ISO 45001 MCQs for Beginners – Start Your OH&S Journey
What is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001 is the International Standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems. It provides a structured framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks, and create better working conditions.
Why is ISO 45001 Important?
Workplace safety isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s a legal and operational priority. ISO 45001 helps organizations:
- Prevent work-related injuries
- Comply with legal requirements
- Enhance reputation and worker morale
Key Concepts You Need to Know
OH&S Management System Basics
Think of ISO 45001 as a guidebook that outlines how a company should manage safety risks effectively. It sets expectations for policies, responsibilities, and controls.
Key Terms and Definitions in ISO 45001
- Hazard – Source or situation with potential to cause harm
- Risk – Combination of the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of harm
- Incident – Occurrence arising out of work that could or does result in injury
Structure of ISO 45001 (Annex SL)
ISO 45001 follows a 10-clause structure, including:
- Scope
- Normative References
- Terms and Definitions
- Context of the Organization
- Leadership and Worker Participation
- Planning
- Support
- Operation
- Performance Evaluation
- Improvement
Benefits of Learning ISO 45001 Through MCQs
Active Recall for Better Memory
MCQs help you remember concepts faster by forcing your brain to recall instead of just reviewing.
Self-Assessment and Confidence Building
Regular practice gives you a sense of how well you’re grasping the material and builds exam confidence.
Tips for Solving ISO 45001 MCQs
1. Read the Question Carefully
Don’t rush—some options may sound right but include subtle traps.
2. Eliminate Wrong Answers
Cross out options that are obviously incorrect to narrow your choices.
3. Understand Key Clauses
Focus on understanding what clauses like Clause 5 (Leadership) or Clause 6 (Planning) actually expect you to know.
ISO 45001 MCQs – Practice Questions
Beginner Level – 25 Questions with Answers
1. ISO 45001:2018 focuses on which of the following?
A. Quality Management
B. Information Security
C. Occupational Health and Safety
D. Environmental Management
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ISO 45001 is specifically designed to manage Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S). It helps organizations reduce workplace risks and create safer environments for workers.
2. Which clause of ISO 45001 deals with “Leadership and Worker Participation”?
A. Clause 4
B. Clause 5
C. Clause 6
D. Clause 7
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clause 5 of ISO 45001 emphasizes the importance of leadership commitment and the involvement of workers in developing and maintaining the OH&S management system.
3. What is a hazard as defined in ISO 45001?
A. A tool used at the workplace
B. A piece of protective equipment
C. A potential source of harm
D. A first aid kit
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A hazard is any source, situation, or act with the potential to cause injury, ill health, or damage to the workplace or environment.
4. PDCA in ISO 45001 stands for what?
A. Plan-Do-Check-Act
B. Prepare-Deliver-Cancel-Act
C. Process-Define-Control-Analyze
D. Prevent-Deny-Control-Act
✅ Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle is the foundation of ISO 45001. It supports continuous improvement in safety management systems.
5. What is the primary goal of ISO 45001?
A. To increase company profits
B. To improve product quality
C. To reduce safety inspection time
D. To improve Occupational Health and Safety performance
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: ISO 45001 aims to create safer working environments, reduce incidents, and improve overall OH&S performance.
6. What does OH&S stand for?
A. Organization of Health & Safety
B. Occupational Hazard & Safety
C. Occupational Health and Safety
D. Official Health & Standards
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: OH&S refers to Occupational Health and Safety — the discipline focused on protecting worker health and preventing injuries.
7. Which clause in ISO 45001 focuses on “Planning”?
A. Clause 4
B. Clause 5
C. Clause 6
D. Clause 7
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Clause 6 requires organizations to identify risks, determine OH&S objectives, and plan actions to address them.
8. ISO 45001 replaced which older standard?
A. ISO 9001
B. ISO 14001
C. OHSAS 18001
D. ISO 31000
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ISO 45001 officially replaced OHSAS 18001 in 2018, becoming the new global standard for occupational health and safety management systems.
9. What is meant by “Context of the Organization” in ISO 45001?
A. Financial status of the organization
B. Staff recruitment strategy
C. Internal and external issues affecting OH&S
D. Workplace design
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Clause 4 (Context of the Organization) requires an understanding of internal and external factors that can affect the OH&S management system.
10. Which of the following is a recognized method to control workplace hazards?
A. Hierarchy of Controls
B. SWOT Analysis
C. Market Survey
D. Cost-Benefit Ratio
✅ Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Hierarchy of Controls is a widely accepted framework used to eliminate or minimize workplace hazards effectively.
11. Clause 8 in ISO 45001 is associated with which of the following?
A. Leadership
B. Operational Planning and Control
C. Performance Evaluation
D. Emergency Planning
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clause 8 deals with planning and executing operational controls to manage risks and implement OH&S objectives.
