Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

Which of the following requires employers to provide jobs and a workplace environment that are free from recognized safety and health hazards?

1. An emergency action plan

2. The Control of Hazardous Energy standard

3. The General Duty standard

4. The Hazard Communication standard

The correct answer is: The General Duty standard

The General Duty standard is a foundational principle established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that mandates employers to maintain a workplace free from recognized safety and health hazards. This standard emphasizes the obligation of employers to ensure a safe working environment, even in situations where specific OSHA standards may not apply directly. By requiring employers to identify and mitigate any known hazards that could potentially result in harm to employees, the General Duty standard establishes a broad overreaching responsibility that encompasses various aspects of workplace safety and health. This standard acts as a baseline for ensuring that all employees can perform their jobs without the risk of preventable injuries or illnesses. In contrast, the other options refer to more specific guidelines or protocols related to workplace safety. An emergency action plan provides procedures to follow in emergencies, the Control of Hazardous Energy standard (often referred to as lockout/tagout) addresses the control of energy sources during maintenance activities, and the Hazard Communication standard focuses on informing employees about hazardous chemicals they may encounter. While all these standards contribute to workplace safety, they do not provide the overarching requirement found in the General Duty standard.