Workplace Hazard Identification Quiz
1. What is the first step in hazard identification?
A) Ignoring small risks
B) Conducting a workplace inspection
C) Waiting for an accident to happen
D) Relying only on employee complaints
Answer: B) Conducting a workplace inspection
Explanation: The first step is proactively inspecting the workplace to identify potential hazards before incidents occur.
2. Which of the following is a physical hazard?
A) Workplace stress
B) Loud noise
C) Bullying
D) Poor lighting
Answer: B) Loud noise
Explanation: Physical hazards include environmental factors like noise, radiation, and extreme temperatures.
3. A wet floor without a warning sign is an example of:
A) A biological hazard
B) A chemical hazard
C) A physical hazard
D) A psychological hazard
Answer: C) A physical hazard
Explanation: Slippery surfaces pose a physical risk of slips, trips, and falls.
4. Which hazard category does asbestos exposure fall under?
A) Chemical hazard
B) Biological hazard
C) Ergonomic hazard
D) Psychological hazard
Answer: A) Chemical hazard
Explanation: Asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause lung diseases, making it a chemical hazard.
5. What is an ergonomic hazard?
A) Exposure to viruses
B) Poor posture or repetitive movements
C) Loud machinery
D) Workplace harassment
Answer: B) Poor posture or repetitive movements
Explanation: Ergonomic hazards arise from improper workstation setup or repetitive tasks leading to musculoskeletal disorders.
6. Which of the following is a biological hazard?
A) Broken ladder
B) Mold in the workplace
C) Heavy lifting
D) High-stress workload
Answer: B) Mold in the workplace
Explanation: Biological hazards include mold, bacteria, viruses, and other living organisms that can cause illness.
7. What should employees do if they identify a hazard?
A) Ignore it if it seems minor
B) Report it to a supervisor immediately
C) Fix it themselves without training
D) Wait for someone else to notice
Answer: B) Report it to a supervisor immediately
Explanation: Prompt reporting ensures hazards are addressed before causing harm.
8. What is a psychological hazard?
A) Exposure to toxic fumes
B) Workplace violence or bullying
C) Unguarded machinery
D) Slippery floors
Answer: B) Workplace violence or bullying
Explanation: Psychological hazards affect mental well-being, including stress, harassment, and excessive workload.
9. Which tool is commonly used for hazard identification?
A) SWOT analysis
B) Risk assessment matrix
C) Payroll software
D) Marketing survey
Answer: B) Risk assessment matrix
Explanation: A risk matrix helps evaluate the likelihood and severity of hazards.
10. What is a common hazard in office environments?
A) Heavy machinery
B) Poor ergonomics (e.g., bad chairs)
C) Chemical spills
D) Extreme temperatures
Answer: B) Poor ergonomics (e.g., bad chairs)
Explanation: Office workers often face ergonomic risks like improper seating and prolonged computer use.
11. Which of these is a safety control measure?
A) Removing fire extinguishers
B) Providing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
C) Ignoring maintenance checks
D) Allowing untrained workers to handle chemicals
Answer: B) Providing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Explanation: PPE (gloves, masks, helmets) protects workers from hazards.
12. What is the best way to prevent electrical hazards?
A) Overloading power outlets
B) Using damaged cords
C) Regular equipment inspections
D) Ignoring warning labels
Answer: C) Regular equipment inspections
Explanation: Inspections help detect faulty wiring or equipment before accidents occur.
13. Which of these is NOT a workplace hazard?
A) Toxic fumes
B) Proper ventilation
C) Unguarded machinery
D) Stress from overwork
Answer: B) Proper ventilation
Explanation: Proper ventilation is a safety measure, not a hazard.
14. What type of hazard is repetitive strain injury (RSI)?
A) Chemical
B) Ergonomic
C) Biological
D) Physical
Answer: B) Ergonomic
Explanation: RSI results from repetitive motions or poor workstation setup.
15. Which government agency enforces workplace safety in the U.S.?
A) FDA
B) OSHA
C) EPA
D) FBI
Answer: B) OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
Explanation: OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety standards.
16. What should you do if you see a frayed electrical cord?
A) Keep using it until it fails
B) Report it and tag it out of service
C) Tape it and continue use
D) Ignore it
Answer: B) Report it and tag it out of service
Explanation: Damaged cords pose fire and electrocution risks and should be removed from use.
17. Which is an example of a chemical hazard?
A) Slippery floor
B) Loud noise
C) Cleaning solvents
D) Poor lighting
Answer: C) Cleaning solvents
Explanation: Chemicals like solvents can cause burns, respiratory issues, or poisoning.
18. How often should hazard identification be conducted?
A) Only after an accident
B) Once a year
C) Continuously and during workplace changes
D) Never
Answer: C) Continuously and during workplace changes
Explanation: Hazards can arise anytime, so regular checks are necessary.
19. What is the hierarchy of controls?
A) A ranking of hazard control methods (Elimination → PPE)
B) A list of employee names
C) A financial budget
D) A marketing strategy
Answer: A) A ranking of hazard control methods (Elimination → PPE)
Explanation: The hierarchy prioritizes elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
20. Who is responsible for workplace safety?
A) Only the employer
B) Only the safety officer
C) Everyone (employers and employees)
D) Only government inspectors
Answer: C) Everyone (employers and employees)
Explanation: Workplace safety is a shared responsibility.
OSHA Safety Quiz questions and answers
