TheorySMSTS
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SMSTS
You are managing a live construction site when a subcontractor begins hot works without a permit being issued, stating it is a routine task. What is the most appropriate action under health and safety legislation?
Correct — A. Hot works present significant fire risk and must be controlled through a permit-to-work system. The site manager has a legal duty to ensure safe systems of work are followed before allowing such activities. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow the task to continue if a fire extinguisher is nearby: Fire-fighting equipment alone does not control ignition risks. • Permit the work provided it is completed quickly: Speed of work does not reduce fire risk. • Rely on the subcontractor’s insurance arrangements: Insurance does not remove the duty to prevent harm. • Ask the operative to carry out a dynamic risk assessment only: Dynamic assessment alone is insufficient for high-risk activities. -
SMSTS
You observe operatives working at height without proper edge protection because the task will only take a few minutes. What is the most appropriate response?
Correct — A. The Work at Height Regulations require risks to be avoided or controlled regardless of task duration. Collective protection must be prioritised, and unsafe work stopped immediately. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow the work to continue due to its short duration: Duration does not reduce the legal requirement to manage fall risks. • Permit the work if operatives are wearing harnesses without anchor points: Harnesses without suitable anchorage do not provide effective protection. • Instruct operatives to proceed carefully: Care alone is not a control measure recognised by legislation. • Record the issue and discuss it at the next toolbox talk: Delaying action leaves workers exposed to immediate risk. -
SMSTS
You are the site manager on a refurbishment project. A subcontractor begins cutting concrete internally, generating significant dust. They state that operatives are wearing disposable masks so work can continue. As the manager, what is the most appropriate action under health and safety legislation?
Correct — A. Under COSHH and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, exposure to hazardous substances such as respirable silica must be prevented or adequately controlled. The site manager has a duty to stop unsafe work and ensure suitable controls (e.g. extraction, wet cutting, appropriate RPE) are in place before work continues. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow the work to continue as long as operatives are wearing any form of respiratory protection: Generic masks may be inadequate and do not remove the duty to properly assess and control exposure. • Ask the subcontractor to complete a method statement after the work has finished: Risk assessments and controls must be in place before work starts, not retrospectively. • Reduce the number of operatives in the area to limit exposure: Reducing numbers does not adequately control hazardous dust exposure. • Rely on the subcontractor to manage the risk as they are the employer: The principal contractor retains overall responsibility for site safety and cannot delegate it entirely. -
SMSTS
As a site manager, you are informed that a worker has a medical condition that could affect their safety while operating plant. How should you apply health and safety law?
Correct — A. Health and safety law requires risks to be assessed and managed while also considering equality and reasonable adjustments. The manager must ensure work remains safe. Why the other options are incorrect: • Remove the worker from site immediately without assessment: Immediate removal without assessment may be unreasonable and inappropriate. • Ignore the issue as it is a personal matter: Personal matters still become relevant if they affect site safety. • Allow the worker to decide whether they are fit to operate plant: Fitness for work cannot be left solely to individual judgement. • Only act if an incident occurs: Waiting for an incident breaches proactive legal duties. -
SMSTS
You identify poor housekeeping creating trip hazards across access routes. What action best aligns with legal requirements?
Correct — A. Health and safety law requires workplaces to be maintained in a safe condition. Poor housekeeping presents foreseeable risk and must be addressed immediately. Why the other options are incorrect: • Warn operatives to take extra care: Warnings alone do not remove physical hazards. • Address the issue at the next site meeting: Delaying action prolongs exposure to risk. • Rely on individuals to manage their own safety: Individuals cannot control site-wide hazards alone. • Allow work to continue to avoid delay: Programme pressures do not justify unsafe conditions. -
SMSTS
You are reviewing lifting operations planned by a subcontractor. The lift plan is generic and does not reflect site-specific constraints. What is the correct action?
Correct — A. Health and safety law requires risks to be assessed in relation to the actual work environment. Generic plans do not adequately address site-specific hazards. Why the other options are incorrect: • Approve the plan as it meets minimum requirements: Minimum standards may still be insufficient for the site. • Allow the lift under additional supervision: Supervision cannot replace proper planning. • Proceed with the lift at a quieter time of day: Timing alone does not control lifting risks. • Accept the plan if it has been used on previous sites: Previous use does not guarantee suitability. -
SMSTS
A contractor plans to use a new chemical product on site. No safety data sheet has been provided. What should you do?
