Task 1: The influence of peers

1 Comment on the influence of peers on health and safety at the car showroom.
Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant information from the
scenario.
Answer:
The car showroom scenario highlights a concerning influence of peers on health and safety practices.
There are demonstrating this negative influence:
Pressure to Conform:
1. Risky Behavior as the Norm: The sales team prioritizes achieving targets over safety,
creating an environment where risky behavior like phone use while driving becomes
normalized.
2. Fear of Exclusion: The senior salesperson feels pressure to "fit in" and avoid raising safety
concerns, fearing potential consequences from colleagues.
3. Apprentice's Actions: The apprentice uses the fire extinguisher inappropriately and answers
calls while driving to gain acceptance from the group.
Normalization of Unsafe Practices:
4. Leadership by Example: The HoS and Sales Supervisor both condone unsafe behaviors,
sending a message that safety is not a priority.
5. Silence About Near Misses: Past near misses and minor injuries are not reported or
investigated, preventing learning and discouraging a safety-conscious culture.
6. Discouraging Open Communication: The apprentice and Sales Supervisor conceal the
apprentice's accident, hindering the identification and mitigation of potential future hazards.
Impact on Safety Awareness:
7. Lack of Training: The short induction for the apprentice suggests a lack of emphasis on safe
driving practices and hazard awareness, making them more susceptible to peer pressure.
8. Unrealistic Expectations: The focus on "getting the job done quickly" may lead to taking
shortcuts like phone use while driving, compromising safety in the process.
9. Disregarding Safety Rules: Despite signs prohibiting phone use, the apprentice feels
comfortable answering a call while driving, likely influenced by the team's lax attitude.
10. Potential for Serious Accidents: The apprentice's accident, although seemingly minor,
demonstrates the potential for more serious injuries or even fatalities due to peer pressure and
a lack of safety focus.
These points highlight how peer pressure at the car showroom creates a dangerous environment
where unsafe practices become normalized. A healthy work environment would encourage open
communication about safety concerns, prioritize proper training, and discourage risky behavior to
prevent accidents.
Task 2: Emergency procedures
2 (a) What are the positive points about fire safety arrangements at the car
showroom?
Answer:
Based on the scenario provided, there are a few positive points about fire safety arrangements at the
car showroom:
Presence of Fire Call Points: The showroom has fire call points installed, which indicates a basic
level of fire safety infrastructure in place. These call points are essential for alerting occupants in case
of a fire emergency.
Assigned Assembly Point: There is an assigned assembly point nominated in the written emergency
procedure. Having a designated safe location for evacuees to gather after exiting the building during a
fire emergency is crucial for ensuring their safety.
Fire Action Notices: Fire action notices are displayed around the building. While the effectiveness of
these notices might be questioned, their presence serves as a reminder of the necessary actions to
take in case of a fire and contributes to raising awareness about fire safety.
The Role of the Sales Supervisor during the False Alarm Incident: Although not formally trained,
the Sales Supervisor assumed the role of a fire marshal during the false alarm incident. While this may
not be ideal, having someone take charge and guide others during an emergency can be beneficial in
ensuring a coordinated evacuation process.
While these points indicate some level of consideration for fire safety, it's essential to note that there
are significant areas for improvement and potential risks highlighted in the scenario, such as the lack
of frequent fire drills, management's perception of low fire risk, and a culture that prioritizes sales
targets over safety concerns. Addressing these gaps and fostering a stronger commitment to fire
safety protocols and training would further enhance the overall fire safety arrangements at the car
showroom.

