IOSH Understanding Hazards

Question 1

What is a 'physical hazard' in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

A hazard arising from energy sources such as noise, vibration, radiation, temperature extremes or pressure

Answer

A hazard that only affects physical fitness

Answer

A hazard related to lifting heavy objects only

Answer

A hazard that is visible to the naked eye

Question 2

What is a 'chemical hazard'?

Accepted Answer

A substance that can cause harm through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact or injection, such as solvents, acids, dusts or fumes

Answer

Any substance stored in a chemical cupboard

Answer

A hazard related to chemistry lessons only

Answer

Any substance that has a strong smell

Question 3

What is a 'biological hazard'?

Accepted Answer

A hazard from living organisms or their products that can cause infection, allergy or toxic effects, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi

Answer

A hazard found only in biology laboratories

Answer

A hazard related to organic food

Answer

A hazard that only affects plants and animals

Question 4

What is an 'ergonomic hazard'?

Accepted Answer

A hazard arising from the interaction between the worker and their work environment, leading to musculoskeletal disorders

Answer

A hazard related to workplace aesthetics

Answer

A hazard that only applies to office workers

Answer

A hazard caused by faulty ergonomic furniture

Question 5

What is a 'psychosocial hazard'?

Accepted Answer

A hazard arising from the way work is designed, organised or managed, causing psychological or physical harm such as stress

Answer

A hazard that only affects people with mental health conditions

Answer

A hazard from social media use at work

Answer

A hazard that cannot be assessed or controlled

Question 6

Which technique is commonly used to identify hazards in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Workplace inspections, job observations, reviewing accident data, consulting workers, and using checklists

Answer

Only reading the safety policy

Answer

Waiting for accidents to happen and then identifying the hazard

Answer

Only relying on manufacturer's safety data sheets