Principles of Occupational Health and Safety
1. Which law in the Philippines governs occupational safety and health standards?
A. RA 6969
B. RA 11058
C. RA 8749
D. RA 9275
Answer: B
Explanation: RA 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act, mandates the protection of workers from hazards in the workplace.
2. Which government agency is primarily responsible for implementing occupational health and safety regulations in the Philippines?
A. DOH
B. DPWH
C. DOLE
D. DENR
Answer: C
Explanation: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) oversees the enforcement of occupational safety and health (OSH) standards in workplaces.
3. Which of the following is NOT a basic principle of occupational health and safety?
A. Identifying workplace hazards
B. Ensuring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
C. Encouraging unsafe work practices to increase productivity
D. Promoting worker health and well-being
Answer: C
Explanation: OSH principles prioritize safety over productivity to ensure workers are protected from occupational hazards.
4. What is the main purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?
A. To increase company profits
B. To replace regular safety inspections
C. To eliminate the need for worker training
D. To assess and reduce workplace risks
Answer: D
Explanation: A JHA systematically evaluates workplace risks and helps implement preventive measures.
5. Which of the following is a leading cause of workplace injuries?
A. Excessive breaks
B. Compliance with safety policies
C. Proper PPE use
D. Poor housekeeping
Answer: D
Explanation: Poor housekeeping can lead to slips, trips, falls, and other accidents, making it a major safety concern.
6. Which safety measure should be prioritized in all workplaces?
A. Eliminating hazards at the source
B. Relying solely on personal protective equipment (PPE)
C. Ignoring minor hazards
D. Waiting for an accident before taking action
Answer: A
Explanation: The Hierarchy of Controls emphasizes eliminating hazards at the source as the most effective safety measure.
7. Which of the following best describes "ergonomics"?
A. A method for reducing pollution
B. The study of workplace design to improve worker efficiency and safety
C. A process for testing industrial wastewater
D. A medical treatment for workplace injuries
Answer: B
Explanation: Ergonomics focuses on designing workplaces and tasks to minimize stress and injury risks.
8. Which type of hazard is caused by excessive noise in the workplace?
A. Chemical hazard
B. Biological hazard
C. Physical hazard
D. Ergonomic hazard
Answer: C
Explanation: Physical hazards, such as loud noise, can cause hearing damage and other health problems.
9. Which of the following is an example of a biological hazard?
A. Exposure to asbestos
B. Loud machinery noise
C. Handling contaminated medical waste
D. Poor lighting conditions
Answer: C
Explanation: Biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens found in contaminated waste.
10. What is the primary purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
A. To replace workplace safety policies
B. To protect workers from hazardous exposures
C. To eliminate the need for safety training
D. To increase worker productivity
Answer: B
Explanation: PPE acts as a barrier against hazards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses.
Identification and Control of Workplace Hazards
11. Which type of hazard results from exposure to toxic chemicals?
A. Physical hazard
B. Electrical hazard
C. Ergonomic hazard
D. Chemical hazard
Answer: D
Explanation: Chemical hazards involve exposure to harmful substances such as acids, solvents, and fumes.
12. What is the first step in controlling workplace hazards?
A. Implementing PPE usage
B. Identifying hazards
C. Training workers
D. Conducting accident investigations
Answer: B
Explanation: Hazard identification is the first step in ensuring a safe working environment.
13. Which control measure is considered most effective in the Hierarchy of Controls?
A. Administrative controls
B. PPE
C. Engineering controls
D. Elimination of hazards
Answer: D
Explanation: Eliminating the hazard at its source is the most effective method in hazard control.
14. Which workplace practice helps reduce ergonomic hazards?
A. Using proper lifting techniques
B. Ignoring repetitive strain injuries
C. Increasing workload demands
D. Removing safety guidelines
Answer: A
Explanation: Proper lifting techniques prevent muscle strain and workplace injuries.
15. Which hazard control measure involves substituting a hazardous substance with a less harmful one?
A. Elimination
B. Engineering control
C. Substitution
D. PPE
Answer: C
Explanation: Substitution replaces hazardous substances with safer alternatives.