b) What are the negative points about fire safety arrangements at the car showroom?
Answer:
The scenario highlights several negative points regarding fire safety arrangements at the car
showroom:
Lack of Fire Drills: Despite the presence of fire action notices and fire call points, there is a significant
absence of frequent fire drills. The Sales Supervisor dismisses the need for such drills, indicating a
lack of proactive measures to prepare employees for fire emergencies.
Low Awareness and Training: The Sales Supervisor's attitude toward fire risk, considering it to be
low and therefore not requiring frequent drills, reflects a lack of awareness and understanding of the
importance of fire safety. Additionally, there is no specific health and safety training provided to the
Head of Sales (HoS) to fulfill their responsibilities adequately.
Minimal Compliance and Preparedness: Although there are fire action notices and a designated
assembly point, the lack of regular drills and proper training means that employees may not be fully
prepared to respond effectively in case of a real fire incident. This poses a risk to the safety of
employees and visitors.
Inadequate Supervision and Oversight: The MD's detachment from day-to-day operations and
delegation of health and safety responsibilities to the HoS without proper training or supervision
indicate a lack of oversight regarding fire safety protocols and compliance within the showroom.
Culture of Covering Up Incidents: The incident involving the apprentice tripping over the seatbelt
and subsequently fracturing their wrist highlights a culture where incidents are covered up rather than
addressed transparently. The Sales Supervisor's advice to the apprentice to fabricate a story about the
accident at home further perpetuates this culture of secrecy and non-disclosure.
Risk of Major Incidents: The senior salesperson's concern about the unsafe working practices and
lack of attention paid during the movement of vehicles indicates a potential risk of major incidents or
accidents occurring due to rushed tasks, distraction, and lack of supervision or training.
These negative points collectively indicate a significant gap in fire safety arrangements and overall
safety culture within the car showroom. Addressing these issues and implementing robust fire safety
protocols, regular training, and a culture of transparency and accountability are essential to mitigate
risks and ensure the safety of everyone in the workplace.

c) Why is it important to practice emergency procedures?

Answer:
It is important to practice emergency procedures for several reasons:
Improves Preparedness: Regularly practicing procedures helps people become familiar with the
steps they need to take in an emergency. This reduces confusion, panic, and wasted time during a
real crisis.
Identifies Weaknesses: Drills can reveal any weaknesses in the plan or identify areas where staff
need additional training. This allows for improvements to be made before a real emergency occurs.
Increases Confidence: Practicing procedures builds confidence in staff's ability to respond effectively
in an emergency. This can be crucial for making quick decisions and taking action under pressure.
Ensures Coordination: Regular drills can help different teams and individuals coordinate their efforts
during an emergency. This ensures a more efficient and effective response.
Reduces Injuries and Loss of Life: By being prepared and acting quickly, practicing emergency
procedures can help to minimize injuries, property damage, and even save lives.

Task 3: Accident reporting

3. Within a workplace there are formal procedures for reporting accidents.
(a) Comment on the Sales Supervisor’s approach to reporting the apprentice’s accident?
Answer:

The Sales Supervisor's approach to reporting the apprentice's accident is completely inappropriate
and demonstrates several safety concerns:
Covering Up the Incident: The Supervisor promised to keep the accident a secret, potentially
preventing an investigation into the cause and putting the apprentice and others at further risk.
Discouraging Reporting: By advising the apprentice to lie about how they got hurt, the Supervisor
discourages reporting future accidents, which could be more serious.
Lack of Concern for Wellbeing: There's no mention of the Supervisor checking on the apprentice's
well-being beyond embarrassment or offering any medical attention.
Potential Legal Issues: The Supervisor could be held liable for failing to report a workplace accident,
depending on local regulations.

(b) How should the apprentice’s accident be reported by the employer?