Correct — A. COSHH requires assessment of hazardous substances before use. Without safety data and agreed controls, the product must not be used. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow use if operatives have used similar products before: Similarity to other products does not remove the need for assessment. • Proceed with additional PPE as a precaution: PPE alone may not adequately control exposure. • Store the product away from other materials and continue work: Storage does not address the risks of use. • Ask the supplier for information after work has started: Controls must be established before exposure occurs. -
SMSTS
You are the site manager on a busy city-centre project. A subcontractor begins work without having received a site induction, stating they have worked on similar sites before. What is the most appropriate action under health and safety legislation?
Correct — A. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act and CDM Regulations, those controlling work must ensure workers are provided with suitable information, instruction and training. A site induction is a fundamental legal control and work should not proceed without it. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow work to continue under close supervision: Supervision does not replace the requirement for formal instruction and information. • Permit work to continue for low-risk activities only: Risk level does not remove the duty to provide adequate induction. • Issue a verbal briefing covering key site hazards: A brief verbal warning is insufficient as a structured induction. • Rely on the subcontractor’s employer to induct them: The principal contractor retains responsibility for site arrangements. -
SMSTS
A worker refuses to wear mandatory PPE provided on site. What is the most appropriate legal response?
Correct — A. Both employers and those in control of work have duties to ensure PPE is used where required. Allowing work to continue without PPE would breach health and safety law. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow work to continue but issue a warning: Warnings without enforcement do not control risk. • Provide alternative PPE only if requested: Suitable PPE has already been provided. • Let the subcontractor deal with the issue later: Responsibility cannot be deferred when there is immediate risk. • Ignore the refusal if the task is low risk: Risk level does not remove mandatory PPE requirements. -
SMSTS
A subcontractor proposes a change to their method of work due to programme pressure, without updating their risk assessment. What should you do?
Correct — A. Health and safety law requires risks to be assessed before work changes are implemented. Allowing unassessed changes would breach the duty to plan and manage work safely. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow the change if the supervisor is competent: Competence does not replace the need for documented assessment. • Permit the change temporarily and review later: Temporary changes can still introduce significant risk. • Allow the change for non-critical tasks only: Task importance does not alter legal requirements. • Document the change in the site diary only: Recording alone does not control risk. -
SMSTS
You are planning night works that may affect neighbouring properties. What legal consideration must be addressed?
Correct — A. Health and safety law requires protection of people affected by the work, including neighbours. Risks such as noise and vibration must be assessed and controlled. Why the other options are incorrect: • Proceed as long as work remains within the site boundary: Risks can extend beyond site boundaries. • Rely on planning consent alone: Planning consent does not replace health and safety duties. • Inform neighbours only after work starts: Late communication does not manage risk. • Limit consideration to site workers: Legal duties extend beyond site personnel. -
SMSTS
Following a minor incident, you consider whether further action is necessary. What principle of health and safety law should guide your decision?
Correct — A. Health and safety law is preventative. Even minor incidents should be used to review controls and prevent more serious harm in future. Why the other options are incorrect: • The severity of the injury alone: Minor injuries can indicate serious underlying risk. • The cost of implementing controls: Cost does not override legal duties. • Whether enforcement action is likely: Compliance is required regardless of enforcement likelihood. • The views of the subcontractor involved: Legal duties are not determined by subcontractor opinion. -
SMSTS
An operative reports feeling unwell due to heat while working inside a confined area. What is the most appropriate response?
Correct — A. Health and safety law requires risks from the working environment to be controlled. Heat stress can present serious risk and must be addressed immediately. Why the other options are incorrect: • Encourage the operative to take a short break only: Short breaks may not adequately control the hazard. • Allow work to continue with increased supervision: Supervision does not reduce environmental risk. • Provide additional PPE: Additional PPE may increase heat stress. • Wait for a formal medical report: Immediate action is required to prevent harm. -
SMSTS
You are informed that waste materials are being mixed together in one skip, including hazardous waste. What action should you take?
Correct — A. Environmental protection legislation requires correct handling and segregation of waste. Mixing hazardous and non-hazardous waste breaches legal requirements and must be stopped. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow it temporarily to maintain programme: Programme pressures do not justify legal non-compliance. • Instruct operatives to label the skip only: Labelling alone does not correct improper disposal. • Arrange segregation at the end of the project: Delaying action prolongs the breach of legislation. • Leave the matter to the waste contractor: The duty holder on site remains responsible for compliance. -
SMSTS
You are reviewing a subcontractor’s RAMS and notice that environmental controls for waste management are missing. What is the most appropriate action?
