Workplace Safety & Compliance Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of workplace safety policies?

Answer: To ensure a safe working environment for employees

The 'hierarchy of controls' is a ranked system used in occupational safety to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards, prioritizing the most effective methods first. It typically starts with elimination, substitution, and engineering controls, followed by administrative controls, and finally, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as the least effective but often necessary last resort. This systematic approach guides decision-making for hazard mitigation.

Which organization sets and enforces workplace safety standards in the U.S.?

Answer: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Administrative controls involve changing the way people work to reduce or prevent exposure to hazards, rather than physically altering the hazard itself. Rotating workers to limit their exposure time to a hazardous task, implementing safe work procedures, or scheduling maintenance are all examples. These controls rely on employee adherence and training to be effective.

What is the purpose of safety data sheets (SDS)?

Answer: To provide information about hazardous chemicals

Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly because workplaces are dynamic environments where new hazards can emerge, or existing risks can change over time. Factors such as new equipment, processes, personnel, or even changes in regulations necessitate a fresh evaluation. Regular reviews ensure that control measures remain effective and the safety management system stays current and robust.

What does PPE stand for in workplace safety?

Answer: Personal Protective Equipment

In any emergency situation, the first and paramount priority is always ensuring the safety and preservation of human life. All other considerations, such as protecting company property or documenting the incident, are secondary. Emergency response plans are designed to facilitate rapid evacuation, provide first aid, and mitigate immediate threats to personnel, reflecting the fundamental value of human well-being.

What is the purpose of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures?

Answer: To protect workers from hazardous energy during maintenance

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are critical safety protocols designed to prevent the unexpected startup or release of stored energy from machinery and equipment during servicing or maintenance. By physically isolating and de-energizing equipment, LOTO protects workers from severe injuries or fatalities that could result from accidental activation or uncontrolled energy release, ensuring a safe work environment.

Which of the following is an employer's responsibility under OSHA?

Answer: Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), employers have a fundamental responsibility to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. This general duty clause requires employers to identify and mitigate hazards, provide necessary safety training, and comply with OSHA standards to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

What is the purpose of workplace safety training?

Answer: To help employees recognize and avoid workplace hazards

Workplace safety training is crucial for equipping employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify potential hazards, understand associated risks, and implement safe work practices. By educating employees on hazard recognition and prevention, training significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and illnesses, fostering a safer and more compliant work environment.

What should employees do if they identify a safety hazard?

Answer: Report it to a supervisor or safety officer

Employees have a responsibility to report any identified safety hazards to their supervisor or a designated safety officer immediately. This ensures that the hazard can be properly assessed, investigated, and mitigated by trained personnel, preventing potential accidents or injuries to themselves or others. Prompt reporting is crucial for maintaining a safe workplace.