General
Should work that requires a site safety folder commence or continue on site without the site folder?
No, starting work without a site folder if its is required, is a nonconformance to our HSEQ Management System. It’s serious because without the folder we cannot show we are following safety laws, SWMS, inductions, licences and emergency requirements. No site folder means we could be working illegally. The site folder MUST be in place before anyone begins work.
What to do if workers skip a pre-start/ JSA before starting works?
Works must stop immediately. The task cannot continue until the pre-start/JSA is completed, hazards are identified, and controls are in place. Skipping it is a breach of UBW’s HSEQ system and WHS legal duties, because work has started without assessing the risks.
What colour band does a dry chemical powder fire extinguisher have?
White
Under the WHS Act, what does “PCBU” stand for?
Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking
Fact or Myth?
Coffee = Hydration
"I don’t need water, I already had three coffees", is this statement valid?
Myth, coffee dehydrates you. You still need water to stay alert and safe.
Is PPE optional if the job “only takes two minutes”?
No PPE must be worn according to the SWMS requirements, site safety rules/ requirements andin line with the results from a risk assessment/JSA/pre-start.
You are cutting, drilling, sanding and grinding into concrete, brick or mortar what is the hazard that poses the highest risk?
Respirable Crystalline Silica
A worker is injured and needs to go to a doctor.
Which form do you need to fill out, as a witness/supervisor or colleague?
WHS-FM-019-03 Incident Notification
Is working on the safe side of the yellow line on a train platform still considered High Risk Construction Work that requires a SWMS?
Yes, it can be. Even inside the yellow line, if there’s any chance of falling from the platform or into the traffic corridor, it becomes High Risk Construction Work.”
Fact or Myth?
"I’ve done this task 100 times, I don’t need to stop and think about risks"
Myth, routine tasks create complacency, the number 1 cause of workplace injuries.
According to the human factors and ergonomics association of Australia (HFESA) how often should desk-based workers get up, move, or change posture?
At least every 20–30 minutes.
Provide 2 controls for controlling the risk of exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) in detail.
Any two of the following:
A bin fire starts from burning paper and cardboard. A worker reaches for a CO₂ extinguisher class E (black band).
Is this the right class? if not, which one should be used?
CO₂ isn’t the best choice. For ordinary combustibles like paper/wood, use a Class A extinguisher (Red band/Water, Blue band/Foam, or White band /ABE dry chemical powder).
A subcontractor brings in a new product (adhesive, sealant). What documentation must be completed?
Hazardous Substances Register (PM-REG-001-01 - Project Hazardous Substances Register) should be updated and the SDS collected.
Fact or Myth?
If you can’t see silica dust, it’s not dangerous
Myth, most silica particles are invisible and far more harmful, these are the real threat.
What are some high risk construction activities being performed at the UBW factory/warehouse?
Use of mobile powered plant - operating forklifts, working at heights above 2 meters - on forklift man basket, work carried out in or near a contaminated or flammable atmosphere - spray painting, use of grinding tools, use of solvents etc. OTHER RELEVANT ANSWERS ACCEPTED.
If you’re in a hurry to finish a job and someone hands you an A-frame ladder without checking whether the task can be done from the ground or with a safer option, should you use it? Why or why not?
For an extra 100 points: what is the safer alternative to the A-frame ladder and why?
No - don’t use it.
You must stop and reassess. An A-frame ladder is only safe if it’s the correct tool for the task and there are additional special controls. Grabbing it just because it’s available increases the risk of falls, instability and overreaching.
Extra 100 points:
A platform ladder (or doing the task from the ground with an extension tool) is safer because it provides a larger, stable standing surface, reduces overreaching, and allows you to work with both hands while maintaining balance and 3 points of contact especially while climbing.
Your usual emergency exit is filled with smoke, what do you do?
Use an alternate exit, follow the fire wardens’ directions, and never go through smoke.
A team starts high-risk construction work (cutting, heights, powered tools) after only talking about the hazards.
They have NOT signed the SWMS and the site folder is NOT updated.
What MUST happen before work continues?
A. Keep going because they discussed the risks verbally
B. Only the supervisor needs to sign the SWMS
C. Stop work, update the site folder, review the SWMS, and everyone must sign on before restarting
D. Take photos to document it, then keep working
Correct Answer: C
Falls from less than 4 meters cause more common and have resulted in more serious and fatal injuries than falls from a skyline building.
True, incidents reported to SafeWork NSW indicate that the most serious and fatal falls are from a height of less than 4 metres, which is generally a single storey or less.
You witness a subcontractor doing something really unsafe, like working at heights without fall protection, incorrectly unloading heavy equipment, straddling an A frame ladder or not wearing appropriate PPE. What should you do?
Immediately ask them to stop works, notify the site supervisor, ask the contractor to review and follow their SWMS which they have signed. If they need to make amendments, make the appropriate changes, get the amended SWMS reviewed ensure the site and task is made safe before continuing.
A worker on a UBW project has been doing long hours, working late at night, has visible dark circles under their eyes, is slower with decision-making and says, “I’m just tired, it's nothing mate I'm fine, I can still work.”
What is the safety hazard and what is the risk, also what MUST happen before they continue working?
Fatigue is the hazards creating the causing impaired judgement, slow reaction time and increased risk of incident. The worker must stop work, report it to their supervisor or manager, rest or rotate tasks before continuing.
A coworker suddenly collapses on the floor and isn’t responding when you call their name, you are CPR and first aid trained, apply DRSABCD to treat the situation.
D – Danger
Make sure the area is safe for you, the worker and others before approaching.
R – Response
Check if they respond by talking to them and gently shaking their shoulders.
S – Send for help
Call 000 immediately, if you are the first aider, tell someone else to fetch the first aid kit and AED while you stay with the person.
A – Airway
Open their airway and check that nothing is blocking it.
B – Breathing
Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing.
C – CPR
If they’re not breathing normally, start CPR straight away.
D – Defibrillation
Use the AED as soon as it arrives.
A subcontractor brings in a new chemical (adhesive/solvent/paint) with no SDS, no chemical risk assessment, and no update to the chemical register.
What must happen to fix this compliance issue?
A. Tell them to keep using it if it “looks safe”
B. Throw the chemical away and pretend it never happened
C. Use extra PPE and hope for the best
D. Get the SDS, update the chemical register, complete a chemical risk assessment, induct workers, and record the non-compliance
Correct Answer: D
Will only doing pre-starts everyday, signing onto SWMS and completing checklists periodically actually keep you safe?
Myth, paperwork ALONE will never keep you safe. Safety only works when the controls in the SWMS are actually followed, hazards are actively managed, workers speak up, workers can adapt to changing conditions, the environment is monitored, and people make safe decisions and demonstrate safe behaviours in real time.