Module 1: Legal (20 Questions)
Q1: According to OHSA Section 8, the employer is responsible for:
A) Only providing PPE
B) Ensuring safety and health of all employees
C) Reporting incidents only
D) Supervising work without providing safety equipment
Answer: B
Q2: True or False: Employees are legally responsible for their own safety and for taking care
of others who may be affected by their actions.
Answer: True
Q3 (Scenario): A worker is injured because the contractor failed to secure scaffolding. Who
is liable?
Answer: The contractor/employer is liable under OHSA.
Q4: Which section of OHSA deals with penalties for non-compliance?
Answer: Section 24
Q5: Legal documentation for HSE includes:
A) HIRA reports
B) Incident reports
C) SWPs
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Q6: True or False: Safety representatives are appointed under OHSA Section 14.
Answer: True
Q7 (Scenario): During an inspection, the HSE officer notices employees working without
PPE. The employer:
A) Is compliant
B) Must immediately correct the situation and provide PPE
Answer: B
Q8: Civil liability in HSE refers to:
A) Criminal prosecution
B) Financial or legal responsibility for damages
Answer: B
Q9: The main purpose of an HSE policy is to:
A) Replace legal requirements
B) Communicate the organization’s commitment to health and safety
C) Avoid audits
Answer: B
Q10: True or False: Only management can be held liable for workplace incidents.
Answer: False
Q11: HSE audits are required to:
A) Punish workers
B) Monitor compliance with legal and internal HSE standards
Answer: B
Q12: Employees have the right to:
A) Refuse unsafe work
B) Report unsafe conditions
C) Participate in safety committees
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Q13: Scenario: A subcontractor causes an incident. Who is responsible?
Answer: Both the subcontractor and main contractor may be liable.
Q14: The OHSA is an example of:
A) Environmental legislation
B) Occupational health & safety legislation
Answer: B
Q15: True or False: Legal compliance is optional if the company has a safety policy.
Answer: False
Q16: What is the penalty for non-compliance with OHSA?
A) Warnings only
B) Fines or imprisonment
Answer: B
Q17: Scenario: A worker refuses unsafe work. Employer response should be:
Answer: Stop work, investigate hazard, correct, and resume safely.
Q18: The primary purpose of OHSA is to:
Answer: Protect the health and safety of employees at work.
Q19: Safety audits should be conducted:
A) Only after incidents
B) Regularly and proactively
Answer: B
Q20: True or False: HSE policies must be communicated to all employees.
Answer: True
Module 2: Health (15 Questions)
Q21: Occupational disease refers to:
A) Any illness contracted outside work
B) Illness resulting from exposure to workplace hazards
Answer: B
Q22: True or False: Hearing loss from industrial noise is an occupational disease.
Answer: True
Q23: Medical surveillance aims to:
A) Detect occupational diseases early
B) Punish workers
Answer: A
Q24: Ergonomics is concerned with:
A) Workplace design to reduce strain
B) Environmental pollution
Answer: A
Q25 (Scenario): Workers report dizziness near chemical storage. What is the first action?
Answer: Evacuate area, assess exposure, provide PPE, report incident.
Q26: True or False: PPE is sufficient as the only control for health hazards.
Answer: False
Q27: COSHH relates to:
A) Environmental legislation
B) Control of substances hazardous to health
Answer: B
Q28: Scenario: A worker develops respiratory problems from dust. Employer action:
Answer: Conduct risk assessment, implement controls, monitor health, report.
Q29: Workplace wellness programs include:
A) Health education
B) Exercise programs
C) Stress management
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Q30: True or False: Health monitoring is only required for visible injuries.
Answer: False
Q31: Which of the following is a common occupational disease?
A) Silicosis
B) Influenza
Answer: A
Q32 (Scenario): Employees working with solvents must have:
Answer: Training, PPE, ventilation, and medical surveillance.
Q33: Noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented by:
Answer: Hearing protection, engineering controls, administrative controls.
Q34: True or False: Ergonomic hazards are only physical.
Answer: False (also includes repetitive strain, posture, and workstation design)
Q35: Hazardous chemical exposure should be documented using:
Answer: COSHH or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Module 3: Safety (20 Questions)
Q36: Hierarchy of controls starts with:
A) PPE
B) Elimination
Answer: B
Q37: True or False: Risk = Likelihood × Severity
Answer: True
Q38 (Scenario): Exposed live wires are found on site. Action?
