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.
