NEBOSH Practice Test

What can be a potential cause of incidents in workplaces?

1. Routine maintenance checks

2. Establishing lessons from previous incidents

3. Process failures and unsafe practices

4. Compliance with health and safety legislation

The correct answer is: Process failures and unsafe practices

Identifying process failures and unsafe practices as a potential cause of incidents in workplaces is essential for understanding workplace safety management. Process failures refer to breakdowns in planned procedures, which can stem from inadequate training, insufficient resources, or lack of adherence to established protocols. Unsafe practices may arise from employee negligence, lack of awareness, or disregard for safety procedures and guidelines. When processes are not followed correctly or when workers engage in unsafe behaviors, the likelihood of incidents occurring increases significantly. This can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities, making it critical to analyze and address these areas systematically to improve safety outcomes. In contrast, routine maintenance checks and establishing lessons from previous incidents are proactive approaches that can help prevent incidents, rather than being direct causes. Compliance with health and safety legislation is also a preventive measure that supports workplace safety and mitigates risks, rather than causing incidents. Understanding the root causes of workplace incidents, such as process failures and unsafe practices, is fundamental for developing effective risk management strategies.