Health, Safety & Environmental Scenarios in Practice

Purpose

This worksheet allows learners to apply theoretical HSE knowledge to workplacebased scenarios. Learners will analyze incidents, assess risks, and develop mitigation strategies while linking their actions to UK legislation and standards. The task develops strategic decision-making, analytical thinking, and vocational competency.

Section 1: Scenario Overview

Scenario 1: Welding Operations in a Fabrication Plant

• Background: Workers are performing welding on large steel structures. A near-miss occurs when fumes exceed safe levels and an operator suffers minor eye irritation.
• Relevant HSE Concepts:
  • Risk assessment and hierarchy of controls
  • COSHH 2002 compliance
  • ALARP principle
  • Human factors: fatigue, PPE adherence, training
• Scenario Requirements: Learners must identify hazards, evaluate existing controls, and propose strategic improvements.

Scenario 2: Chemical Storage at an Industrial Plant

• Background: Improperly labelled chemical containers lead to confusion during a routine inspection. There is potential for a spill or reaction hazard.
• Relevant HSE Concepts:
  • Hazard identification and chemical risk management
  • Control measures under COSHH 2002
  • Incident reporting via RIDDOR 2013
  • Environmental impact per Environmental Protection Act 1990
• Scenario Requirements: Learners must assess risk, propose corrective measures, and develop a response plan.

Scenario 3: Electrical Installation at a Construction Site

• Background: A subcontractor installs temporary electrical wiring without appropriateinspection. Minor electrical shocks are reported.
• Relevant HSE Concepts:
  • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
  • PUWER 1998 for equipment safety
  • Risk assessment and safe working procedures
• Scenario Requirements: Learners must analyze hazards, identify failures in compliance, and recommend actions to prevent incidents

Section 2: Applied Task Worksheet

For each scenario, learners should complete the following structured worksheet:

Section	Task	Guidance Notes
Hazard Identification	List all potential hazards in the scenario	Include human, environmental, mechanical, chemical, and operational hazards
Existing Controls Assessment	Identify current controls and evaluate effectiveness	Consider engineering, administrative, and PPE controls
Risk Evaluation	Assess likelihood and severity of each hazard	Use qualitative or semiquantitative approaches; link to ALARP principle
Legislation & Standards	Identify applicable UK laws, regulations, or standards	e.g., HSWA 1974, COSHH 2002, CDM 2015, ISO 45001, ISO 14001
Corrective/Preventive Actions	Propose improvements or new controls	Include engineering, administrative, PPE, and training solutions
Strategic Reflection	Explain how proposed actions improve safety and compliance	Link to Level 7 strategic planning and management
Outcome Monitoring	Describe how effectiveness will be verified	Inspections, audits, incident tracking, continuous improvement

Section 3: Example Completed Worksheet (Scenario 1 – Welding Operations)

Section	Example Response
Hazard Identification	Welding fumes, UV radiation, fire, hot surfaces, manual handling
Existing Controls Assessment	Local exhaust ventilation present, PPE available but not consistently used, fire extinguishers available
Risk Evaluation	Likelihood: Medium, Severity: Moderate → Overall Risk: Medium
Legislation & Standards	COSHH 2002 (fume exposure), HSWA 1974 (safe systems), ISO 45001 (OHSMS)
Corrective/Preventive Actions	Install additional fume extraction Mandatory PPE enforcement and training SOP revision and communication Schedule job rotations to reduce exposure
Strategic Reflection	Reduces long-term respiratory risk, ensures compliance with legislation, enhances workforce safety culture, demonstrates ALARP application
Outcome Monitoring	Weekly fume level checks, PPE audits, incident log review, management review meetings

Section 4: Analytical Questions

1. How would you prioritize hazards across multiple scenarios based on severity and likelihood using the ALARP principle?
2. In Scenario 2, how would RIDDOR 2013 and Environmental Protection Act 1990 influence your incident response plan?
3. How can human factors (fatigue, training, communication) be integrated into hazard control strategies?
4. Which Level 7 strategic management techniques can be applied to prevent recurrence of electrical incidents in Scenario 3?
5. Explain how ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards could be applied to monitor and improve risk management in all three scenarios.
6. Reflect on how documentation and reporting improve accountability and transparency in HSE operations.

Section 5: Reflection and Competency Development

Learner Reflection (1400–1500 words):

• Describe how applying theoretical knowledge to workplace scenarios helps identify risk factors
• Explain the role of legislation, standards, and controls in preventing incidents
• Reflect on how strategic planning, monitoring, and continuous improvement enhance safety outcomes
• Highlight the importance of documentation and communication for accountability

Section 6: Learner Task

Task Title: Applied Scenario Worksheet – Foundations of HSE Engineering

Instructions:

1. Complete the applied scenario worksheets for all three scenarios
2. Answer all analytical questions with reference to workplace examples
3. Provide a reflective commentary linking theory to practice, demonstrating Level 7 strategic understanding
4. Include references to UK legislation and standards (HSWA 1974, COSHH 2002, CDM 2015, ISO 45001, ISO 14001)
5. Submit a completed document showing:
   • Risk identification, evaluation, and mitigation
   • Strategic reasoning for controls and compliance
   • Continuous improvement and monitoring plans