IOSH Cheat Sheet 2026

The 29 highest-yield IOSH facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the maximum weight a person should lift according to the HSE manual handling guidance? → There is no maximum weight — it depends on a risk assessment
2. Under UK health and safety law, who has the primary duty to ensure workplace safety? → The employer
3. What does COSHH stand for in UK health and safety legislation? → Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
4. How many steps are in the HSE's recommended risk assessment process? → 5 steps
5. What is an 'engineering control'? → A physical control such as a guard, ventilation system, or enclosure that reduces exposure
6. What is an 'administrative control' measure? → A control that relies on procedures, training, signage, job rotation or scheduling
7. What is a 'corrective action' following an incident investigation? → A measure implemented to address the root cause and prevent the incident from recurring
8. What is the main purpose of a pre-employment health assessment in an occupational health context? → To confirm an individual is fit for the specific role and identify any adjustments needed
9. Which piece of UK legislation protects employees from being treated less favourably due to a long-term health condition or disability at work? → Equality Act 2010
10. What is 'substitution' as a control measure? → Replacing a hazardous substance, process or equipment with a less hazardous alternative
11. What is the estimated annual cost of workplace injuries and ill health to the UK economy? → Around £20 billion
12. What is the definition of 'risk' in health and safety? → The likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of that harm
13. What is 'work-related stress'? → The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or demands placed on them at work
14. What is a 'risk rating' and how is it typically calculated? → It is calculated by multiplying the likelihood score by the severity score
15. Which body is the main regulator for workplace health and safety in the UK? → The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
16. What does 'so far as is reasonably practicable' (SFAIRP) mean in health and safety? → The cost and effort of reducing a risk must be weighed against the degree of risk
17. What does 'likelihood' mean in the context of risk assessment? → The probability or chance that harm will occur
18. Which of the following is an example of a biological hazard? → Legionella bacteria in water systems
19. How should multiple control measures be applied? → In combination — using several layers of controls provides better protection
20. What is the full title of the main UK health and safety legislation? → The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
21. What are the HSE's six Management Standards for work-related stress? → Demands, control, support, relationships, role and change
22. What is a 'dynamic risk assessment'? → A continuous, on-the-spot assessment of changing risks during work
23. What are the TILE factors in manual handling assessment? → Task, Individual, Load, Environment
24. Which occupational disease is directly caused by prolonged inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust? → Silicosis
25. What is the main legislation covering workplace noise exposure? → The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
26. When should a risk assessment be carried out for a new work activity? → Before the work activity begins
27. What is the main piece of legislation covering electrical safety in the workplace? → The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
28. Which of the following is a financial consequence of poor health and safety management? → Increased costs from compensation claims, lost production and fines
29. What does the 'Heinrich Triangle' (or accident triangle) illustrate? → The relationship between near misses, minor injuries and major injuries