PHR Workplace Safety and Risk Questions and Answers

Question 1

An employee receives a small paper cut while filing documents.
A supervisor applies a standard adhesive bandage from a first-aid kit, and the employee immediately returns to their duties without any work restrictions.
According to OSHA recordkeeping requirements, what action should the HR manager take?

Accepted Answer

Do not record the incident as it is considered first aid.

Answer

Record the incident on the OSHA Form 300 Log.

Answer

Report the incident to the nearest OSHA office within 24 hours.

Answer

Document the incident only in the employee's personnel file.

Question 2

Under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), what is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

Accepted Answer

To provide detailed information on chemical hazards and safe handling procedures.

Answer

To document the cost and inventory of all chemicals used in the workplace.

Answer

To serve as a permit for transporting hazardous materials between facilities.

Answer

To report workplace injuries caused by chemical exposure to the insurance carrier.

Question 3

An HR director is reviewing the company's safety protocols to ensure compliance. Which of the following is a mandatory component of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) as required by OSHA?

Accepted Answer

Procedures for employees to report a fire or other emergency.

Answer

A list of all employees' home phone numbers.

Answer

The location of the company's financial records.

Answer

A detailed business continuity strategy for supply chain disruptions.

Question 4

A manufacturing plant identifies that a specific piece of machinery generates noise levels that exceed OSHA's permissible exposure limits. As an initial measure, the company provides all affected employees with high-quality earplugs. According to the hierarchy of controls, this action is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Answer

Elimination

Answer

Engineering controls

Answer

Administrative controls

Question 5

An HR manager at a call center learns that employees are experiencing severe ergonomic strain from prolonged sitting in poorly designed chairs, a hazard for which no specific OSHA standard exists. However, the risk is well-recognized within the industry. If an employee is seriously injured as a result, under which provision could OSHA cite the employer?

Accepted Answer

The General Duty Clause

Answer

The Hazard Communication Standard

Answer

The Emergency Action Plan rule

Answer

The Whistleblower Protection Program

Question 6

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of the state-mandated workers' compensation system in the United States?

Accepted Answer

It operates as an exclusive remedy, meaning employees generally give up the right to sue the employer for the injury.

Answer

Employees must prove employer negligence to receive any benefits.

Answer

Benefits are paid directly from a federal fund administered by OSHA.

Answer

Only full-time employees are eligible for coverage.