OSHA 30 Hour Construction Program Practice Test

Which of the following is a work practice control?

1. Personal protective equipment

2. Changing work habits

3. Proper ventilation systems

4. Machine guarding

The correct answer is: Changing work habits

The correct choice describes a work practice control, which involves altering the way tasks are performed to minimize hazards. Changing work habits is a fundamental aspect of this approach, as it encourages employees to adopt safer practices that can significantly reduce or eliminate exposure to risks. For instance, this might include practices such as taking regular breaks to avoid fatigue, using tools in a safer manner, or following specific procedures that mitigate dangers associated with certain tasks. By emphasizing modifications in behavior and workflows, work practice controls promote a culture of safety and reduce incidents of accidents and injuries on the job site. While personal protective equipment, proper ventilation systems, and machine guarding are essential safety measures, they fall under other categories of hazard controls. Personal protective equipment is typically considered an engineering control, while ventilation systems are an example of environmental controls. Machine guarding, likewise, is more aligned with engineering controls designed to protect workers from machines that pose a risk. Each of these plays a critical role in an overall safety program, but they do not directly involve the behavioral changes that work practice controls entail. Thus, changing work habits stands out as the primary example of a work practice control.