CLA Workplace Safety Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the hierarchy of controls prioritize as the MOST effective method to reduce workplace hazards?
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Administrative controls
- Elimination of the hazard (Correct answer)
- Engineering controls
Correct answer: Elimination of the hazard
Elimination removes the hazard entirely and is the most effective control at the top of the hierarchy.
Question 2: A forklift operator notices a wet spill in the travel path. What is the FIRST action they should take?
- Continue driving slowly around the spill
- Report it to a supervisor at end of shift
- Stop, secure the area, and report the hazard immediately (Correct answer)
- Place the forklift in park and wait for someone else to clean it
Correct answer: Stop, secure the area, and report the hazard immediately
Immediately stopping, securing the area, and reporting prevents accidents while ensuring the hazard is addressed promptly.
Question 3: Which OSHA standard specifically governs powered industrial trucks (forklifts) in general industry?
- 29 CFR 1910.147
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.212
- 29 CFR 1910.132
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.178
29 CFR 1910.178 is the OSHA standard that covers powered industrial trucks including forklifts in general industry.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?
- To document employee performance reviews
- To identify hazards associated with each step of a task before work begins (Correct answer)
- To record accidents after they occur for insurance purposes
- To schedule maintenance on warehouse equipment
Correct answer: To identify hazards associated with each step of a task before work begins
A JSA breaks down a job into steps and identifies potential hazards at each step so controls can be implemented proactively.
Question 5: When stacking pallets in a warehouse, what is the BEST practice to maintain stability?
- Stack as high as possible to maximize floor space
- Place the heaviest items on top to lower the center of gravity
- Alternate pallet orientation and keep heavier loads on the bottom (Correct answer)
- Stack all pallets in a single straight column for uniformity
Correct answer: Alternate pallet orientation and keep heavier loads on the bottom
Alternating orientation and keeping heavy items at the bottom maintains load stability and reduces the risk of collapse.
Question 6: Which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for a Class C electrical fire?
- Water extinguisher
- CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Foam extinguisher
- Wet chemical extinguisher
Correct answer: CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher
CO2 and dry chemical extinguishers are non-conductive and safe for Class C electrical fires; water conducts electricity and is dangerous.
Question 7: What does 'near miss' mean in a workplace safety context?
- An accident that caused minor injury only
- An unplanned event that did not result in injury but had the potential to do so (Correct answer)
- A safety inspection that identified no violations
- A close call during a fire drill
Correct answer: An unplanned event that did not result in injury but had the potential to do so
A near miss is an unplanned event with no injury or property damage but the potential for harm, and should always be reported and investigated.
What does the hierarchy of controls prioritize as the MOST effective method to reduce workplace hazards?