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Mental health and wellbeing questions for the CSCS test

7 free questions on Mental health and wellbeing, from section B. Occupational health. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

Last verified against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions

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Question 1

Easier · choose 2 ·Link to this question (question 1)

One of your workmates has changed over the past few weeks.

Which two could be signs that they are struggling with stress? (Choose two.)

Choose two answers.

  1. A. They have become withdrawn and have mood swings
  2. B. They have asked to go on a training course
  3. C. They always take their full lunch break
  4. D. They are taking more time off and arriving late
Show the answer and explanation

Answers: A, D

  • A. Right: Right. Mood swings, being withdrawn and losing motivation are signs HSE lists too.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Asking for training is not a sign of stress on its own. It may just mean they want to learn a new skill.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Taking proper breaks is healthy. It is not a sign that someone is struggling.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE lists taking more time off and arriving later as changes in behaviour that can be signs of stress.

Explanation

Signs of stress include taking more time off, arriving late, mood swings and becoming withdrawn. If you are worried about someone, talk to them and encourage them to get support.

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Question 2

Easier ·Link to this question (question 2)

For a few weeks you have felt under a lot of pressure at work. You are not sleeping well and you dread coming in.

What is the best first step?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Talk to someone, such as your manager
  2. B. Keep it to yourself so you don't look weak
  3. C. Work longer hours until the pressure goes away
  4. D. Wait until it affects your work before saying anything
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says it is important to talk to someone early, such as your manager. If that is difficult, you can talk to a union rep, HR, an employee assistance service or your GP.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Keeping quiet often lets things get worse. Raising it early gives people the chance to help.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Working longer usually adds to the pressure and tiredness. Talk to someone about what is causing it.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. It is better to speak up before things get worse, for you and for the people working around you.

Explanation

If you are struggling, talk to someone early: your manager, a union or employee rep, HR, an employee assistance service or your GP. Your employer has a duty to assess and act on work-related stress.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

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.

  1. A. Give them a coffee and let them start once they feel better
  2. B. Tell your supervisor straight away
  3. C. Say nothing, as it is their own business
  4. D. 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.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

You have just finished a long night shift and feel very tired. You normally drive home.

What does HSE advise?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Drive, as tiredness doesn't affect your driving
  2. B. Get another way home, or stop if sleepy
  3. C. Open the window and drive home as fast as you can
  4. D. Drink several energy drinks and carry on
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Fatigue leads to errors and accidents, on the road as well as on site.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says driving after a long or night shift can be risky. Consider public transport or a taxi, and if you feel sleepy while driving, stop and take a short nap if it is safe.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Fresh air won't stop you falling asleep, and speed makes a crash worse.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says caffeine only helps for short periods, so don't rely on it to keep you awake.

Explanation

Fatigue causes errors and accidents. After a long or night shift, think about how you get home, and stop if you feel sleepy.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

You are on a run of night shifts and are struggling to stay alert in the early hours.

Which of these is HSE's advice?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Skip your breaks so the shift ends sooner
  2. B. Do the most dangerous jobs at the end of the night
  3. C. Take regular short breaks and walk around
  4. D. Rely on strong coffee all through the shift
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Skipping breaks makes fatigue worse.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That is when you are likely to be most tired. Plan risky work for when you are more alert.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE advises taking regular short breaks during the shift where possible, and getting up and walking around.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says only use caffeine occasionally and don't rely on it to keep you awake.

Explanation

On long or night shifts, take regular short breaks, move around and get proper sleep. Don't rely on caffeine.

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Question 6

Easier · choose 2 ·Link to this question (question 6)

You are working outdoors on a roof during a hot, sunny summer.

Which two help protect you from skin cancer? (Choose two.)

Choose two answers.

  1. A. Use sunscreen of at least SPF30 and take breaks in the shade
  2. B. Take your top off so you stay cool
  3. C. Only worry about the sun when there are no clouds
  4. D. Keep your top on, and wear a hat that covers your neck
Show the answer and explanation

Answers: A, D

  • A. Right: Right. HSE advises a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF30 on exposed skin, and staying in the shade during breaks.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Bare skin gets more ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause skin cancer.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says harmful UV light damages the skin even on cloudy days.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says keep your top on and wear a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and back of the neck.

Explanation

Outdoor workers are at risk of skin cancer. Cover up, wear a hat, use SPF30 or higher, take breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water.

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Question 7

Easier ·Link to this question (question 7)

You have worked outdoors for years. You notice a mole on your arm has changed shape and started to itch.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. See a doctor soon
  2. B. Ignore it, as moles change all the time
  3. C. Cover it with a plaster and forget about it
  4. D. Wait a year to see if it gets worse
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says check your skin regularly, and see a doctor promptly if a mole or spot changes shape, size or colour, itches or bleeds.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A changing mole can be a sign of skin cancer. Get it checked.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Covering it does not deal with the problem.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Skin cancer is easier to treat when it is found early.

Explanation

Check your skin. See a doctor if a mole or spot changes shape, size or colour, itches or bleeds.

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