Practice material for the Occupational Safety Card

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Seeking clarification when work instructions are unclear ensures that tasks are completed safely, correctly, and efficiently. By asking questions, employees can avoid mistakes, reduce risks, and ensure they are following procedures as intended.

This proactive approach helps maintain safety standards and contributes to a productive work environment.

TIP:

Take this to your heart!

The statement is Incorrect! And here is why:

Cooperation in occupational safety and health is mandatory, as it is required by law.

Employers, employees, and safety representatives must work together to identify and mitigate risks, comply with safety regulations, and ensure a safe working environment. Legal frameworks, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act in many jurisdictions, mandate that both employers and employees actively participate in health and safety efforts to reduce workplace hazards and protect workers’ well-being.

The answer is YES! And here is why:

This is true because the employer is responsible for ensuring that all safety instructions, procedures, and regulations are followed in the workplace.

• By supervising compliance, the employer helps:
• prevent accidents
• maintains a safe working environment
• ensures that legal obligations regarding health and safety are met

The employer’s oversight ensures that both employees and the organization follow the safety standards to protect the well-being of everyone in the workplace.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Cleanliness and order contribute directly to a safer work environment by reducing physical hazards, supporting efficient work practices, preventing accidents, and promoting a culture of safety. A tidy workspace allows workers to perform their tasks more effectively and safely.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Employers (including customers or orderers) have a legal and moral obligation to ensure a safe working environment and prevent accidents. If they observe improper work practices that pose a risk to health and safety, they have the authority and responsibility to stop such practices.

Here’s why:

1. Legal Obligation: Occupational safety laws often place responsibility on the employer (or the party overseeing the worksite) to monitor and enforce safe working conditions. Allowing unsafe practices could make them liable for any resulting incidents.
2. Shared Responsibility: Even if the workers are subcontractors or from a third party, the customer/orderer is responsible for ensuring that the work performed on their premises or under their contract complies with safety standards.
3. Risk Prevention: Stopping unsafe practices minimizes the risk of accidents or injuries, protecting both workers and the organization from harm, legal issues, and financial losses.

A deviation refers to a departure or variation from a standard, rule, expectation, or norm. In the context of workplace safety or quality management, it typically involves a situation where a process, procedure, or outcome does not align with the established guidelines or requirements. Deviations can occur unintentionally due to errors or oversights, or they can happen deliberately, such as when safety measures are bypassed or work methods are changed without authorization.

The statement is Incorrect! And here is why:

Preventing only the most common accidents is not enough to create a safe work environment. A truly safe workplace requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing all potential hazards, continuously monitoring risks, and fostering a safety-conscious culture.

This statement is Correct! And here why:

Employees are obligated to report any defects or deficiencies in working methods, tools, or protective equipment immediately upon noticing them.

During the occupational safety course we talked a lot about how to create a zero accident work environment. Keeping eyes open and mind sharp we can make observations related to safety and report our results to employers. Employers will use this information to remove/reduce hazards and dangerous situations.

TIP:

If you want stand out and maybe earn small bonuses, create safety reports. They are valuable information for employers.

The statement is Incorrect! And here is why:

The occupational safety is a shared responsibility among:

• employers
• supervisors
• employees

While direct supervisors play a key role in overseeing safety on the ground, employers are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment, and employees must also follow safety protocols, report hazards, and use protective equipment. Safety is a collective effort to ensure the well-being of everyone in the workplace.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Employers have a legal and ethical duty to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. Here’s why supervision and monitoring are essential:

1. Legal Compliance: Occupational safety laws require employers to actively supervise and monitor workplace conditions to identify and address hazards, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.
2. Risk Prevention: Regular supervision helps detect unsafe behaviors, faulty equipment, or hazardous conditions early, preventing accidents and injuries.
3. Accountability: By monitoring the work environment, employers ensure that safety procedures and protocols are followed, creating accountability for both workers and management.
4. Employee Well-being: Supervising and maintaining a safe environment promotes employee health, reducing absenteeism, boosting morale, and increasing productivity.

Overall, consistent supervision demonstrates the employer’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety and responsibility in the workplace.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Orientation and work introduction provide employees with the necessary knowledge and training to recognize potential hazards and follow safety protocols. By familiarizing employees with the workplace environment, equipment, and procedures, they are better equipped to avoid accidents and work safely.

Proper orientation helps employees understand their responsibilities and the safety measures in place, reducing the likelihood of injuries or incidents.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Individual actions matter in safety, and your involvement in following safety guidelines, reporting hazards, and encouraging a safe work culture can directly impact the occupational safety of the entire workplace.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Supervisors are responsible for addressing improper practices because they play a key role in maintaining workplace safety, ensuring compliance with regulations, and upholding standards of quality and efficiency. By intervening, they help prevent accidents, reduce risks, and promote continuous improvement.

TIP:

Very often you can see white hats (supervisor) walking around and taking notes. Usually they are full filling their duties based on the occupational safety law. One of the employers task is to supervise and it comes from the occupational safety law.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Making occupational safety goal-oriented allows employers to achieve measurable improvements in workplace safety, meet legal requirements, allocate resources effectively, and engage employees in the process, ultimately leading to a safer work environment.

