OSHA Safety Quiz Questions and Answers
Let’s face it: safety at work isn’t just about avoiding accidents. It’s about protecting lives. That’s where OSHA – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration – steps in. Think of OSHA as the guardian angel of workplace safety in the U.S., setting and enforcing standards to keep workers safe.
But knowing the rules isn’t enough—you’ve got to test them too. That’s where OSHA safety quizzes come into play.
Understanding OSHA Regulations
Key OSHA Standards You Should Know
- 29 CFR 1910: General Industry
- 29 CFR 1926: Construction
- Hazard Communication (HazCom)
- PPE requirements
- Recordkeeping (OSHA 300 logs)
Common Workplace Violations
- No fall protection
- Lack of hazard communication
- Poor respiratory protection
- Inadequate machine guarding
Benefits of OSHA Safety Quizzes
- Reinforce training in a fun, engaging way
- Spot knowledge gaps before they turn into accidents
- Boost employee participation and accountability
- Encourage a culture of safety and awareness
OSHA Safety Quiz Categories
Here’s a breakdown of the most important safety topics you should quiz your team on:
- General Workplace Safety
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Fire Safety
- Electrical Safety
- Hazard Communication
- Fall Protection
- Confined Spaces
- Lockout/Tagout
- Machine Guarding
- Ergonomics
Sample OSHA Safety Quiz Questions & Answers
General Workplace Safety – MCQs
Q1. What is the first action you should take if you identify a safety hazard at work?
A. Ignore it and continue working
B. Fix it yourself immediately
C. Report it to your supervisor ✔
D. Ask a co-worker for advice
Q2. Which of the following is NOT considered a good housekeeping practice?
A. Keeping aisles clear
B. Cleaning spills immediately
C. Blocking emergency exits ✔
D. Storing materials properly
Q3. Why is it important to follow safety signs and labels in the workplace?
A. They are part of decoration
B. To avoid unnecessary paperwork
C. To comply with legal and safety requirements ✔
D. They are optional guidelines
Q4. How often should safety training be conducted in a workplace?
A. Once every five years
B. Only during employee orientation
C. Regularly and whenever new hazards are introduced ✔
D. Never – it’s optional
Q5. What is the best way to prevent slips, trips, and falls?
A. Wear fashionable shoes
B. Walk slowly at all times
C. Keep walkways clean and dry ✔
D. Use mobile phones while walking
Q6. What should be done with broken or malfunctioning equipment?
A. Use it carefully
B. Label it and report it ✔
C. Try to fix it yourself
D. Hide it to avoid blame
Q7. Which of the following is a component of a safe work environment?
A. Dim lighting
B. Blocked fire exits
C. Clear communication and emergency procedures ✔
D. Lack of PPE enforcement
Q8. What is the purpose of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?
A. To write job descriptions
B. To evaluate employee behavior
C. To identify hazards and control measures before starting a task ✔
D. To track attendance
Q9. Who is responsible for workplace safety?
A. Safety officer only
B. Supervisor only
C. Everyone in the organization ✔
D. Only trained staff
Q10. When should you review your company’s emergency evacuation plan?
A. Only during real emergencies
B. Once every decade
C. During drills and whenever updates are made ✔
D. It’s not necessary to review
📘 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – MCQs
Q1. What does PPE stand for?
A. Protective Private Equipment
B. Personal Protective Equipment ✔
C. Personal Performance Essentials
D. Professional Protection Essentials
Q2. Who is responsible for wearing PPE properly?
A. Safety manager
B. Supervisor
C. The employee using it ✔
D. Manufacturer
Q3. What is the purpose of PPE?
A. To replace workplace safety systems
B. To make workers look professional
C. To reduce exposure to hazards ✔
D. To improve attendance
Q4. Which of the following is NOT considered PPE?
A. Safety goggles
B. Hard hat
C. Earplugs
D. Office chair ✔
Q5. When should PPE be inspected?
