Site Safe Hazard Identification NZ 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'substitution' in the hierarchy of controls?
- Replacing a hazardous substance or process with a less hazardous one
- Removing the hazard entirely (Correct answer)
- Training workers to avoid the hazard
- Placing barriers between workers and the hazard
Correct answer: Removing the hazard entirely
Substitution means replacing something hazardous with something less hazardous. For example, replacing a toxic solvent with a water-based alternative.
Question 2: What is an 'administrative control' in workplace safety?
- A control that changes the way work is done, such as procedures, training, or scheduling (Correct answer)
- A physical barrier that separates workers from hazards
- The complete elimination of a hazard
- Providing workers with protective equipment
Correct answer: A control that changes the way work is done, such as procedures, training, or scheduling
Administrative controls change how people work through procedures, policies, training, scheduling, signage, and supervision. They rely on human behaviour and are lower in the hierarchy.
Question 3: A NZ Site Safe passport holder notices a new hazard on site. What should they do first?
- Make the area safe if possible and report the hazard to their supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Continue working and mention it at the end of the day
- Fix the hazard themselves without telling anyone
- Wait for the next toolbox meeting to raise it
Correct answer: Make the area safe if possible and report the hazard to their supervisor immediately
Workers should make the immediate area safe if they can do so without risk, and then report the hazard to their supervisor or site manager straight away.
Question 4: What is 'isolation' in the hierarchy of controls?
- Separating the hazard from people by distance or physical barriers (Correct answer)
- Sending the worker home until the hazard is fixed
- Removing the hazard entirely from the workplace
- Using personal protective equipment
Correct answer: Separating the hazard from people by distance or physical barriers
Isolation involves separating the hazard from people using physical barriers, distance, or enclosures. For example, fencing off a contaminated area or enclosing noisy equipment.
Question 5: Which of the following is a psychosocial hazard in a NZ workplace?
- Workplace bullying and harassment (Correct answer)
- Exposure to asbestos
- Working near moving machinery
- Lifting heavy objects
Correct answer: Workplace bullying and harassment
Psychosocial hazards include factors such as bullying, harassment, excessive workload, lack of support, and violence that can affect workers' psychological health.
Question 6: What is a 'risk matrix' used for?
- To assess and prioritise risks by combining the likelihood and consequence of harm (Correct answer)
- To list all the workers on a site
- To schedule safety training sessions
- To calculate the cost of insurance premiums
Correct answer: To assess and prioritise risks by combining the likelihood and consequence of harm
A risk matrix is a tool that combines the likelihood of harm occurring with the potential consequences to determine the overall level of risk, helping prioritise which risks need the most urgent attention.
Site Safe Hazard Identification NZ 3
What is 'substitution' in the hierarchy of controls?