12. Who is responsible for safety under ISO 45001?
A. The safety officer only
B. Only top management
C. Everyone in the organization
D. Human resources team
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Responsibility for safety lies with everyone—from top management to frontline workers. A culture of shared responsibility is vital for success.
13. What is an incident in ISO 45001?
A. Any unexpected audit
B. An occurrence that could or does result in injury or ill health
C. A failed job interview
D. Any positive safety observation
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Incidents include both accidents and near misses and are central to performance evaluation in ISO 45001.
14. Clause 10 of ISO 45001 refers to what?
A. Legal compliance
B. Emergency response
C. Improvement
D. Documentation
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Clause 10 emphasizes the need for continual improvement through corrective actions and learning from incidents.
15. Which document expresses an organization’s commitment to OH&S?
A. Annual Report
B. Safety Manual
C. OH&S Policy
D. Brochure
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The OH&S policy outlines the organization’s goals, direction, and commitment to health and safety.
16. What kind of approach does ISO 45001 recommend for managing OH&S risks?
A. Passive
B. Reactive
C. Proactive and Preventive
D. Delayed
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ISO 45001 promotes a proactive approach — identifying and preventing risks before they result in harm.
17. Internal audits in ISO 45001 are part of which clause?
A. Clause 5
B. Clause 9
C. Clause 7
D. Clause 4
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clause 9 covers Performance Evaluation, including internal audits, monitoring, and measurement.
18. Which of these is NOT part of the PDCA cycle?
A. Plan
B. Do
C. Check
D. Prepare
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The PDCA cycle stands for Plan, Do, Check, Act. “Prepare” is not part of the standard model.
19. What is the first step in hazard control?
A. Mitigation
B. Elimination
C. Hazard Identification
D. Risk Assessment
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Before controlling a hazard, it must first be identified. This is the starting point in any risk management process.
20. How are OH&S risks evaluated?
A. Based on personal opinions
B. Based on likelihood and severity
C. Based on employee feedback only
D. Based on time of year
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Risk is a function of the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of the consequences.
21. Workers should be:
A. Supervised without training
B. Kept away from decision-making
C. Trained and Competent
D. Responsible for audits only
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Clause 7 stresses that workers must be trained, informed, and competent to carry out OH&S-related duties.
22. Inputs for management review include:
A. Employee gossip
B. Audit results and safety performance
C. Annual revenue only
D. Social media metrics
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Management reviews rely on inputs such as audit outcomes, non-conformities, and OH&S performance metrics.
23. ISO 45001 promotes:
A. Worker exclusion from decision-making
B. A top-down safety approach
C. Worker participation and consultation
D. Delayed hazard control
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Workers must be involved and consulted throughout the implementation and improvement of OH&S systems.
24. ISO 45001 encourages:
A. One-time safety audits
B. Continual improvement
C. Minimal documentation
D. Avoidance of change
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Continual improvement is a core element of ISO 45001, ensuring the system evolves to meet new risks and challenges.
25. Which of the following is a leading indicator in OH&S?
A. Number of injuries reported
B. Number of lost workdays
C. Number of near misses reported
D. Number of safety training sessions completed
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Leading indicators are proactive and predictive. Tracking training sessions helps prevent incidents before they happen.
Common Topics Covered in ISO 45001 MCQs
Leadership and Worker Participation
How managers show commitment to OH&S and engage employees.
Risk-Based Thinking
Identifying and controlling risks before they cause harm.
Operational Planning and Control
Controlling hazards through processes and planning.
Emergency Preparedness
How an organization prepares and responds to incidents.
How to Prepare for ISO 45001 Certification Exam
1. Choose the Right Course
Opt for accredited training providers or self-paced platforms.
2. Study Daily in Chunks
Break content into manageable pieces to avoid burnout.
3. Mock Tests & Quizzes
Simulate real exams to boost your confidence.
Conclusion
Starting your journey with ISO 45001 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Mastering the basics through MCQs is a smart way to test your knowledge, reinforce learning, and move closer to certification success. So, don’t wait—start quizzing, start growing, and stay safe!
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FAQs
Q1. What is the best way to prepare for ISO 45001 exams?
Use a mix of MCQs, study guides, and mock tests for effective learning.
Q2. Can I learn ISO 45001 online for free?
Yes, many platforms offer free resources, although certification usually has a cost.
Q3. Are MCQs included in the ISO 45001 certification exam?
Most training programs use MCQs for practice; official exams may vary in format.
Q4. How long does it take to prepare for the ISO 45001 exam?
With consistent study, 2–4 weeks is generally enough for beginners.
Q5. Is ISO 45001 only for safety professionals?
No, it’s useful for anyone involved in workplace health and safety, including HR and operations managers.