Answer:
The apprentice's accident should be reported by the employer following established protocols and
guidelines for workplace safety and incident reporting. Here are the steps that should be taken:
Immediate Response: The first step is to ensure the apprentice receives necessary medical attention
promptly. This includes providing first aid on-site if needed and arranging for professional medical
evaluation and treatment.
Documentation: The employer should document the details of the accident thoroughly. This includes
recording the date, time, location, nature of the accident, and any contributing factors such as the use
of a mobile phone while driving.
Reporting to Authorities: Depending on local regulations and the severity of the accident, the
employer may need to report the incident to relevant authorities such as occupational safety and
health administrations or regulatory bodies.
Internal Reporting: Internally, the accident should be reported to designated individuals responsible
for health and safety management within the organization. This may include the Head of Sales (HoS)
or other appointed safety officers.
Investigation: An investigation should be conducted to determine the root cause of the accident. This
involves examining factors such as workplace policies, training procedures, supervision practices, and
employee behavior that may have contributed to the incident.
Corrective Actions: Based on the findings of the investigation, appropriate corrective actions should
be implemented to prevent similar accidents in the future. This may involve revising safety protocols,
providing additional training, enforcing compliance with safety regulations, and addressing any cultural
or behavioral issues related to safety.
Communication: Clear and transparent communication should be maintained with all relevant
stakeholders, including the injured apprentice, other employees, management, and external authorities
if necessary. Employees should be informed about the incident and any changes in safety procedures
or policies resulting from it.
Documentation of Treatment and Recovery: The employer should keep accurate records of the
apprentice's medical treatment, recovery progress, and any accommodations or adjustments made to
facilitate their return to work.

1. Immediate medical attention:

Ensure the apprentice receives proper medical care for their fractured wrist. This may involve a visit to a
doctor or urgent care facility depending on the severity.

2. Accident Report:

A formal accident report should be filled out by the Sales Supervisor or a designated representative
documenting the incident.

Details to include:

Date, time, and location of the accident.

How the accident happened (mentioning the use of a mobile phone while driving).

Any injuries sustained (fractured wrist).

Any witnesses (the Sales Supervisor).

3. Investigation:

The employer should investigate the cause of the accident to prevent similar occurrences.

Look into the policy regarding phone usage while driving company vehicles.

Consider if there were adequate supervision or training provided to the apprentice.

4. Reporting to relevant authorities:

Depending on local regulations, the accident may need to be reported to workplace safety authorities.

Task 4: The legal reasons for health and safety management

4. What are the legal reasons why health and safety should be managed at the car
showroom?
Answer:
There are several legal reasons why health and safety should be managed at the car showroom:
Employer Duty of Care: Employers have a legal duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the
health, safety, and welfare of their employees at work. This is a fundamental principle in most
workplace safety regulations. Failing to take reasonable steps to protect employees from foreseeable
risks can lead to prosecution and significant fines.
Employee Rights: Employees have the right to a safe working environment. This means employers
must take steps to identify and control hazards, provide training on safe working practices, and ensure
proper supervision.
Accident Costs: Workplace accidents can be very expensive for employers, not just in terms of
potential fines but also in lost productivity, compensation claims, and damage to the company's
reputation.
Compliance with Regulations: Most countries have specific workplace safety regulations that outline
minimum standards for health and safety. These regulations may cover a variety of topics, such as fire
safety, hazardous substances, manual handling, and the use of display screen equipment. Failing to
comply with these regulations can lead to enforcement action.
Insurance Requirements: Many businesses require insurance to cover the costs of workplace
accidents and illnesses. A history of safety violations can make it difficult to obtain or maintain
insurance coverage, or lead to increased premiums.
Financial Liability: Failure to manage health and safety properly can lead to legal consequences
such as fines, penalties, or lawsuits. If an employee is injured due to inadequate safety measures, the
employer may be held financially liable for medical expenses, compensation, and other costs.
Reputation and Brand Protection: Workplace accidents or safety violations can damage the
reputation and brand image of the car showroom. Negative publicity, customer dissatisfaction, and
loss of trust can result from incidents that reflect poorly on the company's commitment to safety.

Task 5: Workers’ responsibilities in the workplace

5. It is likely that the injured apprentice may have contravened some of their
responsibilities as a worker within International Labour Organisation
Convention C155 – Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981
(No.155) Article 19 and associated Recommendation R164 – Occupational
Safety and Health Recommendation, 1981 (No.164) recommendation 16.

