Occupational Health and Safety Practice
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best defines “hazard” in the workplace?
A. A measure of risk
B. Something with the potential to cause harm
C. The likelihood of injury
D. A safety control
B
Rationale: A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm,
whereas risk refers to the likelihood of that harm occurring.
2. Which of these is an example of a physical hazard?
A. Noise
, B. Stress
C. Manual handling
D. Fatigue
A
Rationale: Physical hazards include things like noise, vibration,
radiation, and extreme temperatures.
3. What is the main purpose of a risk assessment?
A. To eliminate all hazards
B. To identify hazards and evaluate risks
C. To ensure legal compliance only
D. To create paperwork
B
Rationale: Risk assessments identify hazards, evaluate the associated
risks, and determine suitable control measures.
4. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, who has a duty of care
for employees?
A. Only managers
B. Only safety officers
C. Employers and employees
D. The government
C
Rationale: Both employers and employees share legal responsibilities
under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
,5. Which hierarchy of control is most effective at preventing workplace
injury?
A. Personal protective equipment
B. Elimination of the hazard
C. Administrative controls
D. Substitution
B
Rationale: Eliminating the hazard entirely is the most effective
control measure in the hierarchy of control.
6. Which of the following is considered a chemical hazard?
A. Asbestos fibers
B. Slippery floors
C. Noise
D. Poor lighting
A
Rationale: Chemical hazards include substances like asbestos,
solvents, gases, and dusts.
7. What does PPE stand for?
A. Personal protective equipment
B. Professional protective evaluation
C. Public protection enforcement
D. Preventive protection equipment
A
, Rationale: PPE is designed to protect workers from hazards that
cannot be eliminated or controlled by other means.
8. Which of the following is a biological hazard?
A. Electricity
B. Bacteria
C. Noise
D. Heavy machinery
B
Rationale: Biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
other organisms that can cause illness.
9. The term “accident” in occupational health and safety refers to:
A. Any unexpected event that may cause injury or damage
B. Only injuries requiring hospitalization
C. Near misses
D. Routine hazards
A
Rationale: An accident is an unplanned event resulting in injury, ill
health, or damage.
10. What is the first step in carrying out a risk assessment?
A. Evaluate the risk
B. Record findings
C. Identify hazards
D. Implement controls