NEBOSH IGC Solved Questions | Scenario-Based Sample Answers for IG1 Exam
The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (IGC) is one of the most respected and widely recognized health and safety qualifications globally. It equips learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills to manage health and safety effectively in any industry or workplace.
Whether you’re a safety officer, supervisor, or aspiring HSE manager, this certificate is a valuable step toward professional development and legal compliance.
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Understanding the IG1 Open Book Exam
Unit IG1 of the NEBOSH IGC focuses on the Management of Health and Safety. This unit is assessed through an open book examination (OBE), which presents a workplace scenario followed by a series of tasks that test your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Unlike traditional exams, this format allows you to refer to course notes and reliable online sources. However, the emphasis is on demonstrating understanding, decision-making, and application — not simply copying information.
Why Use Solved NEBOSH IGC Questions?
Using solved sample questions provides a number of benefits:
- Helps you understand how to structure high-quality responses
- Demonstrates the correct use of scenario information
- Shows how to address NEBOSH command words (e.g., explain, comment, outline)
- Builds confidence and exam technique
- Serves as a useful revision and self-assessment tool
NEBOSH IGC Solved Questions (Sample Scenario + 5 Answered Tasks)
To support your preparation, we’ve developed an original sample scenario with five fully answered NEBOSH-style questions from Unit IG1. This mock exercise mirrors the format of the actual exam and helps you practice applying knowledge effectively.
Quick Key Points for NEBOSH IG1 Open Book Exam
- 24-hour exam duration – Manage your time wisely.
- Scenario-based paper – Refer to the scenario in every answer.
- Use of resources allowed – Notes, textbooks, and online sources permitted.
- Word count – Aim for around 3,000 words in total.
- Use keywords – Include NEBOSH-specific terms for better marks.
- One mark = one key point – Match points to the number of marks.
- Write in your own words – Avoid plagiarism at all costs.
- Structure matters – Use bullet points and headings where possible.
- Apply concepts – Don’t just define—show practical use.
- Proofread – Review your work before submission.
Open Book Examination Sample
Unit IG1: Management of Health and Safety
Sample Scenario: The
Production Facility
A medium-sized electronics manufacturing company operates a
production facility with around 60 workers. The facility includes various
departments such as assembly, testing, packaging, and logistics. The production
line runs on a two-shift system: 06:00–14:00 and 14:00–22:00.
In the testing area, employees operate soldering machines
and diagnostic equipment. The company employs a maintenance team responsible
for servicing machinery and equipment. The team includes a maintenance
supervisor and two technicians.
A safety audit identified that an extractor fan in the
testing room had stopped working, leading to increased fumes during soldering
operations. The maintenance supervisor assigned the task of replacing the fan
to a technician (Technician A). The fan is ceiling-mounted at a height of
approximately 4.5 meters. The facility has a fixed scaffold tower that can be
moved into position.
The replacement was scheduled for a Friday afternoon when
fewer workers would be present. Technician A began setting up the scaffold
alone while Technician B went to collect tools. No formal risk assessment was
carried out. PPE such as gloves, safety boots, and high-visibility vests were
worn, but Technician A did not use a harness or ensure that the scaffold was
properly secured.
During the work, a section of the scaffold shifted
unexpectedly. Technician A lost balance, fell off the scaffold, and landed on
the concrete floor, sustaining a fractured arm and head injury. A nearby worker
raised the alarm, and first aid was given. An ambulance was called, and the
injured technician was taken to the hospital. He is expected to be off work for
at least six weeks.
A preliminary investigation by the safety officer revealed
several issues, including poor planning, lack of supervision, and absence of a
permit-to-work system for working at height. The incident was reported to the
national safety regulator, who has since issued an improvement notice to the
organization.
Sample Tasks and Answers
Task 1: Policy Implementation (10 Marks)
Comment on the aspects of the organization’s health and
safety policy that have been successfully implemented.
✅ Sample Answer:
The organization’s health and safety policy likely include
commitments such as providing a safe work environment, ensuring legal
compliance, and investigating accidents. Based on the scenario, the following
aspects have been successfully implemented:
- First aid provision: Prompt first aid was provided following the fall, showing preparedness for emergency response.
- Accident investigation: An initial investigation was conducted by the safety officer, showing adherence to the policy commitment to investigate accidents.
- Regulatory reporting: The incident was reported to the relevant authority, demonstrating compliance with legal reporting obligations.
- PPE usage: Technicians wore basic PPE such as gloves and high-visibility vests, which reflects some level of policy implementation.