Correct — A. Environmental legislation requires proper management of waste. RAMS must reflect legal duties, and the manager must ensure these are addressed before work begins. Why the other options are incorrect: • Approve the RAMS as environmental matters are low risk: Environmental risks remain legally significant even if perceived as low. • Allow work to start and manage waste issues on site as they arise: Controls must be planned, not improvised during work. • Add a verbal instruction covering waste management: Verbal instructions do not replace documented legal compliance. • Rely on the subcontractor’s previous performance: Past performance does not remove current legal requirements. -
SMSTS
During an inspection, you find an excavation over 1.5 metres deep with no edge protection or support. The ground conditions are poor, but the work is behind programme. What should you do to comply with legal requirements?
Correct — A. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and Work at Height principles require excavations to be made safe. The manager must stop unsafe work immediately where there is a risk of collapse, regardless of programme pressures. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow work to continue if operatives are experienced: Experience does not remove the legal requirement to provide safe systems of work. • Permit access provided a verbal warning is given: Warnings do not control physical risks such as collapse. • Backfill the excavation at the end of the shift only: Leaving an unsafe excavation open remains a risk throughout the shift. • Record the issue in the site diary and review it later: Recording alone does not address an immediate danger. -
SMSTS
A delivery driver is struck by moving plant on site and sustains a fractured arm. As the site manager, which action best reflects your legal responsibilities?
Correct — A. Specified injuries such as fractures must be reported under RIDDOR. The manager must ensure proper reporting and investigation to comply with legal duties. Why the other options are incorrect: • Record the incident only in the site accident book: An accident book alone does not meet statutory reporting requirements. • Leave reporting to the injured person’s employer: The duty to report cannot be passed entirely to another employer. • Wait to see if the injury worsens before reporting: Reporting thresholds are based on injury type, not future outcomes. • Deal with the matter internally without formal reporting: Failure to report is a breach of legal obligations. -
SMSTS
A near miss involving reversing plant is reported on site. No one was injured. As site manager, what is the most appropriate response?
Correct — A. Health and safety law requires proactive management of risk. Investigating near misses helps identify failures in control before a serious incident occurs. Why the other options are incorrect: • Take no action as there was no injury: The absence of injury does not remove the duty to manage risk. • Record it informally and move on: Informal recording alone does not address underlying hazards. • Discipline the plant operator immediately: Disciplinary action without investigation may miss systemic issues. • Wait to see if a similar incident happens again: Waiting increases the likelihood of harm. -
SMSTS
Following a fall on site, an operative is absent from work for more than seven consecutive days. As the manager, what legal requirement applies?
Correct — A. RIDDOR requires over-seven-day injuries to be reported to the enforcing authority. This is a clear legal trigger that the manager must recognise and act upon. Why the other options are incorrect: • No reporting is required as the injury is non-fatal: Non-fatal injuries can still be legally reportable. • Only internal company reporting is necessary: Internal reporting does not replace statutory duties. • Reporting is required only if the injured person requests it: Legal reporting is mandatory and not based on worker preference. • Reporting is optional if first aid was provided: First aid does not affect reporting thresholds. -
SMSTS
You notice a visitor has accessed the site without signing in or receiving a briefing. What should you do?
Correct — A. Health and safety law requires protection of non-employees affected by the work. Site access procedures are essential controls and must be enforced. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow the visit if they remain with a site operative: Supervision alone does not replace formal controls. • Provide a quick verbal overview and allow access: A brief overview does not adequately manage risk. • Ignore the issue as it is a short visit: Duration does not remove risk exposure. • Ask the visitor to sign in at the end of their visit: Controls must be applied before access is granted. -
SMSTS
You notice repeated minor breaches of site rules by a subcontractor. What approach best reflects the purpose of health and safety law?
Correct — A. Health and safety law promotes proactive risk management. Early intervention helps prevent escalation and demonstrates effective control of the workplace. Why the other options are incorrect: • Ignore minor breaches until a serious issue arises: Waiting allows unsafe behaviours to become normalised. • Immediately remove the subcontractor from site: Immediate removal may be disproportionate without investigation. • Issue written warnings only after an accident: Post-incident action defeats the preventative purpose of the law. • Leave enforcement solely to the subcontractor’s supervisor: The site manager retains overall control of standards. -
SMSTS
A crane lift is planned using a complex lifting arrangement. You discover that no temporary works design check has been completed. What action should you take?
