Comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Questions and Answers Guide

1. What is the primary goal of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)?

• Answer: The primary goal of OHS is to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees by preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

2. What does the acronym PPE stand for in the context of workplace safety?

• Answer: Personal Protective Equipment.

3. True or False: All workplaces are required to have a written health and safety policy.

• Answer: True.

4. What is a Hazard?

• Answer: A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm, including injury, illness, or damage to property.

5. Which of the following is an example of a physical hazard?

• a) Chemical exposure
• b) Noise
• c) Poor lighting
• d) All of the above
• Answer: d) All of the above

6. What does a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provide?

• Answer: An SDS provides detailed information on the properties of a chemical substance, including its hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency control measures.

7. True or False: The hierarchy of controls prioritizes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) over elimination of hazards.

• Answer: False. The hierarchy of controls prioritizes eliminating the hazard first.

8. What is the purpose of a risk assessment?

• Answer: The purpose of a risk assessment is to identify hazards, analyze and evaluate the risks associated with them, and determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control those risks.

9. Which of the following is NOT a part of the Hierarchy of Controls?

• a) Elimination
• b) Substitution
• c) Isolation
• d) Training
• Answer: d) Training

10. What is the first step in an incident investigation?

• Answer: The first step in an incident investigation is to secure the scene to prevent further incidents and gather information.

11. True or False: All incidents, including near misses, should be reported and investigated.

• Answer: True.

12. What is a confined space?

• Answer: A confined space is an area that is large enough for a worker to enter and perform tasks but has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy.

13. What is the purpose of ergonomics in the workplace?

• Answer: The purpose of ergonomics is to design the workplace and job tasks to fit the worker, thereby reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and increasing productivity and comfort.

14. Which of the following is an example of an administrative control?

• a) Machine guarding
• b) Rotating job shifts
• c) Providing PPE
• d) Using less toxic materials
• Answer: b) Rotating job shifts

15. True or False: Lockout/Tagout procedures are used to ensure that machines are properly shut off and cannot be started up again before the completion of maintenance or repair work.

• Answer: True.

16. What is an occupational illness?

• Answer: An occupational illness is a disease or disorder that is caused by or related to the work environment or activities.

17. Which of the following is NOT considered a biological hazard?

• a) Bacteria
• b) Viruses
• c) Noise
• d) Fungi
• Answer: c) Noise

18. True or False: Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly.

• Answer: True.

19. What is the primary purpose of a workplace emergency plan?

• Answer: The primary purpose of a workplace emergency plan is to ensure the safety of employees during an emergency by providing clear instructions on how to respond to different types of emergencies.

20. What does WHMIS stand for?

• Answer: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.

21. True or False: All chemicals in the workplace must be labeled according to WHMIS regulations.

• Answer: True.

22. What is an example of a chemical hazard?

• Answer: An example of a chemical hazard could be exposure to solvents, acids, or gases that can cause harm if inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with skin.

23. What is the first thing you should do if you discover a fire in the workplace?

• Answer: The first thing you should do is to sound the alarm and notify others in the area.

24. True or False: An employer is responsible for providing PPE to employees at no cost.

• Answer: True.

25. What are the three components of the fire triangle?

• Answer: The three components of the fire triangle are heat, fuel, and oxygen.

26. What does the acronym “RACE” stand for in fire safety?

• Answer: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate.

27. What is the purpose of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?

• Answer: The purpose of a JSA is to systematically identify and evaluate the hazards associated with a specific job or task, and to determine the safest way to perform it.

28. True or False: A noise level above 85 decibels is considered harmful and requires hearing protection.

• Answer: True.

29. What should you do if you notice a co-worker displaying signs of heat stress?

• Answer: Move the co-worker to a cooler area, provide water, and seek medical assistance if necessary.

30. What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?

• Answer: A hazard is something that can cause harm, while a risk is the likelihood that the hazard will actually cause harm.

31. True or False: Ergonomic injuries can result from repetitive motions and poor posture.

• Answer: True.

32. What does the term “due diligence” mean in the context of OHS?

• Answer: Due diligence refers to the level of judgment, care, prudence, determination, and activity that a person would reasonably be expected to do under particular circumstances to ensure health and safety in the workplace.

33. What is an example of an engineering control?

• Answer: An example of an engineering control is installing ventilation systems to remove harmful air contaminants from the workplace.