A. Only during purchase
B. Every year
C. Before each use ✔
D. After an incident only
Q6. What type of PPE protects against inhaling harmful substances?
A. Gloves
B. Face shield
C. Respirator ✔
D. Safety shoes
Q7. What should you do if your PPE is damaged?
A. Keep using it until replaced
B. Report it and get a replacement ✔
C. Try to repair it with tape
D. Ignore it if the damage is minor
Q8. Who is responsible for providing the required PPE at the workplace?
A. Employee
B. Government
C. Employer ✔
D. Safety committee
Q9. What is the correct way to wear hearing protection?
A. Loosely placed over the ears
B. Snugly fitted over or inside the ears ✔
C. Hanging around the neck
D. Only during loud alarms
Q10. Which PPE is required to protect against foot injuries in a construction site?
A. Flip-flops
B. Sports shoes
C. Steel-toed safety boots ✔
D. Barefoot is fine
📘 Fire Safety – MCQs
Q1. What is the first step in using a fire extinguisher?
A. Squeeze the handle
B. Sweep the nozzle
C. Pull the pin ✔
D. Aim at the flames
Q2. What is the correct fire extinguisher type for electrical fires?
A. Water
B. Foam
C. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) ✔
D. Wet chemical
Q3. What does the “PASS” method stand for in fire extinguisher use?
A. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep ✔
B. Press, Alert, Sound, Spray
C. Pause, Approach, Squeeze, Sweep
D. Pull, Alert, Squeeze, Stop
Q4. Which class of fire involves flammable liquids like gasoline or oil?
A. Class A
B. Class B ✔
C. Class C
D. Class D
Q5. What should you do if you hear a fire alarm?
A. Wait for confirmation
B. Shut down your computer
C. Evacuate the building immediately ✔
D. Call a friend
Q6. Where should fire extinguishers be located?
A. In locked cabinets
B. Behind furniture
C. In easily accessible areas ✔
D. In supervisor’s office only
Q7. What should you do if your clothes catch fire?
A. Run fast
B. Try to roll on the floor ✔
C. Jump into a pool
D. Scream for help
Q8. What is the most common cause of workplace fires?
A. Wet floors
B. Electrical faults ✔
C. Loud noises
D. Air conditioning
Q9. Which of the following is a good fire prevention practice?
A. Overloading power strips
B. Smoking near flammable liquids
C. Keeping flammable materials away from heat sources ✔
D. Blocking fire exits
Q10. Fire doors should be:
A. Propped open for ventilation
B. Painted red only
C. Kept closed at all times ✔
D. Removed during hot weather
📘 Electrical Safety – MCQs
Q1. What should you do before working on any electrical equipment?
A. Unplug it and label it
B. Just turn it off
C. Assume it’s safe if it’s not sparking
D. De-energize and follow lockout/tagout procedures ✔
Q2. What color are electrical hazard warning signs typically?
A. Blue
B. Green
C. Yellow or Red ✔
D. White
Q3. Can you use water to extinguish an electrical fire?
A. Yes
B. No ✔
C. Only in open spaces
D. Only during daytime
Q4. What device protects a circuit from overcurrent?
A. Fuse ✔
B. Cable
C. Switch
D. Plug
Q5. What is the safest material for insulating wires?
A. Metal
B. Wood
C. Plastic ✔
D. Glass
Q6. What should be done if an extension cord is frayed or damaged?
A. Tape it up and reuse it
B. Continue using it with caution
C. Report and replace it immediately ✔
D. Hide it under a rug
Q7. How should you unplug an electrical cord safely?
A. Pull on the cord
B. Yank it quickly
C. Pull from the plug ✔
D. Step on it and pull
Q8. What type of footwear is recommended when working around electricity?
A. Leather shoes
B. Insulated rubber-soled shoes ✔
C. Sandals
D. Steel-toed boots
Q9. What is the main risk of working with live electrical wires?