Correct — A. Temporary works must be designed, checked, and implemented in accordance with legal duties under CDM and general health and safety law. Proceeding without a design check exposes workers to unacceptable risk. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow the lift if the crane operator is competent: Competence does not replace the need for a proper temporary works process. • Proceed with the lift but restrict access around the area: Exclusion zones do not address the risk of structural failure. • Ask the subcontractor to sign a risk acceptance form: Risk acceptance forms do not override statutory duties. • Carry out the lift at reduced load without redesign: Reducing load does not eliminate the need for proper design approval. -
SMSTS
A subcontractor questions why environmental controls are necessary for minor spills. How should you respond?
Correct — A. Environmental legislation aims to prevent pollution at source. Even small spills can cause harm and must be controlled. Why the other options are incorrect: • Agree that small spills are not legally significant: Legal duties apply regardless of perceived scale. • Allow spills provided they are cleaned up later: Delayed action may still result in pollution. • Leave environmental matters to specialist contractors: Site management retains responsibility for controls. • Apply controls only near watercourses: Environmental risk is not limited to watercourses. -
SMSTS
A contractor asks whether they can start work before the construction phase plan has been finalised. What is the correct legal position?
Correct — A. Under CDM Regulations, a construction phase plan must be in place before work starts. This is a fundamental legal requirement. Why the other options are incorrect: • Work can start if risks appear minimal: Perceived low risk does not remove the legal requirement. • Only high-risk activities need to wait: The requirement applies to all construction work. • Work may start with verbal agreement: Verbal agreement does not meet statutory duties. • The plan can be completed during the first week of work: The plan must be completed prior to commencement. -
SMSTS
You are planning works adjacent to a public footpath. What is your primary legal consideration?
Correct — A. Health and safety legislation places a duty on duty holders to protect non-employees affected by the work. Public protection must be planned and implemented. Why the other options are incorrect: • Completing the work as quickly as possible to minimise exposure: Speed of work does not guarantee risk control. • Relying on warning signage alone: Signage alone is rarely sufficient protection. • Assuming the local authority manages public safety: The contractor retains responsibility for site-related risks. • Only considering risks during working hours: Risks may exist outside normal working hours. -
SMSTS
You are reviewing subcontractor competence records and find expired training certificates. What is the correct course of action?
Correct — A. Those in control of construction work must ensure workers are competent. Allowing work without current evidence of competence breaches legal duties. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow work to continue if experience is evident: Experience alone does not demonstrate current competence. • Permit work under additional supervision: Supervision does not remove the requirement for competence. • Accept certificates if renewal is booked: Booked renewal does not guarantee present competence. • Leave competence checks to the subcontractor: Responsibility for competence cannot be fully delegated. -
SMSTS
You discover that a subcontractor has brought their own electrical equipment onto site without evidence of inspection or testing. What should you do to comply with legal duties?
Correct — A. Electricity at Work Regulations require electrical equipment to be maintained in a safe condition. The manager must prevent use until suitable inspection and controls are confirmed. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow its use if no visible damage is present: Absence of visible damage does not confirm electrical safety. • Permit use for short-duration tasks only: Duration of use does not reduce electrical risk. • Ask operatives to visually inspect the equipment themselves: Operatives are not responsible for formal inspection regimes. • Record the issue and review it during the next audit: Delaying action leaves workers exposed to immediate risk. -
SMSTS
You are managing a project where licensed asbestos removal is required. The removal contractor arrives without evidence of notification to the enforcing authority. What is the correct managerial response?
Correct — A. The Control of Asbestos Regulations require licensed work to be notified to the enforcing authority. Allowing work to proceed without notification would be a breach of legislation and the manager must prevent this. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow removal to proceed if the contractor is licensed: A licence alone does not remove the requirement for formal notification. • Proceed with removal outside normal working hours: Time of work does not affect legal notification requirements. • Supervise the work closely to reduce risk: Supervision cannot compensate for non-compliance with statutory requirements. • Allow removal of only small sections at a time: Phasing the work does not remove the need for notification. -
SMSTS
You observe operatives manually handling heavy materials without mechanical aids, despite these being available on site. What is the correct managerial response?
Correct — A. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations require risks to be avoided or reduced so far as reasonably practicable. Where mechanical aids are available, they should be used. Why the other options are incorrect: • Allow the task to continue if operatives are comfortable: Comfort does not negate the risk of injury. • Reduce the load size and continue work: Reducing load size may still leave avoidable risk. • Permit the task provided frequent breaks are taken: Breaks do not remove the underlying hazard. • Leave the decision to the subcontractor: Overall responsibility for safe systems remains with site management. -
SMSTS
You are informed that noise levels on site may exceed safe limits during planned works. What is the most appropriate action?