34. True or False: Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work.

• Answer: True.

35. What is a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)?

• Answer: An MSD is an injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs that is caused or exacerbated by work activities.

36. What is the purpose of a safety committee in the workplace?

• Answer: The purpose of a safety committee is to bring together workers and management to discuss and address workplace health and safety concerns.

37. True or False: Housekeeping is a critical component of workplace safety.

• Answer: True.

38. What should be included in a first aid kit in the workplace?

• Answer: A first aid kit should include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, gloves, and a first aid manual.

39. What does “ALARA” stand for in radiation safety?

• Answer: As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

40. True or False: Only managers and supervisors are responsible for safety in the workplace.

• Answer: False. Everyone in the workplace shares responsibility for safety.

41. What is a near miss?

• Answer: A near miss is an incident that did not result in injury, illness, or damage but had the potential to do so.

42. What is the purpose of a safety audit?

• Answer: The purpose of a safety audit is to systematically review the safety performance of a workplace, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with regulations.

43. True or False: A safety culture is achieved when safety becomes a value in every part of the organization.

• Answer: True.

44. What is the role of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)?

• Answer: The role of the JHSC is to identify workplace hazards, make recommendations for improving health and safety, and participate in safety inspections and investigations.

45. What are the three main types of workplace violence?

• Answer: The three main types of workplace violence are:
  1. Violence by strangers.
  2. Violence by customers/clients.
  3. Violence by co-workers or supervisors.

46. True or False: Hazardous materials can only be in solid form.

• Answer: False. Hazardous materials can be in solid, liquid, or gaseous forms.

47. What is an incident report?

• Answer: An incident report is a document that records the details of an accident, injury, illness, or near miss that occurs in the workplace.

48. True or False: Electrical equipment should be regularly inspected to ensure safety.

• Answer: True.

49. What is the purpose of a respirator?

• Answer: The purpose of a respirator is to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful airborne particles, gases, or vapors.

50. What should you do if you find a damaged piece of equipment?

• Answer: Report the damaged equipment to a supervisor immediately and do not use it until it has been repaired or replaced.

51. True or False: Stress is considered a workplace hazard.

• Answer: True.

52. What is the purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure?

• Answer: The purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure is to prevent accidental energization of equipment during maintenance or repair, ensuring the safety of workers.

53. What does the acronym “MSDS” stand for?

• Answer: Material Safety Data Sheet.

54. True or False: Safety training is only necessary for new employees.

• Answer: False. Safety training should be ongoing for all employees.

55. What is an emergency evacuation plan?

• Answer: An emergency evacuation plan is a set of procedures to safely evacuate all employees from a building or worksite in the event of an emergency.

56. What should you do if you suspect a co-worker is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work?

• Answer: Report your suspicions to a supervisor or HR immediately, as this poses a safety risk to everyone.

57. True or False: Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable.

• Answer: True.

58. What is the purpose of a safety inspection?

• Answer: The purpose of a safety inspection is to identify potential hazards and unsafe practices in the workplace so they can be corrected.

59. What is the role of an occupational hygienist?

• Answer: The role of an occupational hygienist is to identify, evaluate, and control workplace health hazards, such as chemical, physical, and biological agents.

60. True or False: The most effective way to prevent accidents is to eliminate hazards altogether.

• Answer: True.

61. What is the difference between safety and health in the workplace context?

• Answer: Safety refers to the prevention of accidents and injuries, while health refers to the prevention of occupational illnesses and diseases.

62. True or False: All workers should have access to information about hazardous materials they may encounter on the job.

• Answer: True.

63. What is a workplace inspection?

• Answer: A workplace inspection is a thorough examination of the work environment to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

64. What does the term “workplace stressors” refer to?

• Answer: Workplace stressors are factors in the work environment that cause stress, such as high demands, lack of control, or conflict.

65. True or False: Safety data sheets should be easily accessible to all employees.

• Answer: True.

66. What is the purpose of a first responder in the workplace?

• Answer: The purpose of a first responder is to provide immediate care to an injured or ill person until professional medical help arrives.

67. What is an example of an ergonomic hazard?

• Answer: An example of an ergonomic hazard is repetitive motion that can lead to strain injuries.

68. True or False: Employers must record all work-related injuries and illnesses.

• Answer: True.

