Activity 12: Awareness of everyday hazards

Activity 12 is defined in regulations as - 

Awareness of everyday hazards (such as boiling water or sharp objects).

Activity 12 assesses the ability to recognise risks from common hazards. A descriptor may be satisfied if there is a lack of understanding and insight that something is dangerous, or there is an impaired ability to recognise that a situation will present a potential hazard.

Descriptors

The descriptors that relate to Activity 12 are - 

1. Reduced awareness of everyday hazards leads to a significant risk of: (i) injury to self or others; or (ii) damage to property or possessions, such that the claimant requires supervision for the majority of the time to maintain safety. 15 points
2. Reduced awareness of everyday hazards leads to a significant risk of: (i) injury to self or others; or (ii) damage to property or possessions, such that the claimant frequently requires supervision to maintain safety. 9 points
3. Reduced awareness of everyday hazards leads to a significant risk of: (i) injury to self or others; or (ii) damage to property or possessions, such that the claimant occasionally requires supervision to maintain safety. 6 points
4. None of the above applies. 0 points

Sources:

• Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 (SI.No.794/2008) and Part 2 of Schedule 2 to SR.No.280/2008 in Northern Ireland (apply to income-related and old-style contributory ESA).
• Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013 (SI.No.379/2013) and Part 2 of Schedule 2 to SR.No.219/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to new-style contributory ESA).
• Part 2 of Schedule 6 to the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 (SI.No.376/2013) and Part 2 of Schedule 6 to SR.No.216/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to universal credit).

See also section 3.5.3 of the DWP’s Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals.

Case law

Commentary:​ Whilst we don't yet have any commentary in relation to the case law items below, we'd love to hear from you if you'd like to contribute. Send us a suggestion and we’d be happy to incorporate it here. | Add commentary or suggest an edit.

• Risks posed by social interaction are not included in the meaning of ‘everyday hazards’ in ESA activity 12
  • [2018] UKUT 143 (AAC)
  • CSE/472/2017
  • RR v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (ESA)
  • Awareness of everyday hazards (LCW)

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