A. Headache
B. Electric shock ✔
C. Ear damage
D. Heatstroke
Q10. Which of the following is a good electrical safety practice?
A. Using damaged cords if the equipment still works
B. Overloading outlets to save time
C. Keeping cords away from walkways and water sources ✔
D. Using metal ladders near electrical panels
📘 Hazard Communication – MCQs
Q1. What does SDS stand for?
A. Safety Document System
B. Secure Data Sheet
C. Safety Data Sheet ✔
D. System Data Summary
Q2. What is the main purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)?
A. To assign job duties
B. To reduce absenteeism
C. To ensure workers know about chemical hazards ✔
D. To keep information confidential
Q3. Where should Safety Data Sheets (SDS) be located?
A. In the manager’s drawer
B. At all work areas where chemicals are used ✔
C. At the company reception
D. Only in the lab
Q4. What should you do if a chemical label is missing or unreadable?
A. Use the chemical carefully
B. Ignore and proceed
C. Report it and do not use the chemical ✔
D. Make up your own label
Q5. Which signal word indicates the most severe hazard?
A. Attention
B. Warning
C. Danger ✔
D. Caution
Q6. What information is NOT required on a chemical label under GHS?
A. Product identifier
B. Hazard pictograms
C. Chemical inventor’s name ✔
D. Signal word
Q7. What does the flame pictogram on a chemical label represent?
A. Hot surface
B. Flammable material ✔
C. Burning sensation
D. Toxic chemical
Q8. What does the exclamation mark pictogram indicate?
A. High-pressure hazard
B. General warning ✔
C. Water-reactive
D. Radioactive material
Q9. How many sections are there in a standard SDS?
A. 10
B. 12
C. 16 ✔
D. 20
Q10. What is your first step if you come into contact with a hazardous chemical?
A. Rub the affected area
B. Report it later
C. Follow the first aid instructions on the SDS ✔
D. Ignore unless it hurts
📘 Fall Protection – MCQs
Q1. At what height is fall protection required in general industry?
A. 2 feet
B. 4 feet ✔
C. 6 feet
D. 10 feet
Q2. Which of the following is considered a passive fall protection system?
A. Safety harness
B. Guardrails ✔
C. Safety nets
D. Warning lines
Q3. What is the purpose of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS)?
A. To prevent falls
B. To stop a fall once it has started ✔
C. To help with climbing
D. To replace the need for ladders
Q4. What part of a fall arrest system connects the harness to the anchor point?
A. Helmet
B. Body belt
C. Lanyard ✔
D. Platform
Q5. When should a fall arrest system be inspected?
A. Once a year
B. Before each use ✔
C. After three months
D. Never—it’s optional
Q6. What is the maximum allowable free fall distance in a PFAS?
A. 2 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 6 feet ✔
D. 8 feet
Q7. What is a common mistake when using a safety harness?
A. Wearing it too tightly
B. Clipping to a secure anchor point
C. Not adjusting the straps properly ✔
D. Wearing a helmet
Q8. Who is responsible for ensuring fall protection equipment is worn?
A. Only the supervisor
B. The employee using it ✔
C. Site visitors
D. OSHA inspectors
Q9. What kind of surface should ladders be placed on?
A. Slippery surfaces
B. Uneven gravel
C. Stable and level surfaces ✔
D. Any available area
Q10. Which of the following is a fall prevention method?
A. Retractable lifelines
B. Safety nets
C. Guardrails ✔
D. Shock absorbers
📘 Confined Spaces – MCQs
Q1. What defines a confined space?
A. Large and open with limited hazards
B. Designed for continuous occupancy
C. Limited entry/exit and not meant for continuous occupancy ✔
D. Any space that’s air-conditioned
Q2. Which of the following is an example of a confined space?
A. Office room
B. Staircase
C. Storage tank ✔
D. Meeting hall
Q3. What must be done before entering a confined space?
