Occupational Health and Safety – Test Paper 1

Occupational Health and Safety – Test Paper 1

Duration: 45 minutes
Total Marks: 50
Passing Marks: 35

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Choose the correct option and mark the letter (A, B, C, or D).

1. What does PPE stand for?
   A. Personal Performance Equipment
   B. Personal Protective Equipment
   C. Professional Protection Ensemble
   D. Public Protection Essentials
2. Which of the following is considered a physical hazard?
   A. Loud noise
   B. Chemical spill
   C. Infectious virus
   D. Inadequate training
3. Who is responsible for health and safety in the workplace?
   A. The employer
   B. The employee
   C. The safety officer
   D. Everyone
4. Which regulation requires employers to provide a safe workplace in Canada?
   A. The Canadian Charter
   B. The OHSA (Occupational Health and Safety Act)
   C. The Criminal Code
   D. The Environmental Protection Act
5. What is the first step in hazard control?
   A. Personal protective equipment
   B. Elimination of the hazard
   C. Substitution
   D. Isolation

Section B: True or False (1 mark each)

Write T for True and F for False.

6. __ All incidents must be reported, even if no one was injured.
7. __ WHMIS is Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.
8. __ Housekeeping is not considered part of workplace safety.
9. __ Ergonomics focuses on fitting the job to the worker.
10. __ Safety signs are only necessary in construction sites.

Section C: Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)

11. A __________ is any source, situation, or act with a potential to cause harm.
12. The hierarchy of controls includes elimination, substitution, engineering controls, __________, and PPE.
13. __________ is the process of identifying hazards and analyzing what could happen.
14. Hearing protection is necessary when noise levels exceed __________ decibels.
15. __________ is used to extinguish Class A fires.

Section D: Short Answer Questions (5 marks each)

Answer any three of the following questions. (3 × 5 = 15 marks)

16. Define the “Right to Refuse Unsafe Work.”
17. Briefly describe the purpose of a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC).
18. Explain how “Lockout/Tagout” procedures improve workplace safety.
19. List five common causes of workplace accidents and how they can be prevented.
20. What are the responsibilities of employers and employees under OHSA?

Section E: Case Study (10 marks)

21. Read the scenario and answer the questions below:

Scenario:
A worker in a warehouse was operating a forklift without proper training and collided with a shelving unit. No one was injured, but several boxes of goods were damaged.

Questions:
a. Identify at least three safety failures in this situation.
b. What corrective actions should be taken immediately?
c. How could this incident have been prevented?

✅ Occupational Health and Safety – Answer Key

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

1. B. Personal Protective Equipment
   PPE refers to equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.
2. A. Loud noise
   Loud noise is a physical hazard that can cause hearing loss and other physical stress-related conditions.
3. D. Everyone
   Health and safety are a shared responsibility. Employers, employees, supervisors, and safety officers must all take part.
4. B. The OHSA (Occupational Health and Safety Act)
   In Canada, the OHSA is the primary legislation that governs workplace health and safety.
5. B. Elimination of the hazard
   Elimination is the most effective hazard control method, according to the hierarchy of controls.

Section B: True or False (1 mark each)

6. True – All incidents and near misses must be reported to prevent future occurrences.
7. True – WHMIS is Canada’s system for classifying and communicating hazards related to hazardous products.
8. False – Good housekeeping helps prevent accidents, such as slips, trips, and falls.
9. True – Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace to fit the worker, improving safety and comfort.
10. False – Safety signs should be used in all workplaces, not just construction sites, to indicate hazards and required precautions.

Section C: Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)

11. hazard – A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm or injury.
12. administrative controls – These include training, signage, and work procedures that help reduce risk.
13. Risk assessment – This involves identifying hazards and evaluating the risks associated with them.
14. 85 – Hearing protection is generally required when noise levels exceed 85 decibels.
15. Water – Water extinguishers are used for Class A fires involving paper, wood, and cloth.

Section D: Short Answer Questions (5 marks each)

16. Right to Refuse Unsafe Work:
In many jurisdictions, including under Canada’s OHSA, workers have the legal right to refuse work if they believe it presents a danger to their health or safety. The worker must report the refusal to their supervisor or employer immediately. The employer must then investigate the concern and resolve it before requiring the employee to resume the task.

17. Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC):
A JHSC is a group composed of employer and worker representatives who work together to identify and resolve health and safety issues in the workplace. They meet regularly to review incidents, inspect work areas, and promote compliance with health and safety laws.

18. Lockout/Tagout Procedures:
These procedures ensure that machines and equipment are properly shut off and not started again until maintenance or servicing is complete. This prevents unexpected energization or release of stored energy, reducing the risk of injury. Workers must apply a personal lock and tag to equipment to indicate it is under maintenance.

19. Causes of Workplace Accidents and Prevention:

• Lack of training – Provide comprehensive safety training.
• Poor housekeeping – Maintain clean and clutter-free work areas.
• Faulty equipment – Conduct regular maintenance and inspections.
• Unsafe behavior – Encourage a safety-first culture.
• Inadequate PPE – Ensure proper PPE is provided and used correctly.

20. Responsibilities under OHSA:

• Employers: Ensure a safe work environment, provide training, maintain equipment, and follow legal obligations.
• Employees: Use PPE, follow procedures, report hazards, and take reasonable care of their own and others’ safety.

Section E: Case Study (10 marks)

Scenario Recap:
A warehouse worker operated a forklift without training, causing damage but no injury.

a. Safety Failures:

• Lack of proper training for forklift operation
• Absence of supervision or control measures
• Potential violation of equipment use procedures
• Inadequate risk assessment or hazard identification
• No visible warning or restricted access in that area

b. Corrective Actions:

• Suspend the untrained worker from operating equipment
• Provide immediate forklift safety training
• Conduct a hazard review of the area
• Inspect and repair shelving units
• Notify all staff of updated safety protocols

c. Prevention Strategies:

• Mandatory training and certification before operating equipment
• Clear signage and restricted zones for equipment operation
• Daily checks and supervision of high-risk equipment use
• A culture of safety reporting and accountability

Occupational Health and Safety – Test Paper 1