16. What is the purpose of lockout/tagout procedures?
A. To control hazardous energy sources
B. To restrict worker movement
C. To improve productivity
D. To increase workplace hazards
Answer: A
Explanation: Lockout/tagout procedures prevent accidental startup of machinery, protecting workers from injury.
17. Which hazard control measure includes installing ventilation systems to reduce airborne contaminants?
A. Administrative controls
B. PPE
C. Engineering controls
D. Hazard substitution
Answer: C
Explanation: Engineering controls, such as ventilation, help reduce exposure to hazardous substances.
18. Which of the following is an example of an administrative control in hazard management?
A. Wearing gloves
B. Installing machine guards
C. Providing safety training
D. Using respirators
Answer: C
Explanation: Administrative controls focus on training, policies, and procedures to improve workplace safety.
19. What is the best way to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace?
A. Using non-slip flooring and proper housekeeping
B. Ignoring safety regulations
C. Encouraging running in hallways
D. Leaving spills unattended
Answer: A
Explanation: Good housekeeping and non-slip surfaces reduce slip-and-fall risks.
20. Which of the following is a common sign of heat stress in workers?
A. Increased focus and concentration
B. Confusion, dizziness, and excessive sweating
C. Improved endurance
D. Decreased heart rate
Answer: B
Explanation: Heat stress symptoms include dizziness, heavy sweating, and confusion, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Safety Management Systems and Practices
21. What is the primary goal of a Safety Management System (SMS) in the workplace?
A. To reduce workplace productivity
B. To increase company expenses
C. To identify, assess, and control hazards
D. To avoid compliance with safety regulations
Answer: C
Explanation: A Safety Management System (SMS) is a structured approach to managing workplace hazards, ensuring safety compliance, and minimizing risks.
22. Which of the following is NOT a key component of a Safety Management System (SMS)?
A. Safety policies and objectives
B. Hazard identification and risk assessment
C. Financial profit maximization
D. Safety performance monitoring and evaluation
Answer: C
Explanation: An SMS focuses on workplace safety rather than financial profit.
23. What is the purpose of a safety audit in a workplace?
A. To identify non-compliance and recommend improvements
B. To punish employees for mistakes
C. To remove all safety equipment
D. To eliminate training programs
Answer: A
Explanation: Safety audits evaluate workplace safety policies, identify hazards, and recommend corrective actions.
24. Which safety management principle involves continuous improvement of safety performance?
A. Hazard elimination
B. Safety training programs
C. Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle
D. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage
Answer: C
Explanation: The PDCA cycle is a framework for continuous safety improvement by planning, implementing, monitoring, and refining safety measures.
25. What is the purpose of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?
A. To eliminate all workplace hazards
B. To analyze and break down job tasks to identify risks
C. To increase employee workload
D. To replace all safety policies
Answer: B
Explanation: A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) identifies hazards in specific job tasks and recommends safety measures.
26. Which of the following best describes a "near-miss" in workplace safety?
A. An incident that causes a fatality
B. A minor incident that results in no injury but had the potential to cause harm
C. A fire or explosion in a workplace
D. A worker intentionally violating safety rules
Answer: B
Explanation: A near-miss is an incident that did not cause harm but had the potential to do so, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
27. Which of the following is an example of an administrative control in a Safety Management System?
A. Providing safety training for employees
B. Installing emergency stop buttons on machines
C. Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
D. Implementing ergonomic workstation designs
Answer: A
Explanation: Administrative controls include safety training, policies, and procedures to ensure workplace safety.
28. What is the main function of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?
A. To provide a response plan for workplace emergencies
B. To eliminate the need for fire extinguishers
C. To replace safety training programs
D. To ensure employees work overtime
Answer: A
Explanation: An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) outlines procedures for handling emergencies such as fires, chemical spills, and natural disasters.
29. What is the primary purpose of a workplace safety committee?
A. To discipline employees who violate rules
B. To eliminate workplace safety policies
C. To replace the role of management
D. To promote and oversee workplace safety practices
Answer: D
Explanation: A safety committee ensures workplace safety compliance, conducts inspections, and promotes hazard awareness.
30. Which international standard provides guidelines for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS)?
A. ISO 9001
B. ISO 45001
C. ISO 14001
D. ISO 22000
Answer: B
Explanation: ISO 45001 is the global standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), focusing on workplace risk management and safety practices.