A. Open all windows
B. Turn off nearby lights
C. Test the atmosphere ✔
D. Send a co-worker inside first
Q4. What gas is often monitored before confined space entry?
A. Oxygen ✔
B. Helium
C. Nitrogen
D. Carbon dioxide only
Q5. What is a “permit-required” confined space?
A. Space requiring manager’s approval
B. Space with a fan installed
C. Space with known or potential hazards ✔
D. Space with lighting
Q6. Who is responsible for ensuring confined space entry procedures are followed?
A. Fire department
B. Entry supervisor ✔
C. Cleaning crew
D. Machine operator
Q7. What equipment is essential for workers entering a confined space?
A. Cell phone
B. Safety harness and retrieval system ✔
C. Ladder
D. Notebook
Q8. What is the role of the attendant during confined space work?
A. Assist with job tasks
B. Take a break
C. Monitor workers from outside and initiate rescue if needed ✔
D. Provide snacks
Q9. When should atmospheric testing be repeated in a confined space?
A. Once per day
B. Only at the start
C. Continuously or periodically ✔
D. Never, if initial test is safe
Q10. Which hazard is commonly found in confined spaces?
A. Noise
B. Extreme light
C. Oxygen deficiency ✔
D. Dust mites
📘 Lockout/Tagout – MCQs
Q1. What is the purpose of Lockout/Tagout procedures?
A. To save electricity
B. To keep tools organized
C. To prevent accidental startup of machinery during maintenance ✔
D. To lock employees out of unsafe areas
Q2. When should Lockout/Tagout procedures be used?
A. During lunch breaks
B. While repairing or maintaining equipment ✔
C. Only after working hours
D. On weekends only
Q3. Who is authorized to apply a lockout device?
A. Any visitor
B. Only management
C. Authorized trained personnel ✔
D. All employees
Q4. What is a tagout device used for?
A. To decorate equipment
B. To signal that maintenance is complete
C. To warn others not to operate the equipment ✔
D. To organize tool storage
Q5. Who can remove a lockout/tagout device?
A. Maintenance team
B. Any supervisor
C. The person who applied it ✔
D. Security guard
Q6. What should be done before starting maintenance on equipment?
A. Turn off the lights
B. Leave the area
C. Isolate energy sources and lock them out ✔
D. Call emergency services
Q7. Which of the following is NOT considered a hazardous energy source?
A. Mechanical
B. Hydraulic
C. Compressed air
D. Wi-Fi ✔
Q8. What information must be included on a tagout device?
A. Date and time only
B. Serial number of the equipment
C. Name of the person who applied it and reason ✔
D. Safety slogan
Q9. What does “verify isolation” mean in LOTO?
A. Locking doors
B. Ensuring equipment is in a separate room
C. Testing to confirm energy has been completely isolated ✔
D. Checking if lights are off
Q10. What should be done after completing maintenance work?
A. Leave the lock in place
B. Restart equipment immediately
C. Remove LOTO devices only after ensuring the area is clear ✔
D. Tell a coworker to remove the tag
📘 Machine Guarding – MCQs
Q1. What is the primary purpose of machine guarding?
A. To reduce machine noise
B. To improve productivity
C. To protect workers from moving parts ✔
D. To keep machines clean
Q2. Which of the following is considered a point of operation?
A. The machine’s display panel
B. The part of the machine where the work is performed ✔
C. The machine’s power switch
D. The machine’s base
Q3. Guards should be:
A. Easily removable for convenience
B. Made of glass
C. Secure, durable, and not easily bypassed ✔
D. Decorative
Q4. What should a worker do if a guard is missing or broken?
A. Continue working carefully
B. Report it and stop using the machine ✔
C. Use another machine without a guard
D. Replace it with cardboard
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a type of machine guarding?
A. Fixed guards
B. Interlocked guards
C. Adjustable guards
D. Decorative covers ✔
Q6. What is the best time to inspect machine guards?