TIP: Without action goal would be just on the paper and would not have a real life impact.

The statement is Incorrect! And here is why:

This statement is false because the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Manager typically represents the employer, not the employees.

Their primary role is to:

• oversee and enforce health and safety policies
• ensure compliance with regulations
• maintain a safe working environment on behalf of the organization.

In contrast, an occupational safety delegate or a similar representative is the one who represents employees’ interests in health and safety matters.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Laws and regulations require employers to provide orientation to new employees. The goal is to ensure that employees understand workplace safety protocols, their rights, job responsibilities, and company policies.

This legal requirement helps reduce accidents, ensures compliance with labor laws, and promotes a safer, more productive work environment for everyone.

The statement is Incorrect! And here is why:

The primary purpose of occupational health care is not just to provide sick leave but to promote and maintain the overall health, safety, and well-being of employees.

Occupational health care focuses on preventing work-related illnesses and injuries, supporting rehabilitation, and ensuring a healthy work environment. While issuing sick leave may be one of its tasks, it is only a small part of a broader mission to enhance employee health and workplace productivity.

The statement is Incorrect! And here is why:

Employees do have occupational safety obligations.

• They are required to:
• follow safety procedures
• report hazards
• use personal protective equipment (PPE) as instructed.

Extra: How is Finland different from many countries when it’s about occupational safety

Employees are legally obligated to contribute to a safe work environment by adhering to safety guidelines, alerting supervisors about risks (hazards and dangerous situations), and participating in safety training. These duties help prevent accidents and promote overall workplace safety.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Manager is typically appointed by the employer or management, rather than being elected by employees.

The OHS Manager is a designated role responsible for overseeing safety policies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing health and safety programs within the organization. The appointment is based on the individual’s qualifications, expertise, and responsibility within the organization, rather than through an election process.

The statement is Incorrect! And here is why:

The occupational safety delegate is typically elected by the employees, not appointed by the employer.

The role of the safety delegate is to represent employees’ interests in health and safety matters, and the election process ensures that the delegate has the support and trust of their colleagues. While the employer must provide the opportunity for this election and support the role, it is the employees who choose their safety delegate.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

As the law mandates that employees follow all provided regulations and instructions to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance in the workplace.

Extra:

One of the key messages from the occupational safety course are employers responsibilities. Big part of the responsibilities are to plan workers’ working methods. This is done to reduce in advance recognized risks and hazards. When workers’ methods are already known, it’s easier to supervise and guide them. Supervising, guiding and correcting are also employers’ responsibilities.

TIP:

If you are not exactly sure what and how to do it, ask from closest supervisor

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Documenting orientation provides a record that employees have received the necessary training and information about workplace policies, safety procedures, and their job responsibilities.

It helps ensure compliance with legal requirements, allows for accountability, and serves as a reference in case of any future issues or audits. Documentation also ensures that employees are properly informed and that the organization has proof of fulfilling its obligations.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

The client (customer, orderer, or employer) is responsible for setting the safety requirements for their workplace or project.

They assess the specific risks and conditions of the work environment and determine whether possessing an occupational safety card is necessary. This decision ensures that all workers on-site have the appropriate training and knowledge to adhere to safety standards, thereby reducing risks and enhancing workplace safety.

The client decides the qualifications workers need to ensure legal compliance, safety, quality, and the successful completion of the work, all while managing risks and fulfilling contractual and regulatory obligations.

TIP: This also applies to the occupational safety card

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

This requirement comes directly from the occupational safety law. Supervisors are responsible for maintaining a safe and efficient workplace.

By monitoring the working environment, they can:

• identify potential hazards and dangerous situations
• ensure compliance with safety regulations
• address any issues that could affect employee well-being.

Their oversight helps prevent accidents, improve productivity, and maintain a healthy work atmosphere.

The statement is Incorrect! And here is why:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must comply with workplace safety standards and be appropriate for the specific hazards present. Here’s why:

1. Employer Responsibility: Employers are required to assess workplace risks and provide the correct PPE to ensure adequate protection for employees. Workers cannot arbitrarily choose equipment that might be unsuitable.
2. Safety Standards: PPE must meet regulatory standards to effectively protect against identified hazards. Choosing non-compliant or incomplete equipment can put the worker and others at risk.
3. Proper Use: Using PPE only partly or inconsistently compromises its effectiveness, increasing the likelihood of injury or exposure to hazards.
4. Training Requirements: Workers must be trained to use PPE correctly, and deviating from the provided equipment can lead to misuse or accidents.

Following the employer’s guidance and using the designated PPE ensures that safety measures are effective and workplace compliance is maintained.

TIP:

Employers set the minimum requirement. You can always do better.

The statement is Correct! And here is why:

Workers are legally obligated to follow the work instructions provided by their employer to ensure tasks are performed safely and efficiently.

These instructions are designed to comply with occupational safety regulations, minimize risks, and maintain a productive work environment. By adhering to these guidelines, workers help prevent accidents, protect their well-being, and contribute to the overall safety and success of the workplace.