.
AA. Carry on, as it is now the supervisor's problem
BB. Raise it with a safety rep, then HSE if needed
CC. Nothing, as you have already told your supervisor
DD. Fix the scaffold yourself during your break
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B
A. Wrong: Wrong. You still have a duty to take reasonable care of yourself and others. Don't use a scaffold you think is unsafe.
B. Right: Right. HSE says raise concerns with your employer, supervisor or safety representative first. If you are still worried, you can contact the enforcing authority, such as HSE.
C. Wrong: Wrong. You can still raise it with a safety representative, and then the enforcing authority if you are still worried. Don't let a serious risk carry on.
D. Wrong: Wrong. Only competent scaffolders should alter a scaffold. Keep off it and report it.
Explanation
If you have a safety concern, tell your employer, supervisor or safety rep. If you are still worried, you can contact the enforcing authority, such as HSE.