Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Assignment Question 2026 | UCC

Instructions to Candidates

1. Answer ALL sections of the question.
2. Read the case study carefully before answering.
3. Focus on workplace risk management and Health and Safety Officer responsibilities.
4. Clinical diagnosis or treatment detail is not required.

Case Study

Michael is a 52-year-old maintenance technician in a manufacturing plant. His work involves manual handling of components, awkward postures, and twisting movements in confined spaces.

Three months ago, he developed low back pain following a lifting and twisting task at work. The pain has persisted and he has reduced his activity at work and taken intermittent sickness absence. He believes that continuing to work will worsen his condition and is now requesting extended sick leave.

Michael’s line manager is concerned about productivity, staffing pressures, and the risk of further injury. You are the organisation’s Health and Safety Officer and have been asked to advise on managing this situation and preventing similar problems in the future.

Examination Question

Section A: Understanding the Risk (30 marks)

a) Explain why back pain should be considered a significant occupational health and safety issue in workplaces such as this.

b) Identify the key manual handling, organisational and other risk factors in Michael’s job that may have contributed to his back pain.

Section B: Preventing and Controlling the Risk (40 marks)

Using the Hierarchy of Control, outline how Michael’s employer could reduce the risk of back pain associated with manual handling.

Your answer should:

• Apply the hierarchy from elimination to PPE
• Give practical workplace examples
• Explain why manual handling training alone is not sufficient

Section C: Managing Ongoing Risk and Return to Work (30 marks)

a) From a Health and Safety Officer’s perspective, explain how Michael’s fitness for work should be considered when deciding whether he should remain at work or return following absence.

b) Propose reasonable workplace adjustments and return-to-work measures that would allow Michael to work safely while reducing the risk of further back problems.

(Note: Focus on safe systems of work, proportional decision-making, and organisational responsibilities rather than medical assessment.)

Marking Summary

Learning Outcomes Assessed (Summary)

• Understanding of musculoskeletal disorders as workplace risks
• Ability to identify manual handling hazards
• Application of the hierarchy of control
• Fitness-for-work assessment and return-to-work planning
• Practical, managerial problem-solving in occupational health

ALIGNMENT TO IOSH DESCRIPTORS

IOSH Core Competency Alignment

IOSH Behavioural Expectations Assessed

• Proportionate decision-making
• Systems-based thinking
• Prevention-focused mindset
• Balancing worker wellbeing with organisational needs
• Clear understanding of employer vs clinician responsibilities

This paper does not test clinical competence, which is consistent with IOSH’s emphasis on management of risk rather than diagnosis.