NEBOSH Workplace Hazards

Question 1

What are the main categories of workplace hazard?

Accepted Answer

Physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards

Answer

Only physical hazards exist in workplaces

Answer

Chemical and electrical hazards only

Answer

Fire and explosion hazards only

Question 2

What is the most common cause of workplace fatalities globally, according to ILO data?

Accepted Answer

Occupational diseases (especially from hazardous substance exposure) cause more deaths than accidents

Answer

Falls from height

Answer

Electrical incidents

Answer

Traffic accidents at work

Question 3

What is 'occupational exposure limit' (OEL) and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A legally or technically defined maximum airborne concentration of a hazardous substance to which workers may be exposed — used to assess adequacy of controls

Answer

The maximum weight a worker may lift

Answer

The noise level requiring hearing protection

Answer

The maximum working temperature allowed

Question 4

What does 'COSHH' assessment stand for and what does it require?

Accepted Answer

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health — requires identification of hazardous substances, assessment of exposure risk, implementation of controls, and health surveillance where needed

Answer

Chemical Operations Safety and Health Handbook — provides first aid for chemical exposure

Answer

Comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Hierarchy — ranks all hazards

Answer

Chemical and OSHA Safety and Health Handbook

Question 5

A worker develops occupational asthma after years of exposure to isocyanates. What type of hazard caused this?

Accepted Answer

Chemical hazard — respiratory sensitizer

Answer

Physical hazard

Answer

Biological hazard

Answer

Ergonomic hazard

Question 6

What is 'dust' and why is fine respirable dust particularly hazardous?

Accepted Answer

Respirable dust (<10 microns) penetrates deep into lung alveoli where it cannot be cleared and causes lung disease including fibrosis, COPD, and cancer

Answer

All dust particles are equally hazardous

Answer

Only visible dust is dangerous

Answer

Dust only causes skin irritation