Free STSC Hazard Identification and Control Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) has identified that a specific task requires workers to use a solvent-based paint with high VOCs inside a poorly ventilated space. According to the hierarchy of controls, which of the following is the most effective measure to protect the workers?
- Requiring workers to wear organic vapor respirators.
- Scheduling the work for shorter durations to limit exposure.
- Using a water-based, low-VOC paint instead. (Correct answer)
- Installing a temporary exhaust fan in the work area.
Correct answer: Using a water-based, low-VOC paint instead.
The hierarchy of controls prioritizes hazard control methods from most to least effective. Substitution, which involves replacing a hazardous material or process with a less hazardous one, is more effective than engineering controls (exhaust fan), administrative controls (shorter shifts), or Personal Protective Equipment (respirators).
Question 2: A construction supervisor is reviewing safety metrics to proactively identify and address potential risks before incidents occur. Which of the following is a leading indicator of safety performance?
- Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) for the previous quarter.
- Number of safety observations and near-miss reports submitted. (Correct answer)
- Workers' compensation costs from the past year.
- Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rate.
Correct answer: Number of safety observations and near-miss reports submitted.
Leading indicators are proactive, forward-looking measures that track activities designed to prevent incidents. The number of safety observations and near-miss reports is a leading indicator because it reflects active employee engagement in identifying hazards before they cause an accident. TRIR, DART rate, and compensation costs are all lagging indicators, as they measure past incidents and outcomes.
Question 3: During a daily site inspection, a supervisor notices a large, unmarked puddle of clear liquid on a concrete walkway in a high-traffic area. What is the supervisor's most immediate and appropriate first step?
- Find the source of the liquid to prevent it from happening again.
- Write a report for the safety committee to review at the next meeting.
- Barricade the area and post a warning sign. (Correct answer)
- Instruct the nearest worker to clean up the spill immediately.
Correct answer: Barricade the area and post a warning sign.
The most immediate priority in hazard control is to prevent employee exposure to the identified hazard. Barricading the area and posting a warning sign isolates the hazard and warns others, which is the first crucial step to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Investigating the source and cleaning the spill are necessary subsequent steps, but the immediate control is to prevent access.
Question 4: Which of the following is a key component of an OSHA-compliant Hazard Communication (HazCom) program on a construction site?
- A list of all employees who have been previously exposed to chemicals.
- Providing generic safety training that covers all potential site hazards.
- Ensuring Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all hazardous chemicals are readily accessible to employees. (Correct answer)
- Mandating that only safety supervisors are authorized to handle chemical containers.
Correct answer: Ensuring Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all hazardous chemicals are readily accessible to employees.
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200 and 1926.59) requires employers to maintain a written program that includes labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all hazardous chemicals, and employee training. Making SDSs readily accessible is a fundamental right for workers and a core requirement of the standard.
Question 5: A crew is tasked with installing siding on a two-story building. The supervisor must decide on the primary method for fall protection. Applying the hierarchy of controls, what would be considered an engineering control?
- Training workers on the safe use of ladders.
- Requiring all workers to wear personal fall arrest systems (harness and lanyard).
- Erecting scaffolding with guardrails around the work area. (Correct answer)
- Scheduling the work to be done only during daylight hours with good weather.
Correct answer: Erecting scaffolding with guardrails around the work area.
Engineering controls are physical changes to the workplace that isolate people from the hazard. Scaffolding with guardrails is a physical structure that provides a barrier between the worker and the fall hazard. Personal fall arrest systems are PPE, training is an administrative control, and scheduling is also an administrative control.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) before starting a new construction task?
- To assign blame after an incident has occurred.
- To fulfill a client's contractual requirement for project documentation.
- To proactively identify potential hazards and establish controls to prevent incidents. (Correct answer)
- To determine the minimum amount of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by OSHA.
Correct answer: To proactively identify potential hazards and establish controls to prevent incidents.
The fundamental purpose of a JHA (also known as a Job Safety Analysis or JSA) is to be a proactive tool. It involves systematically evaluating a job task to identify potential hazards and then determining the safest way to perform the task by implementing specific control measures.
Free STSC Hazard Identification and Control Questions and Answers 1
A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) has identified that a specific task requires workers to use a solvent-based paint with high VOCs inside a poorly ventilated space.
According to the hierarchy of controls, which of the following is the most effective measure to protect the workers?