IELTS Writing: Workplace Safety and Risk
Accidents, safety and risk at work
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Module 1: Vocabulary & Grammar Build-up
Let's build your vocabulary and linking patterns before writing.
📖 How to use this lesson
Use this 55-minute lesson to build vocabulary and cohesion before students write their IELTS essay. Check answers for Module 1 together before letting students write independently in Module 2.
First, complete the 5 vocabulary and grammar warm-ups in Module 1 to learn useful words and linking patterns. Next, plan and write your full essay in Module 2, then compare your work with the B2 model essay in Module 3.
A Part A: Word Forms
Complete each sentence using the correct form of the word in brackets.
1. Workers must wear [protect] clothing when handling hazardous materials in factories.
2. The plant was temporarily shut down due to a dangerous [chemistry] spill.
3. Operating heavy machinery without safety gear is a [recklessness] act that leads to injuries.
4. Every site supervisor must follow the standard safety [proceed] before work begins.
5. Management investigated the workplace [incidental] to prevent future accidents.
B Part B: Collocations
Select the word that best completes each workplace safety collocation.
6. Construction staff working at height must wear a safety _____ to prevent falls.
7. Before operating heavy machinery, every technician must complete the safety _____.
8. Emergency response teams reacted rapidly to clean up the chemical _____.
9. Fortunately, no staff member was injured during yesterday's minor _____ in the storage area.
10. The company established a strict safety _____ to regulate high-voltage electrical repairs.
C Part C: Common Essay Phrases
Complete each sentence using one phrase from the word bank. Use each phrase exactly once.
11. __________, government regulators should impose strict fines on non-compliant factories.
____12. Many employees ignore safety protocols. __________, the number of preventable workplace injuries remains high.
____13. Employers must provide protective gear to staff. __________, many companies also hold monthly safety workshops.
____14. Strict safety measures save lives. __________, implementing them can temporarily increase operational costs.
____15. Some preventative measures cost very little; __________, placing warning signs near wet floors is inexpensive.
____D Part D: Paraphrasing
Select the option that best rewrites the original sentence while keeping the same meaning.
Original Sentence:
"Many factory workers suffer injuries each year because companies ignore safety rules."
Original Sentence:
"Employers should inspect heavy machinery regularly to lower the risk of mishaps."
Original Sentence:
"Careless behavior on site often leads to severe head injuries among builders."
E Part E: Grammar Recap - Words that Refer Back
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence and link ideas smoothly.
Grammar Tip
Use the former for the first item mentioned and the latter for the second. Use respectively when matching items in order, and such to refer back to a noun phrase.
19. Scaffolds and ladders are both used on construction sites, but _____ move more easily.
20. Two technicians, John and Alex, earned $20 and $30 per hour _____.
21. Workers often operate heavy machinery without proper safety checks; _____ reckless behavior puts everyone in danger.
Module 2: The Writing Task
Now it is time to write your IELTS Task 2 essay.
"In many countries, a large number of workers are injured at work every year. What are the causes of this problem, and what can be done to reduce it?"
📌 4-Paragraph Essay Plan
Use these sentence starters to structure your paragraphs logically before writing.
"In this essay I will discuss ..."
"One cause is ..."
"To reduce the problem, ..."
"In conclusion, ..."
✅ Writer's Self-Check List
Make sure your response satisfies all requirements below before submitting.
📝 Write Your Essay
Module 3: B2 Model Essay & Breakdown
Read this sample essay written by a B2 student to see how key words and referencing structures work in context.
In many industrial sectors around the world, workplace injuries remain a serious issue. High-altitude construction work and heavy manufacturing are two particularly risky sectors, and the former accounts for a high percentage of dangerous falls. In this essay, I will discuss the main causes of workplace accidents and propose practical measures to reduce them.
One major cause of workplace accidents is the failure to follow basic safety procedures. Many staff members behave in a reckless manner by operating heavy machinery without using a safety harness or checking equipment first. When supervisors ignore such careless behavior, worker safety is severely compromised. Another significant factor is inadequate training regarding hazardous materials. In many industrial sites, workers handle toxic chemical products without wearing proper protective gear or reading safety guidance. Consequently, minor mishaps often turn into serious injuries or fatal incidents.
To reduce this problem, several effective steps should be taken by site managers. Firstly, employers must enforce strict daily safety checks before any work starts. Mechanical engineers and structural engineers should check machines and scaffolds respectively, ensuring both are fully secure.
Secondly, comprehensive training programs are essential for every employee on site. That is, workers must complete a mandatory safety course before operating complex machinery.
Furthermore, companies should provide high-quality boots and helmets to all staff. These protect employees from unexpected site hazards.
In conclusion, workplace injuries are primarily caused by reckless employee habits and insufficient safety protocols. However, this can be mitigated through regular inspections and mandatory safety checklists. By prioritizing safety procedures, overall incidents on site can be significantly reduced.
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