Ace NEBOSH 2026: Boost Your Safety Savvy with This Dynamic Practice Test!

A broken safety barrier is an example of an unsafe condition because it directly compromises the physical safety of the environment where work occurs. Safety barriers are designed to prevent access to hazardous areas and to protect workers from potential dangers such as machinery, falls, or hazardous materials. When a barrier is broken, it no longer serves its protective function, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries in that area.

While the other scenarios also relate to unsafe situations, they focus on actions or behaviors rather than the condition of the workplace itself. For example, a worker not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) reflects a behavioral or compliance issue, while a worker slipping on oil represents an unsafe act or incident resulting from a previously unsafe condition (the oil spill). Missing safety documentation pertains to compliance and administrative safety measures, rather than a direct physical hazard in the environment. Therefore, the presence of a broken safety barrier distinctly represents an unsafe condition that needs immediate attention to ensure the safety and health of workers.