Correct — A. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations require risks from noise exposure to be assessed and controlled in advance. Controls must be planned before exposure occurs. Why the other options are incorrect: • Proceed with work and issue ear protection only: PPE alone may not sufficiently control exposure. • Limit exposure by shortening working hours: Shorter hours do not remove the need for assessment. • Rely on operatives to report hearing issues: Reactive reporting does not meet proactive legal duties. • Monitor noise levels after the work is complete: Controls must be in place before harm occurs.
SMSTS sample questions
Tap any question below to reveal the answer and a plain-English explanation.
Health Safety At Work An employer asks how they can demonstrate commitment to health and safety beyond compliance. What is the most appropriate answer?
A. By actively leading, monitoring and continually improving safety performance ✓
B. By relying solely on external audits
C. By focusing only on legal minimum standards
D. By delegating all safety matters to contractors
E. By responding only when incidents occur
Correct — A. Effective safety management requires leadership, monitoring and continuous improvement, not just basic compliance. Why the other options are incorrect: • By relying solely on external audits: Audits support but do not replace active management. • By focusing only on legal minimum standards: Minimum standards may not adequately control risk. • By delegating all safety matters to contractors: Delegation does not remove employer responsibility. • By responding only when incidents occur: Reactive approaches fail to prevent harm.
Health Safety At Work An employer has documented health and safety arrangements but does not allocate sufficient resources to implement them. What is the primary issue?
A. Failure to provide adequate resources undermines effective safety management ✓
B. Documentation alone satisfies legal duties
C. Resources are only required for high-risk activities
D. Employees are responsible for resourcing safety
E. Resource allocation is optional if procedures exist
Correct — A. Employers must provide adequate resources, including time, money and personnel, to implement health and safety arrangements effectively. Without resources, systems cannot function. Why the other options are incorrect: • Documentation alone satisfies legal duties: Documentation without implementation does not control risk. • Resources are only required for high-risk activities: All activities require appropriate resourcing. • Employees are responsible for resourcing safety: Employees cannot compensate for lack of management support. • Resource allocation is optional if procedures exist: Resourcing is a core management duty.
Health Safety At Work A self-employed worker fails to use provided control measures, putting others at risk. What legal principle applies?
A. Self-employed persons have duties to protect themselves and others affected by their work ✓
B. Self-employed workers are exempt from safety duties
C. Only employers are responsible for controlling risk
D. Employees must manage the risk instead
E. Action is only required if an accident occurs
Correct — A. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act places duties on self-employed persons to conduct their work safely and not endanger others. Why the other options are incorrect: • Self-employed workers are exempt from safety duties: Self-employed persons are not exempt from legal duties. • Only employers are responsible for controlling risk: Risk control is not limited to employers only. • Employees must manage the risk instead: Employees cannot compensate for unsafe self-employed practices. • Action is only required if an accident occurs: The law requires prevention, not reaction.
Health Safety At Work A subcontractor employer argues that providing additional safety training is unnecessary because operatives are already experienced. What is the correct managerial position?
A. Require appropriate information, instruction and training to be provided regardless of experience ✓
B. Accept experience as sufficient evidence of competence
C. Allow training to be optional for experienced workers
D. Limit training to toolbox talks only
E. Rely on operatives to request training if needed
Correct — A. Employers have a legal duty to provide suitable information, instruction and training. Experience alone does not guarantee awareness of site-specific risks or legal compliance. Why the other options are incorrect: • Accept experience as sufficient evidence of competence: Experience does not replace the employer’s duty to provide training. • Allow training to be optional for experienced workers: Optional training undermines effective safety management. • Limit training to toolbox talks only: Toolbox talks alone may not meet training requirements. • Rely on operatives to request training if needed: Employers must proactively provide training, not wait for requests.
About the SMSTS test
SMSTS Exam Prep 2026 helps you pass with 1154+ realistic practice questions, each with a clear explanation.
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- 1154+ practice questions with detailed answer explanations
- Study modes: quick 10, mock exam, timed, missed questions, and study by topic
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You will be tested on
- Work health & safety law and duty of care
- Spotting site hazards and controlling risk
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Emergency procedures and incident reporting
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Topics in this question bank
Work health & safety law and duty of care
Spotting site hazards and controlling risk
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Emergency procedures and incident reporting
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