HSE Managers Safety Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, an employer must prepare a written health and safety policy when the organization employs how many people?
✓ Correct answer: D. Five or more employees
Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers with five or more employees to prepare and maintain a written health and safety policy statement.
Q22A site manager discovers that a subcontractor's worker has suffered a broken leg in a fall from height. Within what timeframe must the principal contractor report this injury to the HSE under RIDDOR?
✓ Correct answer: C. 15 days of the incident
RIDDOR requires that injuries resulting in over seven days' incapacitation (not counting the day of the accident) must be reported within 15 days. A broken leg resulting from a fall is also an over-seven-day injury that must be reported.
Q23Which CDM 2015 duty holder is responsible for ensuring that the pre-construction information is prepared and provided to designers and contractors?
✓ Correct answer: B. The client
Under CDM 2015, the client has the duty to ensure that pre-construction information is prepared and provided to all designers and contractors appointed to the project.
Q24An HSE inspector serves an Improvement Notice on a construction site. What is the legal consequence if the principal contractor fails to comply within the specified timeframe?
✓ Correct answer: A. Criminal prosecution with potential unlimited fine
Failure to comply with an Improvement Notice within the specified time is a criminal offence that can result in prosecution, potentially leading to unlimited fines in the Crown Court.
Q25According to HSG65 guidance on managing for health and safety, which phase of the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle involves setting objectives and identifying hazards?
✓ Correct answer: D. Plan
The Plan phase of the PDCA cycle involves planning by setting policy, objectives, establishing processes, identifying hazards, and assessing risks to determine necessary controls.
Q26A project involves significant structural alterations to an occupied school building. Under CDM 2015, at what stage must the client appoint a principal designer?
✓ Correct answer: C. As soon as practicable after deciding more than one contractor will work on the project
CDM 2015 requires the client to appoint the principal designer as soon as practicable after it is clear that more than one contractor will be working on the project, and before the construction phase begins.
Q27During a risk assessment for working at height, the site manager identifies multiple control options. According to the Work at Height Regulations hierarchy of controls, which measure should be considered FIRST?
✓ Correct answer: B. Avoid work at height entirely
The Work at Height Regulations require a hierarchy of controls where work should first be avoided at height if reasonably practicable. Only when this is not possible should other control measures be considered.
Q28A fatality occurs when a trench collapses on a worker. Under CDM 2015, who can be held criminally liable for gross negligence manslaughter if their breach of duty caused the death?
✓ Correct answer: A. Both the company and individual directors or managers
Under CDM 2015 and the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, both the organization (corporate liability) and individual directors or managers can face criminal charges including manslaughter if their gross negligence caused a fatality.
Q29A method statement for crane operations must be reviewed and approved before work begins. Who has the PRIMARY responsibility under CDM 2015 to ensure this process occurs?
✓ Correct answer: D. The principal contractor
The principal contractor has the primary responsibility under CDM 2015 to plan, manage, and monitor the construction phase, which includes ensuring method statements are prepared, reviewed, and approved before high-risk work begins.
Q30What is the MAIN purpose of a permit-to-work system for controlling high-risk construction activities?
✓ Correct answer: C. To provide formal documented authorization ensuring controls are in place before work starts
A permit-to-work system provides formal written control to ensure all hazards are identified, assessed, and that appropriate precautions are in place before high-risk work begins. It ensures communication and authorization.
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