HS&E Operatives practice question: Mental health and wellbeing (3 of 7)
B. Occupational health 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.
At the start of the shift, a workmate smells strongly of alcohol and is unsteady on their feet. They are about to drive a dumper.
What should you do?
Choose one answer.
AA. Give them a coffee and let them start once they feel better
BB. Tell your supervisor straight away
CC. Say nothing, as it is their own business
DD. Let them drive, but keep well away from the dumper
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B
A. Wrong: Wrong. Coffee does not remove alcohol from the body. The supervisor needs to decide whether they are fit to work.
B. Right: Right. Driving plant while unfit puts them and everyone near them at risk. You have a legal duty to take reasonable care of others, so tell your supervisor before they start.
C. Wrong: Wrong. It stops being their own business when it puts other people in danger. Every worker must take reasonable care of the people their work affects.
D. Wrong: Wrong. Keeping yourself clear does not protect anyone else on site. The dumper should not be driven by someone who is unfit.
Explanation
If someone seems unfit for work because of drink or drugs, tell your supervisor. Never let them operate plant or do safety-critical work.