STSC Hazard Identification and Control 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), what is the FIRST step a supervisor should take?
- Select the job to be analyzed (Correct answer)
- Identify the hazards associated with each step
- Determine preventive measures for each hazard
- Break the job down into basic steps
Correct answer: Select the job to be analyzed
The first step in a JHA is selecting the job to be analyzed, typically prioritizing jobs with high injury rates or severe potential consequences.
Question 2: Which type of hazard control is considered MOST effective according to the hierarchy of controls?
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
- Elimination (Correct answer)
- Engineering controls
Correct answer: Elimination
Elimination — physically removing the hazard — is the most effective control because it completely removes the risk from the workplace.
Question 3: A construction worker notices a trench wall showing signs of cracking and bulging. This is an example of which type of hazard?
- Electrical hazard
- Ergonomic hazard
- Physical hazard (Correct answer)
- Chemical hazard
Correct answer: Physical hazard
Cracking and bulging trench walls indicate an imminent cave-in, which is a physical hazard involving structural instability.
Question 4: What does the term 'near miss' mean in the context of construction safety?
- An incident where a worker was injured but returned to work the same day
- An unplanned event that did not result in injury but had the potential to do so (Correct answer)
- A minor injury that did not require medical treatment
- A safety violation that was observed but not corrected
Correct answer: An unplanned event that did not result in injury but had the potential to do so
A near miss is an unplanned event with potential to cause injury or damage but did not — it is a critical leading indicator for preventing future accidents.
Question 5: Which federal standard requires construction employers to have a written Hazard Communication program when hazardous chemicals are present?
- 29 CFR 1926.502
- 29 CFR 1910.147
- 29 CFR 1926.59 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1926.350
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1926.59
29 CFR 1926.59 (Hazard Communication) requires construction employers to maintain a written HazCom program and ensure workers are informed about chemical hazards.
Question 6: A supervisor identifies a hazard that cannot be immediately eliminated. What is the BEST immediate action?
- Document the hazard and schedule repair for the next scheduled maintenance
- Notify workers verbally and continue work
- Implement interim controls and warn affected workers while pursuing a permanent fix (Correct answer)
- Stop all work on the entire project until resolved
Correct answer: Implement interim controls and warn affected workers while pursuing a permanent fix
When a hazard cannot be immediately eliminated, supervisors should implement interim controls and communicate the hazard to workers while working toward a permanent solution.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'toolbox talk' related to hazard identification?
- To train workers on how to use new hand tools
- To brief workers on specific hazards and safe practices before starting daily work (Correct answer)
- To conduct a formal OSHA-required safety inspection
- To document incidents that occurred on the previous shift
Correct answer: To brief workers on specific hazards and safe practices before starting daily work
Toolbox talks are brief pre-work safety meetings used to alert workers to daily hazards, reinforce safe practices, and promote a safety culture on the jobsite.
STSC Hazard Identification and Control 4
When conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), what is the FIRST step a supervisor should take?