69. What is a confined space entry permit?

• Answer: A confined space entry permit is a document that outlines the precautions and procedures to be followed before and during entry into a confined space to ensure worker safety.

70. True or False: Employees have the right to be informed about the potential hazards associated with their job.

• Answer: True.

71. What should be done if a chemical spill occurs in the workplace?

• Answer: Follow the spill response plan, which may include evacuating the area, containing the spill, and notifying the appropriate personnel.

72. True or False: Safety signs and symbols are important for preventing accidents.

• Answer: True.

73. What is the purpose of a workplace safety program?

• Answer: The purpose of a workplace safety program is to create a systematic approach to managing safety and health in the workplace, preventing accidents and injuries.

74. What is the difference between acute and chronic exposure to a hazard?

• Answer: Acute exposure is a single exposure to a hazard that results in immediate health effects, while chronic exposure is repeated or continuous exposure over a long period, leading to long-term health effects.

75. True or False: Employers are required to provide training on the use of PPE.

• Answer: True.

76. What does “LOTO” stand for?

• Answer: Lockout/Tagout.

77. What should be done if an employee is injured at work?

• Answer: Provide first aid, report the injury to a supervisor, and complete an incident report.

78. True or False: Workplace bullying is considered a health and safety issue.

• Answer: True.

79. What is the purpose of incident investigation?

• Answer: The purpose of incident investigation is to determine the cause of an incident and to identify corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

80. What is the role of a health and safety officer?

• Answer: The role of a health and safety officer is to enforce health and safety regulations, conduct inspections, and provide training and guidance to employees.

81. True or False: Chemical exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, and injection.

• Answer: True.

82. What is the purpose of an evacuation drill?

• Answer: The purpose of an evacuation drill is to practice the safe and orderly evacuation of a building or worksite in the event of an emergency.

83. What is the role of a safety representative?

• Answer: The role of a safety representative is to represent workers’ health and safety concerns to management and to participate in safety inspections and investigations.

84. True or False: Safety audits are only conducted after an accident has occurred.

• Answer: False. Safety audits should be conducted regularly as a proactive measure.

85. What is a chemical hygiene plan?

• Answer: A chemical hygiene plan is a written program that outlines procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, and work practices to protect employees from the health hazards presented by chemicals used in the workplace.

86. What should you do if you experience an unsafe condition at work?

• Answer: Report the unsafe condition to your supervisor immediately.

87. True or False: Safety is the sole responsibility of the employer.

• Answer: False. Safety is a shared responsibility between employers and employees.

88. What is the purpose of a health and safety management system?

• Answer: The purpose of a health and safety management system is to systematically manage safety, prevent workplace hazards, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

89. True or False: Employers must provide training on how to respond to workplace emergencies.

• Answer: True.

90. What is a slip, trip, and fall hazard?

• Answer: A slip, trip, and fall hazard is any condition that increases the risk of slipping, tripping, or falling, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.

91. What is the purpose of an eye wash station?

• Answer: The purpose of an eye wash station is to provide immediate decontamination for the eyes in the event of exposure to harmful chemicals or substances.

92. True or False: All workers must be trained in the use of fire extinguishers.

• Answer: True.

93. What is the purpose of hazard communication?

• Answer: The purpose of hazard communication is to ensure that employees are informed about the hazards associated with chemicals and other dangerous substances they may encounter in the workplace.

94. True or False: Safety data sheets must be updated regularly to reflect new information about the hazards of a substance.

• Answer: True.

95. What is the purpose of a workplace safety policy?

• Answer: The purpose of a workplace safety policy is to establish the organization’s commitment to safety and outline the responsibilities of both management and employees in maintaining a safe work environment.

96. What is an example of a psychological hazard?

• Answer: An example of a psychological hazard is workplace stress due to high demands, harassment, or lack of support.

97. True or False: The use of ladders and scaffolding requires specific safety procedures and training.

• Answer: True.

98. What is the purpose of a chemical spill kit?

• Answer: The purpose of a chemical spill kit is to provide the necessary tools and materials to safely clean up and contain a chemical spill.

99. True or False: It is the employee’s responsibility to report any safety concerns or hazards to their supervisor.

• Answer: True.

100. What is the purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

• Answer: The purpose of PPE is to protect workers from exposure to hazards that cannot be eliminated or controlled through other means.