Safety Audits and Inspections Flashcards
7 cards from real COSS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety Audits and Inspections flashcards as text
Which audit technique involves following a process from start to finish to verify that controls are applied at each step?
Answer: Vertical trace audit
A vertical trace (or process trace) audit follows a single process through all its steps to verify controls and documentation are consistently applied end-to-end.
When categorizing audit findings, a 'major nonconformance' typically indicates:
Answer: The absence or complete breakdown of a required safety system element
A major nonconformance reflects a systemic failure or total absence of a required process, posing significant risk of injury or regulatory violation.
What is the primary purpose of 'root cause analysis' following a safety inspection finding?
Answer: To identify the underlying reason(s) why the deficiency occurred so it can be permanently corrected
Root cause analysis digs below the surface symptom to find the fundamental cause, enabling corrective actions that prevent recurrence rather than just fixing the immediate issue.
An auditor notices employees consistently bypass a required lockout/tagout step. This most likely indicates a failure at which level?
Answer: Administrative controls and enforcement
Consistent bypassing of a required procedure points to a breakdown in training, supervision, or enforcement — the administrative control layer — rather than an equipment or PPE issue.
Which OSHA document provides the framework for a comprehensive safety and health program that includes self-audits and inspections?
Answer: OSHA Publication 3885 (Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs)
OSHA's Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs (Publication 3885) outlines proactive program elements including hazard identification through inspections and audits.
A 'pre-task safety inspection' is best described as:
Answer: A worker-led check of conditions and hazards immediately before beginning a specific task
Pre-task inspections (also called job hazard analysis or tailgate meetings) are conducted by workers or supervisors right before work begins to identify and control hazards in that specific moment.
What is the primary function of a 'corrective action tracking system' used after safety audits?
Answer: Ensuring identified deficiencies are assigned, addressed, and verified as resolved within target timeframes
A corrective action tracking system monitors each finding from assignment through completion and verification, preventing deficiencies from falling through the cracks.