Answer: Isolate hazard, restrict access, report, repair.
Q39: Proactive safety monitoring includes:
A) Accident statistics
B) Inspections and audits
Answer: B
Q40: Reactive monitoring includes:
A) Incident investigation
B) Safety training
Answer: A
Q41: Safe Work Procedures (SWPs) are used to:
Answer: Ensure work is done safely and consistently.
Q42 (Scenario): Falling objects risk on site. Controls:
Answer: Hard hats, toe-boards, barriers, training, inspection.
Q43: True or False: PPE is the first choice in the hierarchy of controls.
Answer: False
Q44: Accident investigation steps include:
A) Collect facts
B) Identify root cause
C) Implement corrective actions
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Q45: Scenario: Worker slips on wet floor. Investigate for:
Answer: Hazard identification, root cause, corrective measures, reporting.
Q46: What is a hazard?
Answer: Anything that can cause harm or injury.
Q47: Risk assessment matrix evaluates:
Answer: Severity × likelihood
Q48 (Scenario): Ladder inspection before use:
Answer: Check for cracks, ensure stability, report defects.
Q49: True or False: Safety audits can replace risk assessments.
Answer: False
Q50: PPE examples include:
Answer: Hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety boots.
Q51: Scenario: Fire drill during work hours. Purpose:
Answer: Test emergency preparedness, identify weaknesses, ensure compliance.
Q52: Unsafe acts are:
Answer: Actions by workers that can cause accidents.
Q53: Unsafe conditions are:
Answer: Physical or environmental hazards that may cause accidents.
Q54: Safety inspections should be:
Answer: Regular, documented, and corrective actions implemented.
Q55: Risk mitigation strategies include:
Answer: Elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE.
Q56 (Scenario): Scaffold collapse potential. Control measures?
Answer: Secure scaffolding, inspections, training, PPE.
Q57: True or False: Incident reports are used to improve safety.
Answer: True
Module 4: Environment (15 Questions)
Q58: The 4 R’s of waste management are:
Answer: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Dispose safely
Q59: True or False: NEMA is the main environmental legislation in South Africa.
Answer: True
Q60 (Scenario): A chemical spill occurs near a river. Immediate action should include:
Answer: Contain spill, prevent runoff, notify authorities, clean safely, report incident
Q61: Pollution prevention includes controlling:
Answer: Air, water, and soil contamination
Q62: True or False: Environmental compliance is optional if the company has a safety
policy.
Answer: False
Q63: Scenario: Waste bins are overflowing at a site. What is the best environmental practice?
Answer: Empty bins, segregate waste, ensure proper disposal
Q64: Environmental risk assessment includes:
Answer: Identifying hazards, evaluating risks, implementing mitigation measures
Q65: Sustainable practices in construction include:
Answer: Using renewable materials, minimizing waste, recycling
Q66: True or False: Environmental hazards do not need to be documented.
Answer: False
Q67: Example of an environmental hazard:
Answer: Chemical spill, fuel leak, uncontrolled emissions
Q68 (Scenario): Dust from construction affects nearby residents. Mitigation measures:
Answer: Use water sprays, barriers, limit dust-generating activities, schedule work
Q69: Waste disposal should comply with:
Answer: Waste Management Regulations
Q70: True or False: Employees should be trained in environmental awareness.
Answer: True
Q71 (Scenario): Oil leaks from machinery on site. Immediate actions:
Answer: Contain spill, use absorbent materials, report, prevent drainage into waterways
Q72: Environmental audits help to:
Answer: Identify non-compliance, prevent pollution, improve environmental management
Module 5: Risk Management (25 Questions)
Q73: Risk rating formula:
Answer: Risk = Likelihood × Severity
Q74: True or False: High risk always requires immediate control measures.
Answer: True
Q75 (Scenario): Workers operate near heavy machinery. Controls include:
Answer: Barriers, PPE, training, warning signs
Q76: Steps in HIRA:
Answer: Identify hazards → assess risk → evaluate → implement controls → monitor &
review
Q77: True or False: Proactive monitoring includes incident investigations.
Answer: False
Q78: Reactive monitoring includes:
Answer: Incident analysis, accident statistics, corrective actions
Q79 (Scenario): A risk matrix shows a likelihood of 4 (Likely) and severity 5 (Catastrophic).
Risk rating = ?