Comment on the extent to which Article 19 of C155 and recommendation 16 of

R164 may have been contravened.
Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant information
from the scenario.
Answer:
Article 19(a):
This requires workers to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others. Answering a
phone while driving is a distraction and increases the risk of accidents. The apprentice contravened
this by using their phone while maneuvering a vehicle.
R164 Recommendation 16:
Recommendation 16(a): This recommends that workers be given necessary instructions and training.
The scenario mentions a very short induction for the apprentice, suggesting inadequate training on
safe driving practices and hazard awareness. This lack of training likely contributed to the accident.
Both C155 & R164:
Speeding and 'Showing Off' in the Car Park: The senior salesperson also noted instances of the
apprentice speeding and engaging in risky behavior in the car park. Such actions disregard safety
guidelines and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Failure to Report the Accident at Work: After sustaining an injury at work, the apprentice did not
report the incident truthfully and instead agreed to a cover-up story suggested by the Sales
Supervisor. This lack of transparency and honesty about workplace accidents can hinder proper
investigation and management of safety concerns.
Not Following Instructions While Operating a Vehicle: The apprentice was multitasking by
answering a call on their mobile phone while simultaneously driving and attempting to exit the vehicle.
This distracted driving behavior can lead to accidents and is not in line with safety protocols.
Overall, the apprentice's actions demonstrate a disregard for safety protocols and responsibilities
outlined in Article 19 and recommendation 16. These contraventions not only put the individual at risk
but also compromise the safety of others in the workplace.

Task 6: Near misses

6. It is often a matter of chance that a near miss turns into an accident.
How could investigation of the previous near misses have helped prevent this accident?
Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant information from the scenario.
Investigating previous near misses at the car showroom could have helped prevent the apprentice's
accident in several ways:
Answer:
Identifying unsafe behaviors: Investigating past incidents would have revealed patterns of unsafe
behaviors like using phones while driving and speeding in the car park. This would have allowed the
management to take corrective actions such as additional training, stricter enforcement of rules, or
disciplinary measures.
Improved training: Investigations could have highlighted the need for more comprehensive training,
particularly for new employees like the apprentice. Training could cover safe driving practices, hazard
awareness, proper use of seatbelts, and the dangers of distractions like mobile phones.
Addressing supervision issues: Investigating near misses might have exposed a lack of proper
supervision, especially for the apprentice. Improved supervision could have prevented the apprentice
from using their phone while driving and ensured they were aware of and followed safety protocols.
Heightened safety culture: A system for investigating near misses demonstrates that the company
takes safety seriously. This can lead to a more cautious and safety-conscious work environment
where employees are less likely to take risks.
Risk assessment: Investigating past incidents could have identified potential risks associated with
moving vehicles around the showroom. This could have led to the development of safer procedures,
such as designated walking areas or protocols for maneuvering vehicles.
In the scenario, the Sales Supervisor downplayed the apprentice's phone use while driving, a clear
near miss. This approach discourages reporting future incidents and creates a culture where taking
risks becomes normalized. If investigations had been conducted previously, management would have
likely recognized the seriousness of such behavior and taken steps to prevent similar situations.

Task 7: Health and safety culture

7. What appear to be the negative indicators of health and safety culture at the

Car showroom? (20)

Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant information from the scenario.
Answer:
The car showroom exhibits several negative indicators of health and safety culture, creating a
dangerous work environment. Here are some key points:
Management Priorities:
1. Sales over Safety: Prioritizing achieving sales targets over employee well-being.
2. Detached Leadership: The MD's lack of involvement in daily operations and disregard for
safety concerns.
3. Focus on Short-Term Gains: Prioritizing immediate profits from bonuses over potential
consequences of accidents (legal, financial, reputational).
Work Environment:
4. Lax Supervision: Sales Supervisor condones unsafe behaviors like phone use while driving
and doesn't enforce safety rules.
5. Pressure to Conform: Senior salesperson feels pressure to "fit in" and not raise safety
concerns, discouraging open communication.
6. Lack of Training: Short induction for the apprentice suggests inadequate training on safe
driving practices and hazard awareness.
7. Disregarding Near Misses: No investigation or documentation of previous near misses and
minor injuries, preventing learning and improvement.
8. Unrealistic Expectations: Emphasis on "getting the job done quickly" may lead to taking
shortcuts that compromise safety.
Safety Practices:
9. Ignoring Safe Phone Use: Allowing the apprentice to answer a call while driving despite signs
prohibiting it.
 10. No Fire Drills: Neglecting regular fire drills despite having flammable vehicles on site, leaving
employees unprepared.
11. Unmaintained Equipment: Scenario doesn't mention fire extinguisher maintenance, raising
potential concerns.
12. Poor Fire Evacuation Procedures: Untrained Sales Supervisor leading the evacuation in the
past incident.
13. Cluttered Workspace: Unclear if showroom layout or car park organization could hinder safe
movement or evacuation.
Employee Behavior:
14. Risky Driving Practices: Apprentice using phone while driving and speeding in the car park.
15. Horseplay at Work: Apprentice's misuse of the fire extinguisher demonstrates a lack of safety
seriousness.
16. Failing to Report Incidents: Apprentice and Sales Supervisor concealing the apprentice's
accident.
17. Fear of Repercussions: Senior salesperson feels pressured not to raise safety concerns due
to potential consequences.
Overall Culture:
18. Reactive Approach: Management only considers safety after incidents occur, not focusing on
prevention.
19. Lack of Safety Culture: No emphasis on safety procedures, training, or open communication
about safety concerns.
20. Potential Legal Repercussions: The Company could face legal action for failing to provide a
safe work environment.
These points highlight the showroom's concerning safety culture. A healthy safety culture would
prioritize employee well-being, invest in proper training and supervision, and encourage open
communication about safety concerns.

Task 8: Health and safety management roles and responsibilities

8 It is important that everyone in the organization knows their health and safety roles and
responsibilities.
Comment on the effectiveness of roles and responsibilities in relation to health and safety
management in the car showroom.
Note: You should focus on roles and responsibilities and not the health and safety management
system.
Note: You should support your answer, where applicable, using relevant information from the scenario.
Answer:
The roles and responsibilities for health and safety management in the car showroom are largely
ineffective, creating a potentially hazardous work environment. Here's a breakdown of the issues:
Management:
MD: The Managing Director (MD) is detached from daily operations and delegates health and safety
responsibilities without ensuring proper training or oversight. This lack of leadership creates a culture
where safety is not prioritized.
HoS: The Head of Sales (HoS) prioritizes sales targets over safety and lacks specific health and safety
training. This sets a negative example for the team and hinders the implementation of safety protocols.
Sales Team:
Sales Supervisor: The Sales Supervisor condones unsafe behaviors like phone use while driving and
failing to report incidents. This lack of supervision allows risky practices to become normalized.
Senior Salesperson: While the senior salesperson raises safety concerns, they feel pressured to
conform and don't actively challenge unsafe practices. This highlights a fear of speaking up and a lack
of empowerment regarding safety.
Apprentice: The apprentice lacks proper training and engages in risky behavior like phone use while
driving. They also conceal the accident, demonstrating a lack of safety awareness.
Overall Issues:
Misplaced focus: Responsibilities are delegated without proper training or accountability. Sales
targets take precedence over safety.
Lack of communication: Safety concerns are not effectively communicated upwards, and incidents
are not reported or investigated.
Culture of fear: Employees feel pressure to conform and avoid reporting safety issues due to fear of
repercussions.
An effective health and safety management system would involve clearly defined roles and
responsibilities with proper training. Management should actively promote safety, and employees
should feel empowered to report unsafe practices without fear. In this scenario, none of these
elements are present.