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. Before each use ✔
D. After damage occurs
Q7. Which type of guard automatically shuts off power when opened?
A. Fixed guard
B. Adjustable guard
C. Interlocked guard ✔
D. Temporary cover
Q8. Why should loose clothing be avoided when operating machinery?
A. It looks unprofessional
B. It may restrict vision
C. It can get caught in moving parts ✔
D. It causes overheating
Q9. Training on machine guarding is required for:
A. Office workers
B. Cleaning staff only
C. Anyone who operates or works near machinery ✔
D. Only supervisors
Q10. What should you do before removing a machine guard for maintenance?
A. Wear gloves
B. Turn off the light
C. De-energize the machine and follow lockout/tagout ✔
D. Increase the speed of the machine
📘 Ergonomics – MCQs
Q1. What is the goal of ergonomics in the workplace?
A. To increase paperwork
B. To improve posture and reduce strain injuries ✔
C. To reduce company costs
D. To monitor employee attendance
Q2. Which of the following is an example of poor ergonomic practice?
A. Adjusting your chair to proper height
B. Lifting with your legs
C. Reaching and twisting to lift a heavy object ✔
D. Taking regular breaks
Q3. What body part is most commonly affected by poor ergonomics at a desk job?
A. Feet
B. Back ✔
C. Ears
D. Stomach
Q4. What is the recommended angle for your elbows when typing?
A. 45 degrees
B. 90 degrees ✔
C. 180 degrees
D. Doesn’t matter
Q5. Which practice can help prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?
A. Slouching in the chair
B. Using ergonomic tools and equipment ✔
C. Ignoring discomfort
D. Bending at the waist to lift objects
Q6. Which of the following is NOT considered an ergonomic control measure?
A. Adjustable chairs
B. Task rotation
C. Increasing workload ✔
D. Anti-fatigue mats
Q7. What should you do if you feel pain while performing a repetitive task?
A. Push through it
B. Inform your supervisor ✔
C. Take longer breaks
D. Stop working entirely
Q8. Which is a common symptom of poor ergonomic setup?
A. Hunger
B. Eye strain ✔
C. Dehydration
D. High blood pressure
Q9. How often should you take short breaks when doing repetitive tasks?
A. Every 2–3 hours
B. Once a day
C. Every 30–60 minutes ✔
D. Never, unless told
Q10. Which of the following is an example of a proper lifting technique?
A. Bending at the waist
B. Twisting while lifting
C. Keeping the load close to the body ✔
D. Holding your breath
How to Use These Quizzes in the Workplace
- Use them in weekly safety meetings or toolbox talks
- Include in new hire orientations
- Track scores to measure training effectiveness
- Encourage friendly competition with a monthly quiz leaderboard
Tips to Create Your Own OSHA-Style Safety Quiz
- Pick a topic – focus on real hazards
- Use multiple choice or True/False
- Keep it short – 5 to 10 questions
- Explain answers so learning sticks
- Make it fun – gamify the quiz with rewards
Final Thoughts
Keeping your team safe starts with knowledge—and that knowledge sticks best when it’s tested. OSHA safety quizzes are an easy, effective, and even fun way to ensure that your team knows what they need to stay safe. Don’t just train—test, reinforce, and repeat.
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OSHA Safety Quiz questions and answers
FAQs
Q1. How often should OSHA quizzes be given?
At least quarterly, but monthly is better for high-risk industries.
Q2. Can OSHA quizzes be done online?
Absolutely! Digital quizzes are easy to distribute and track.
Q3. Are OSHA quizzes mandatory?
They’re not legally required, but they’re highly recommended.
Q4. Who should design the safety quiz?
Safety officers or EHS professionals should create them based on job risks.
Q5. Can I reuse OSHA quiz questions?
Yes, but mix in new questions to keep things fresh and challenging.
