General Workplace Safety and Health 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a Safety and Health Management System (SHMS)?
- To satisfy insurance requirements only
- To proactively manage risks and continuously improve workplace safety performance (Correct answer)
- To replace OSHA compliance obligations
- To document incidents for legal defense
Correct answer: To proactively manage risks and continuously improve workplace safety performance
An SHMS provides a systematic framework to identify hazards, control risks, and drive continuous improvement in workplace health and safety.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a 'biological hazard' in the workplace?
- Excessive noise from machinery
- Bloodborne pathogens in a healthcare setting (Correct answer)
- Repetitive keyboard use
- Exposure to welding fumes
Correct answer: Bloodborne pathogens in a healthcare setting
Biological hazards (biohazards) include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other living organisms — bloodborne pathogens are a classic workplace biohazard.
Question 3: An employer must provide employees access to their personal exposure records and medical records within how many days of a request?
- 5 days
- 15 days (Correct answer)
- 30 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 15 days
Under 29 CFR 1910.1020, employers must provide employee access to exposure and medical records within 15 working days of a request.
Question 4: What is the key difference between a 'safety hazard' and a 'health hazard' in the workplace?
- Safety hazards cause immediate injury; health hazards cause illness over time (Correct answer)
- Health hazards are always more serious than safety hazards
- Safety hazards only apply to construction; health hazards apply to offices
- There is no practical difference between the two
Correct answer: Safety hazards cause immediate injury; health hazards cause illness over time
Safety hazards typically cause acute, immediate harm (such as a fall), while health hazards often cause illness after prolonged or repeated exposure (such as chemical exposure).
Question 5: When should an incident investigation be conducted after a workplace accident?
- Within 30 days of the incident
- As soon as possible after the incident while the scene is still intact (Correct answer)
- Only after the injured worker returns to work
- At the end of the quarter during safety reviews
Correct answer: As soon as possible after the incident while the scene is still intact
Investigations should begin immediately so that evidence is preserved, witnesses can be interviewed while memories are fresh, and hazards can be controlled quickly.
Question 6: Which standard requires employers to develop and implement an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for facilities with more than 10 employees?
- 29 CFR 1910.132 (PPE)
- 29 CFR 1910.38 (Emergency Action Plans) (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.147 (Lockout/Tagout)
- 29 CFR 1910.120 (HAZWOPER)
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.38 (Emergency Action Plans)
29 CFR 1910.38 requires employers with more than 10 employees to have a written Emergency Action Plan covering evacuation, alarms, and employee roles.
Question 7: A worker is required to use a half-face respirator. What medical evaluation must occur BEFORE the worker is fit-tested?
- A full physical examination by an occupational physician
- A medical questionnaire reviewed by a licensed healthcare professional (Correct answer)
- A pulmonary function test administered on-site
- No medical evaluation is needed for half-face respirators
Correct answer: A medical questionnaire reviewed by a licensed healthcare professional
OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires employers to have a physician or licensed healthcare professional review a medical questionnaire before fit-testing.
General Workplace Safety and Health 5
What is the primary purpose of a Safety and Health Management System (SHMS)?