NEBOSH IGC – Element 3 Study Notes
Introduction
This document contains detailed study notes for NEBOSH International General Certificate
(IGC), Unit IG1 – Element 3: Managing Risk – Understanding People and Processes. It
includes structured notes, international references (ILO and ISO), and exam-focused
explanations for learners.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this element, learners should be able to:
1. Describe health and safety culture and how it influences performance.
2. Summarise how health and safety culture at work can be improved.
3. Summarise the human factors which positively or negatively influence behaviour at work
in a way that can affect health and safety.
4. Explain the principles of the risk assessment process.
5. Discuss typical workplace changes that have significant health and safety impacts and
ways to minimise those impacts.
6. Describe what to consider when developing and implementing a safe system of work for
general activities.
7. Explain the role, function and operation of a permit-to-work system.
8. Discuss typical emergency procedures (including training and testing) and how to decide
what level of first aid is needed in the workplace.
1. Health and Safety Culture
Health and safety culture refers to the shared attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviours of
workers towards health and safety. A strong culture promotes safe behaviour, reduces
accidents, and enhances compliance.
Indicators of a positive safety culture:
- Low accident/ill health rates.
- High compliance with procedures.
- Open communication and consultation.
- High levels of worker involvement.
Peer influence: Employees often model their behaviour on co-workers and leaders.
Management commitment and visible leadership are essential to set the right tone.
2. Improving Health and Safety Culture
Improvement strategies include:
- Strong management commitment and visible leadership.
- Competent workers through training and development.
- Effective two-way communication of safety information.
- Co-operation and consultation with workers.
- Continuous training and reinforcement of safety practices.
ILO Reference: ILO-OSH 2001 emphasises consultation, worker participation, and training
as key elements.
3. Human Factors Influencing Safety
Human factors are divided into:
- Organisational factors: workload, safety culture, resources.
- Job factors: task design, equipment, environment.
- Individual factors: competence, stress, motivation, fatigue.
ILO-OSH 2001 and ISO 45001 highlight the importance of human and organisational factors
in safety management systems.
4. Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is a systematic process for identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and
implementing controls.
Five Steps:
1. Identify hazards.
2. Identify who might be harmed and how.
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on control measures.
4. Record significant findings and implement actions.
5. Review and update assessments.
Special cases: vulnerable workers (young, pregnant, disabled, lone workers) need
additional consideration.
References:
- ILO Convention C155 and Recommendation R164 – emphasise the duty of employers to
ensure safe systems of work.
- ISO 45001 – requires organisations to implement risk-based thinking and continuous
improvement.
5. Management of Change
Workplace changes such as new equipment, processes, or staffing can introduce new risks.
Management must:
- Assess risks before implementing changes.
- Communicate and train workers on new procedures.
- Monitor the effectiveness of changes and update risk assessments accordingly.
ILO-OSH 2001 requires organisations to manage change effectively to maintain safe
working conditions.
6. Safe Systems of Work
Safe systems of work are formal procedures developed after a systematic examination of
tasks to ensure they can be carried out safely.
Key considerations:
- Worker involvement in developing procedures.
- Clear written instructions.
- Balance of technical, procedural, and behavioural controls.
ISO 45001 emphasises operational controls, including safe systems of work, to prevent
incidents.
7. Permit-to-Work Systems
A permit-to-work (PTW) system is a formal documented procedure used to control high-
risk activities such as:
- Hot work (welding, cutting).
- Confined space entry.
- Electrical work.
- Work at height.
The permit specifies authorised tasks, precautions, time limits, and responsibilities.
ILO-OSH 2001 recognises PTW as a key control measure for hazardous work.
8. Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Employers must prepare for foreseeable emergencies, such as fire, chemical spills, or
accidents.
Key elements:
- Clear emergency procedures communicated to staff.
- Training and regular drills.
- Adequate first-aid facilities, equipment, and trained personnel.
References:
- ILO C155 and R164 – employers must provide emergency measures and first aid.
- ISO 45001 – requires preparedness and response arrangements for potential emergencies.