However, gaps remain in terms of hazard control,
supervision, and safe systems of work, indicating partial implementation.
Task 2: Selecting Contractors (13 Marks)
Comment on why the organization’s approach to selecting
contractors might be considered inadequate.
✅ Sample Answer:
In this scenario, no external contractors were involved;
however, the same principles of selection and control apply to internal
staff performing specialist tasks.
The organisation’s approach was inadequate because:
- Competency of workers was assumed, not verified for the specific task of working at height.
- No specific training or refresher course in scaffold safety was mentioned for Technician A.
- Lack of supervision: The maintenance supervisor failed to ensure the scaffold was correctly assembled and safe before the task began.
- No evaluation of previous performance or qualifications: Even though internal, a check on Technician A’s competence to work at height should have been part of the selection process.
- No method statement or RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) was used.
Even for in-house maintenance staff, the same diligence
should be applied as when selecting external contractors.
Task 3: Level of Accident Investigation (10 Marks)
Discuss what level of investigation is appropriate for
this accident, referring to the HSG245 criteria.
✅ Sample Answer:
According to HSG245, the level of investigation
should consider both the likelihood of the incident recurring and the potential
consequences.
- Consequence: A fall from height resulted in a fractured arm and a head injury. This could have been fatal, so the consequence is major.
- Likelihood: Given that work at height was done without a permit, proper supervision, or a secured scaffold, the likelihood of such an event happening again is probable unless changes are made.
Based on HSG245's matrix, this incident falls into the
category of high-level investigation. This would require a thorough,
root-cause analysis with the aim of preventing future recurrence.
Task 4: Reporting the Accident
(a) Why must the accident be reported to the competent
authority? (5 Marks)
(b) How would the employer report the accident? (5 Marks)
✅ Sample Answer:
(a) Why report the accident?
The accident must be reported because:
- The injured technician suffered a fractured arm and a head injury, resulting in hospitalisation and over 7 days of absence, meeting the legal threshold for reportable injuries under occupational health and safety laws.
- The work involved a fall from height, which is a significant safety concern that warrants regulatory oversight.
(b) How to report the accident?
The employer must:
- Notify the relevant safety regulator (e.g., HSE in the UK) using their online reporting system or dedicated phone line.
- Complete a report form such as a RIDDO RIDDOR F2508 (or local equivalent) within the required time frame.
- Maintain a copy of the report and investigation findings for internal records and follow-up actions.
Task 5: Permit-to-Work (PTW) System (12 Marks)
Comment on the poor practices in the application (or
absence) of a PTW system at the facility.
✅ Sample Answer:
The scenario demonstrates multiple failures in the
application of a PTW system:
- No PTW was issued for work at height, despite clear risks.
- Work was done unsupervised, increasing the risk of unsafe setup or behavior.
- The scaffold was not inspected or signed off before use.
- No isolation or warning signage was in place around the area.
- Lack of communication between team members (Technician A worked alone at setup stage).
- The organization failed to treat this non-routine maintenance task with the caution it required.
A functioning PTW system would have included task
assessment, formal authorization, supervision, and a hand-back procedure—all of
which were missing.
Download Sample NEBOSH IGC Question Paper
Key Features of This Solved Sample
- Original and NEBOSH-style scenario
- Structured answers that follow best practices
- Plain English writing style
- Aligned with NEBOSH IG1 assessment criteria
- Easy to adapt for study or training purposes
How to Use This Sample Effectively
- Read the scenario carefully to understand the context
- Attempt each task on your own before reviewing the answers
- Compare your answers and identify improvement areas
- Practice answering within a reasonable word count and time limit
- Use the official NEBOSH answer template for real exam preparation
Tips for IG1 Exam Success
-
Understand and respond to command words accurately
- Reference the scenario clearly in your answers
- Don’t write generic or overly short responses
- Use logical structure: introduction, main points, conclusion (if needed)
- Avoid copying directly from course materials — demonstrate your understanding
Disclaimer
This sample answer is provided strictly for educational purposes only. It is intended to offer an overview of the NEBOSH IGC Open Book Examination format and help learners understand how to structure their responses effectively. We do not support, promote, or encourage any form of policy violation related to NEBOSH exams. All candidates are advised to adhere to NEBOSH’s official guidelines and ethical standards when preparing for and attempting their assessments.
Accessing solved NEBOSH IGC questions is a practical way to enhance your understanding and improve your performance in the open book exam. Whether you are new to NEBOSH or looking to refresh your skills, this sample will guide you in the right direction.