NEBOSH International General Certificate in
Occupational Health and Safety Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of occupational
health and safety management systems?
A. To ensure employees work faster
B. To comply with environmental legislation
C. To reduce workplace risks and improve safety
D. To improve company profits
C. To reduce workplace risks and improve safety
Rationale: The primary purpose of occupational health and safety
management systems is to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement
control measures to protect employees and others from harm. While
profitability and compliance may be secondary outcomes, the core goal
is safety improvement.
2. What is the definition of a hazard in the context of occupational
health and safety?
A. An event that has already caused injury
, B. Something with the potential to cause harm
C. A workplace rule that is difficult to follow
D. A report of an accident
B. Something with the potential to cause harm
Rationale: A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause injury,
illness, or damage. Identifying hazards is the first step in risk
management.
3. Which of the following is an example of an engineering control?
A. Providing safety training
B. Installing machine guards
C. Implementing a safety policy
D. Conducting risk assessments
B. Installing machine guards
Rationale: Engineering controls aim to physically change equipment or
processes to reduce exposure to hazards. Installing machine guards is a
classic example as it prevents contact with dangerous parts.
4. The ‘Hierarchy of Control’ prioritizes risk control measures. Which
option is considered the most effective?
A. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
B. Substitution of hazardous substances
, C. Administrative controls
D. Training
B. Substitution of hazardous substances
Rationale: The hierarchy of control ranks measures by effectiveness.
Eliminating or substituting the hazard is more effective than relying on
administrative measures or PPE, which depend on human behavior.
5. Which of the following best describes a ‘risk assessment’?
A. A formal procedure to punish unsafe behavior
B. A calculation of financial losses due to accidents
C. The process of evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm
from hazards
D. A routine inspection of workplace equipment
C. The process of evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm from
hazards
Rationale: Risk assessment involves identifying hazards, analyzing the
potential consequences, and determining the probability of occurrence
to prioritize control measures.
6. What is the primary role of a safety representative in the
workplace?
A. To enforce disciplinary action
B. To ensure management’s safety rules are followed
, C. To represent employees’ health and safety interests
D. To conduct all accident investigations
C. To represent employees’ health and safety interests
Rationale: Safety representatives act as a liaison between employees
and management, ensuring that workers’ concerns regarding safety are
heard and addressed.
7. Which of the following is an example of a physical hazard?
A. Noise
B. Stress
C. Chemical fumes
D. Poor communication
A. Noise
Rationale: Physical hazards are environmental factors that can harm the
body without direct contact. Noise, vibration, temperature extremes,
and radiation are typical examples.
8. What does the term ‘reasonably practicable’ mean in the context
of workplace safety?
A. Doing the absolute minimum required by law
B. Implementing control measures unless they are grossly
disproportionate to the risk
Occupational Health and Safety Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of occupational
health and safety management systems?
A. To ensure employees work faster
B. To comply with environmental legislation
C. To reduce workplace risks and improve safety
D. To improve company profits
C. To reduce workplace risks and improve safety
Rationale: The primary purpose of occupational health and safety
management systems is to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement
control measures to protect employees and others from harm. While
profitability and compliance may be secondary outcomes, the core goal
is safety improvement.
2. What is the definition of a hazard in the context of occupational
health and safety?
A. An event that has already caused injury
, B. Something with the potential to cause harm
C. A workplace rule that is difficult to follow
D. A report of an accident
B. Something with the potential to cause harm
Rationale: A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause injury,
illness, or damage. Identifying hazards is the first step in risk
management.
3. Which of the following is an example of an engineering control?
A. Providing safety training
B. Installing machine guards
C. Implementing a safety policy
D. Conducting risk assessments
B. Installing machine guards
Rationale: Engineering controls aim to physically change equipment or
processes to reduce exposure to hazards. Installing machine guards is a
classic example as it prevents contact with dangerous parts.
4. The ‘Hierarchy of Control’ prioritizes risk control measures. Which
option is considered the most effective?
A. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
B. Substitution of hazardous substances
, C. Administrative controls
D. Training
B. Substitution of hazardous substances
Rationale: The hierarchy of control ranks measures by effectiveness.
Eliminating or substituting the hazard is more effective than relying on
administrative measures or PPE, which depend on human behavior.
5. Which of the following best describes a ‘risk assessment’?
A. A formal procedure to punish unsafe behavior
B. A calculation of financial losses due to accidents
C. The process of evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm
from hazards
D. A routine inspection of workplace equipment
C. The process of evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm from
hazards
Rationale: Risk assessment involves identifying hazards, analyzing the
potential consequences, and determining the probability of occurrence
to prioritize control measures.
6. What is the primary role of a safety representative in the
workplace?
A. To enforce disciplinary action
B. To ensure management’s safety rules are followed
, C. To represent employees’ health and safety interests
D. To conduct all accident investigations
C. To represent employees’ health and safety interests
Rationale: Safety representatives act as a liaison between employees
and management, ensuring that workers’ concerns regarding safety are
heard and addressed.
7. Which of the following is an example of a physical hazard?
A. Noise
B. Stress
C. Chemical fumes
D. Poor communication
A. Noise
Rationale: Physical hazards are environmental factors that can harm the
body without direct contact. Noise, vibration, temperature extremes,
and radiation are typical examples.
8. What does the term ‘reasonably practicable’ mean in the context
of workplace safety?
A. Doing the absolute minimum required by law
B. Implementing control measures unless they are grossly
disproportionate to the risk
