Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Practice Test

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Prepare effectively for the CHST Test. Explore multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ensure exam success!

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What is a primary cause of falls in the construction industry?

  1. Inadequate training

  2. Improper use of ladders

  3. Unstable work surfaces

  4. Poor lighting conditions

The correct answer is: Unstable work surfaces

A primary cause of falls in the construction industry is often related to unstable work surfaces. When workers are operating on surfaces that cannot support their weight or are not properly secured, the risk of falling increases significantly. This might include scenarios where scaffolding is not properly erected, platforms are unstable, or the ground conditions are unsafe. As a result, ensuring that work surfaces are stable and secure is crucial for maintaining safety on construction sites. While inadequate training, improper use of ladders, and poor lighting conditions are important safety concerns and can contribute to accidents, they are typically contextual factors that may lead to falls rather than direct causes resulting from the physical environment on a construction site. Inadequate training may lead to improper techniques being used, but even trained workers cannot perform safely if a surface is inherently unstable. Therefore, addressing the condition of work surfaces directly tackles a fundamental risk factor for falls in construction.