Answer: 4 × 5 = 20 → Extreme risk
Q80: Scenario: Workers report frequent minor injuries. Appropriate risk management step:
Answer: Conduct HIRA, implement controls, monitor, train staff
Q81: True or False: Eliminating a hazard is always the most effective control.
Answer: True
Q82: Hierarchy of controls sequence:
Answer: Elimination → Substitution → Engineering → Administrative → PPE
Q83 (Scenario): Ladder risk identified as medium. Action:
Answer: Repair/replace ladder, train workers, supervise use
Q84: Risk assessment documentation includes:
Answer: HIRA forms, checklists, reports
Q85: Scenario: Working at height with poor weather. Risk control:
Answer: Suspend work, provide fall protection, monitor conditions
Q86: True or False: Monitoring and reviewing risks is optional once controls are in place.
Answer: False
Q87: Scenario: Forklift area congestion identified. Controls:
Answer: Traffic management plan, signage, operator training
Q88: Likelihood categories in risk assessment include:
Answer: Rare, Unlikely, Possible, Likely, Almost Certain
Q89: Severity categories in risk assessment include:
Answer: Insignificant, Minor, Moderate, Major, Catastrophic
Q90 (Scenario): Chemicals stored without labels. Risk management action:
Answer: Label chemicals, train employees, implement storage procedure
Q91: True or False: Risk management applies only to physical hazards.
Answer: False
Q92: Scenario: Repetitive strain injuries observed. Controls include:
Answer: Ergonomic training, workstation adjustments, job rotation
Q93: Residual risk refers to:
Answer: Risk remaining after control measures are applied
Q94: Scenario: Hot work required in flammable area. Controls:
Answer: Hot work permit, fire watch, PPE, ventilation
Q95: Risk prioritization is based on:
Answer: Risk rating from risk matrix
Q96: Scenario: Multiple near misses reported. Action:
Answer: Investigate, update HIRA, implement preventive measures
Q97: True or False: Risk assessments should be updated after major changes in the
workplace.
Answer: True
Q98 (Scenario): Workers report chemical burns. Risk control measures:
Answer: PPE, training, spill containment, first aid
Q99: Risk management contributes to:
Answer: Safety, health, environmental compliance, legal compliance
Q100: Scenario: Construction debris falls from scaffolding. Action:
Answer: Install toe boards, barriers, train workers, provide PPE
Module 6: Management Systems (20 Questions)
Q101: PDCA cycle stands for:
Answer: Plan → Do → Check → Act
Q102: True or False: HSE policy should be signed by top management.
Answer: True
Q103 (Scenario): Audit identifies missing SWPs. Action:
Answer: Correct SWPs, communicate to employees, monitor compliance
Q104: Key HSE documents include:
Answer: HIRA reports, incident reports, SWPs, audit reports
Q105: True or False: Continuous improvement is part of HSE management.
Answer: True
Q106 (Scenario): Management reviews reveal recurring incidents. Next step:
Answer: Update policies, train staff, improve controls, monitor outcomes
Q107: Roles in HSE implementation include:
Answer: Employer, HSE officer, employees, contractors
Q108: True or False: Communication of HSE policies is optional.
Answer: False
Q109: Scenario: Emergency response plan not tested. Action:
Answer: Conduct drills, evaluate, update plan
Q110: HSE audits aim to:
Answer: Identify non-compliance, improve processes, ensure legal compliance
Q111: Scenario: Workers not following SWPs. Action:
Answer: Retrain, supervise, reinforce procedures
Q112: Key element of HSE management system:
Answer: Documentation, monitoring, corrective action
Q113: True or False: PDCA cycle applies to all aspects of HSE management.
Answer: True
Q114: Scenario: New equipment introduced. Management system step:
Answer: Update SWPs, conduct risk assessment, train staff
Q115: HSE management review includes:
Answer: Incident trends, audit results, compliance, recommendations
Q116: True or False: Only senior management needs HSE training.
Answer: False
Q117 (Scenario): Employee suggestions for safety improvements ignored. Action:
Answer: Consider suggestions, implement feasible improvements, communicate changes
Q118: Scenario: Incident reporting delayed. Action:
Answer: Reinforce reporting procedure, train staff, monitor compliance
Q119: Monitoring tools in management systems include:
Answer: Audits, inspections, HIRA, key performance indicators
Q120: Scenario: Contractor not following HSE procedures. Action:
Answer: Suspend work, provide training, enforce contract HSE requirements