COSS Safety Audits and Inspections 5

Question 1

Which metric is most useful for evaluating the EFFECTIVENESS of a corrective action program following safety audits?

Accepted Answer

Percentage of corrective actions closed on time and verified effective

Answer

Timely closure and verified effectiveness of corrective actions measures whether the audit program actually eliminates hazards, not just how much auditing activity occurs.

Question 2

During a behavioral safety inspection, an observer records that 80% of workers in the welding area are wearing proper eye protection. What should this observation drive?

Accepted Answer

Analysis of why 20% are non-compliant and targeted intervention to improve the rate

Answer

Behavioral observation data should identify barriers to compliance — such as availability, fit, or training gaps — so root causes can be addressed and the rate improved toward 100%.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct sequence for a formal safety audit cycle?

Accepted Answer

Plan audit → Conduct audit → Report findings → Verify corrective actions

Answer

The correct sequence is: plan (define scope, criteria, team) → conduct (collect evidence) → report (document findings) → verify (confirm corrections are implemented and effective).

Question 4

A construction site safety inspection reveals a trench is 6 feet deep with no shoring or sloping. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, this is:

Accepted Answer

A serious violation requiring immediate worker removal until controls are in place

Answer

OSHA 1926.652 requires protective systems (shoring, sloping, or shielding) in excavations 5 feet or deeper; absence of protection in a 6-foot trench is a serious violation requiring immediate abatement.

Question 5

What role does 'management review' play in a safety management system audit cycle?

Accepted Answer

It provides top management oversight of audit results to drive continual improvement of the safety system

Answer

Management review uses audit data, incident trends, and performance metrics to ensure leadership is actively driving improvement and allocating necessary resources.

COSS - Certified Occupational Safety Specialist Practice Test

COSS - Certified Occupational Safety Specialist Practice Test

COSS Safety Audits and Inspections 5