UNDERSTANDING ACTION VERBS
NEBOSH carefully describe the ‘action verbs’ which are used within their examination
questions. The reason for this is that they tell you the depth of answer that is required. If the
question asks you to state something and you produce a lengthy explanation, you will probably
get marks, but you will have wasted time and effort and may end up running out of time at the
end.
Conversely, if you are asked to describe something and you give a list, you will lose marks. If you
do not give the depth of answer required, they will not be able to give you many of the marks
allocated to the question.
As a very rough guide (and people’s writing varies in size), NEBOSH expect about a page and a half
for the 20 mark question, and about half a page for the 8 mark questions. The action verbs are
varied so that you should have enough time.
It is absolutely crucial that you are familiar with these action verbs, and understand what they
mean, so that you can produce the types of answers required.
Listed below are the action verbs, together with examples of the sort of depth each verb
requires.
Define - provide a generally recognised or accepted definition.
Example
Define the term ‘ergonomics’.
Ergonomics is the study of the interaction between workers and the work environment.
Describe - give a word picture.
Example
Describe FOUR effects on health & safety that might result from inadequate lighting.
Inadequate lighting may cause a variety of effects on health and safety. When using display
screen equipment, inadequate lighting causes the eye muscles to work harder, which may cause
headaches, temporary fatigue and eyestrain. This may also lead to increased levels of stress.
If lighting levels are poor, workers may not be aware of hazards at floor level, which may result in
increased numbers of slips, trips and falls. In addition, workers who have inadequate lighting levels
for the task they are carrying out may produce errors. These errors may, as a consequence,
result in risks to their own health and safety or that of others.
Explain - give a clear account of, or reasons for.
Example
Explain why it is important to use a variety of methods to communicate health & safety
information in the workplace.
People respond differently to different stimuli. Some will notice written information more
readily, whilst others will respond to pictorial information or audible stimuli. Therefore effective
promotion of health & safety information needs to take account of these differences, and a range of
different media should be used. Examples would be posters, which incorporate pictures,
handouts, memos, briefings, videos. etc.
The use of different methods prevents workers becoming over-familiar with the materials. If
display materials are changed regularly, people are more likely to notice them. This helps to
reinforce the desired message. Variety also helps to stimulate interest and hopefully increase
motivation. If different methods of communication are used, workers are given more
opportunity to provide feedback, or become involved. Whilst some will willingly feedback
verbally, others may be daunted by speaking out, but may prefer to reply in writing. Providing both
methods for feedback would hopefully reach a greater number of people and provide a greater
opportunity for staff involvement.
Finally, different types of information require different methods of communication e.g. a
complex safe system of work is more likely to be understood if given in writing, discussed and
demonstrated, whereas a change in Fire Marshall could be announced at a staff meeting or
displayed by the fire action notice.
Give - provide without explanation (used normally with the instruction to ‘give an example
of…’).
Example
For each of the following types of hazardous substance, give a typical example
i) toxic
ii) corrosive
iii) carcinogenic
iv) irritant
i) toxic - lead
ii) corrosive - strong acids
iii) carcinogenic - asbestos
iv) irritant - detergents
Identify - select and name.
Example
Identify the three types of asbestos commonly found in buildings.
The three types of asbestos are
i) White (chrysotile)
ii) Brown (amosite)
iii) Blue - crocidolite)
List - provide a list without explanation.
Example
List SIX observations made during an inspection of a machine operation which may suggest that the
machine has not been ergonomically designed.
i) the need for the operator to use excessive force
ii) the need for repetitive movements by the operator
iii) the need for the operator to stretch or stoop
iv) machine controls sited in awkward positions
v) unmarked or poorly marked controls or displays where their functions are not obvious
vi) lack of visibility of the task by the operator
vii) the work piece is difficult to position because of its size or weight
viii) difficulty experienced in changing, adjusting or cleaning the machine tools.
Outline - give the most important features of (less depth than either ‘explain’ or ‘describe’, but
more depth than list.
Example
Outline the sources and possible effects of FOUR non-mechanical hazards commonly
encountered in a woodworking shop.
Several non-mechanical hazards could be present including:-
i) dust from sanding and sawing operations, which could lead to lung disorders and
possibly cancer.
ii) Chemical hazards from varnishes and glues which could lead to dermatitis, irritation of
the airways and drowsiness.
iii) Noise, which could lead to noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus and stress.
iv) Manual handling hazards which could cause musculoskeletal disorders.
Sketch - provide a simple line drawing using labels to identify specific features.
Example
A pneumatic drill is to be used during extensive repair work to the floor of a warehouse.
Identify, by means of a labelled sketch, THREE possible transmission paths the noise from the drill
could take.
1. Reflected noise from walls & surfaces
2. Directly through the air from drill to person
3. Transmission through the structure of the building
State - a less demanding form of ‘define’, or where there is no generally recognised definition.
Example
State the shape and colour, and give a relevant example, of EACH of the following types of
safety sign:
i) prohibition
ii) warning
iii) mandatory
iv) emergency escape or first aid
i) Prohibition signs have a white background within a red circle and with a diagonal red
line - for example a no smoking sign.
ii) Warning signs have a yellow background within a black triangle - for example, signs
used to warn against the hazards of flammable materials, radiation & electricity.
iii) Mandatory signs are round, with a blue background, and are used to designate the
compulsory use of, for example, hearing or head protection.
iv) Emergency escape and first aid signs are rectangular or square, with a green
background. An example is the directional (‘running man’) emergency escape sign.
