Task Purpose

This task is designed to help learners connect specialist health, safety, environmental, and engineering terminology with practical workplace applications. The aim is to reduce confusion, improve accuracy, and support correct decision-making in ISO-aligned risk-based systems.

The task supports the unit learning outcomes by:

• Linking ISO 45001 principles with terminology used in system planning and control.
• Strengthening understanding of quantifiable risk evaluation language.
• Showing how correct terminology improves risk communication quality.

Learners study the assessor examples, then complete a similar matching exercise using terms from their own workplace.

Part A — Terminology-to-Application Matching Table

Below is the assessor-provided table. The first column lists core terms. The second column shows simple definitions. The third column gives a real site example. This demonstrates how a learner should connect theory and practice.

1. Safe Working Load (SWL)

Definition :

The maximum load that lifting equipment or accessories can safely lift or carry.

Correct Site-Based Application:

A chain sling marked with SWL 2 tonnes is used only for loads up to 2 tonnes. When a 2.4-tonne transformer arrives, the lifting supervisor rejects the sling and requests higherrated gear.

Relevance to the unit:

Shows controlled conditions required by ISO 45001 and reduces high-risk lifting failures through measurable limits.

2. Aspect–Impact (Environmental)

Definition :

Aspect: an element of an activity that interacts with the environment. Impact: the result of that interaction.

Correct Site-Based Application:

Fuel storage on a construction site is an aspect. A possible diesel spill contaminating soil is the impact. The site manager places bunds and spill kits as part of the environmental register.

Relevance to the unit:

Supports system-based thinking and shows how environmental risks link to planning and operational controls.

3. Hierarchy of Controls

Definition :

A structured method for selecting controls, beginning with the most effective (elimination) and ending with the least effective (PPE).

Correct Site-Based Application:

A noisy diesel generator is replaced with a fixed electrical supply. This demonstrates “substitution,” which is higher in the hierarchy than using ear defenders.

Relevance to the unit:

Strengthens strategic risk reduction and measurable risk scoring.

4. Residual Risk

Definition :

The remaining level of risk after controls have been applied.

Correct Site-Based Application:

Working at height on a MEWP has reduced risk, but the supervisor still documents residual hazards such as overturning risk and requires harness checks before entry.

Relevance to the unit:

Connects risk scoring to ISO-style planning and review.

5. Permit to Work (PTW)

Definition :

A formal written system used for high-risk activities to ensure hazards are identified and controls are verified before work begins

Correct Site-Based Application:

Before a confined-space entry, the supervisor completes gas testing, isolation, rescue plan, and signs the PTW. Workers do not start until the authorised person approves it.

Relevance to the unit:

Supports risk communication and prevents uncontrolled high-risk work.

5. Leading Indicator

Definition :

A proactive measure that predicts future safety performance.

Correct Site-Based Application:

Monthly data shows a drop in toolbox talk attendance. The HSE team treats this as a leading indicator for declining safety engagement and increases supervisory monitoring.

Relevance to the unit:

Shows how organisations anticipate and control strategic risk.

7. Lagging Indicator

Definition :

A reactive measure showing past events such as incidents or injuries

Correct Site-Based Application:

Three minor hand injuries in one month form a lagging indicator. The site develops targeted hand-tool training.

Relevance to the unit:

Connects incident data to quantitative risk assessment.

8. Safe System of Work (SSOW)

Definition :

A controlled, documented method for performing a task safely.

Correct Site-Based Application:

For hot work in a fabrication yard, the SSOW includes fire watch duties, tool isolation, gas checks, and emergency arrangements.

Relevance to the unit:

Strengthens operational planning aligned with ISO 45001

9. Competent Person

Definition :

Someone with the necessary skills, training, experience, and knowledge to perform a task safely.

Correct Site-Based Application:

A scaffold inspection is carried out only by a person certified in advanced scaffolding inspection.

Relevance to the unit:

Improves accuracy of risk evaluation and communication

10. Safe System of Work (SSOW)

Definition :

The level of risk an organisation is willing to accept in pursuit of objectives.

Correct Site-Based Application:

A high-risk petrochemical plant operates with a low risk appetite. Its safety board rejects any lifting activity above Level 3 risk without engineering modifications

Relevance to the unit:

Supports strategic safety leadership and decision-making.

Part B — Applied Matching Exercise (Assessor Example)

Learners are shown a mixed list of terms and examples. They must match pairs.

Terms

1. Quantitative Risk Matrix
2. Safe Working Load
3. Aspect–Impact
4. Leading Indicator
5. Emergency Communication Protocol
6. Elimination (Hierarchy of Controls)

Site-Based Examples

1. A company removes a manual grinding task and replaces it with pre-cut materials to remove the hazard
2. A crane hook labelled 5 tonnes is checked before lifting a chiller unit.
3. Workers receive a structured message using radio and alarm points during a gas leak event.
4. Fuel storage identified as “spill potential” requiring bund protection.
5. Heat-stress non-attendance at training rises, signalling declining worker wellbeing.
6. A risk form uses numerical scoring (likelihood × severity) to rank hazards.

Model Answers

• 1–F
• 2–B
• 3–D
• 4–E
• 5–C
• 6–A

Part C — High-Risk Construction Terminology Matching

These examples help learners link terms from structural, electrical, mechanical, and environmental disciplines with real situations.

1. Shear Reinforcement

Definition :

Steel bars or links placed to resist diagonal forces in structural members.

Correct Site-Based Application:

In a column pour inspection, the QC engineer confirms shear links spacing is correct before concrete placement to avoid structural failure.

2. Earthing and Bonding

Definition :

Protection method that prevents electric shock by connecting electrical systems to ground.

Correct Site-Based Application:

During generator installation, the technician checks earth pits and bonding cables before energising the system.

3. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Definition :

A system used to isolate energy sources before maintenance

Correct Site-Based Application:

Before pump repair, the mechanical team uses padlocks and tags on the electrical panel to prevent accidental start-up.

4. Confined Space

Definition :

A space not designed for continuous occupancy with limited entry and exit

Correct Site-Based Application:

A valve chamber is tested for oxygen levels and only authorised workers enter with gas monitors.

5. Thermal Stress

Definition :

Stress on the body caused by high or low temperatures.

Correct Site-Based Application:

During summer months, workers use shade shelters, water breaks, and early shifts to reduce heat illness.

Part D — Task for Learners

Learners must complete the following:

Task 1 — Match terminology to real workplace applications.

Choose ten terms from your workplace (e.g., GVW, isolation permit, anchor point, environmental receptor).

For each term:

• Write a simple definition.
• Provide one real site-based example.
• Explain how the term links to risk-based safety systems.

Task 2 — Evaluate the role of each term in ISO-aligned OHS systems.

Learners explain how correct terminology:

• improves risk assessment quality
• strengthens communication with workers
• aligns with ISO 45001 clauses on planning, operation, and performance
• supports measurable and quantifiable decision-making

Task 3 — Prepare a short communication script.

Learners select three terms and explain them to two different audiences:

• site workers
• senior management

This shows understanding of risk communication strategies.

What the assessor looks for

• Clear, simple, accurate definitions
• Correct practical examples
• Evidence that terms are applied to real workplace risks
• Logical links to ISO principles and quantifiable risk methods
• Ability to communicate terminology correctly to different audiences