100+ Free OSHA 10 Construction Practice Questions

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What specific training must workers receive before working on scaffolds?

Only a 5-minute safety briefing

No training is required — scaffolds are simple structures

Training by a qualified person on the hazards of scaffolding, proper use, loading capacities, fall protection, and electrical hazards

Self-study using the scaffold manufacturer's manual

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Key Facts: OSHA 10 Construction Exam

100

Practice Questions

Free on OpenExamPrep

10 hrs

Course Duration

DOL requirement

States Requiring It

NYC, CT, MA, NV, MO, NH, RI

3M+

Cards Issued Annually

OSHA Outreach Program

$25-100

Course Cost

Varies by provider

Card Expiration

Valid for life

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction course covers the Focus Four hazards (falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, electrocution) which cause approximately 60% of construction fatalities. It also covers OSHA standards, worker rights, PPE, hazard communication, scaffolding, and excavation safety. The course is required by law in at least 7 states/cities for construction workers. Over 3 million OSHA 10 cards are issued annually.

Sample OSHA 10 Construction Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your OSHA 10 Construction exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1At what height does OSHA require fall protection for workers in the construction industry?

A.4 feet

B.6 feet

C.8 feet

D.10 feet

Explanation: OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1) requires fall protection for construction workers at heights of 6 feet or more above a lower level. This is different from the general industry standard of 4 feet. Fall protection can include guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems depending on the work being performed.

2What is the primary purpose of OSHA?

A.To increase company profits

B.To ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers

C.To set wage standards for construction workers

D.To provide unemployment insurance

Explanation: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established by the OSH Act of 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. OSHA's mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

3Which of the following is an example of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

A.A guardrail system

B.A hard hat

C.A fire extinguisher

D.A first aid kit

Explanation: A hard hat is personal protective equipment (PPE) because it is worn by an individual worker to protect against head injuries from falling objects or overhead hazards. PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards. Guardrails are engineering controls, while fire extinguishers and first aid kits are emergency response equipment, not PPE.

4What are the 'Focus Four' hazards in construction that cause the most fatalities?

A.Heat, cold, noise, and vibration

B.Falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution

C.Fire, flood, earthquake, and tornado

D.Chemicals, radiation, dust, and fumes

Explanation: OSHA's 'Focus Four' hazards are falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution. These four hazard categories account for the majority of construction worker fatalities each year (approximately 60% of all construction deaths). The OSHA 10-Hour Construction course dedicates significant time to each of these hazards because addressing them has the greatest impact on saving lives.

5What color hard hat is typically worn by visitors on a construction site?

A.Yellow

B.White

C.Orange

D.Green

Explanation: White hard hats are traditionally worn by visitors, supervisors, and managers on construction sites. While color coding is not mandated by OSHA, industry convention uses white for visitors and supervisors, yellow for general laborers, orange for new workers, blue for electricians, and green for safety inspectors. Individual employers may establish their own color-coding systems.

6What is the minimum distance workers must stay away from overhead power lines rated at 50 kV or less?

A.5 feet

B.10 feet

C.15 feet

D.20 feet

Explanation: OSHA requires workers and equipment to maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet from overhead power lines rated at 50 kV or less. For lines rated over 50 kV, the minimum distance increases by 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50 kV. Contact with overhead power lines is one of the leading causes of electrocution fatalities in construction.

7What must be provided for excavations 4 feet deep or more where workers must enter?

A.A ladder for access and egress

B.Hard hats only

C.Warning signs only

D.Nothing additional is required

Explanation: OSHA requires a safe means of access and egress (such as a ladder, stairway, or ramp) for excavations 4 feet deep or more. Ladders must be placed within 25 feet of lateral travel for all workers in the excavation. Additionally, excavations 5 feet or deeper require cave-in protection (sloping, shoring, or shielding) unless the excavation is in stable rock.

8What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

A.A document listing employee emergency contacts

B.A document providing information about a chemical's hazards, handling, and emergency procedures

C.A building blueprint showing safety exits

D.A record of workplace injuries

Explanation: A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a document that provides detailed information about a hazardous chemical including its physical and health hazards, safe handling and storage procedures, first aid measures, and emergency response information. Under the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom/GHS), employers must maintain SDSs for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace and make them accessible to workers.

9What is the most common cause of death in the construction industry?

A.Electrocution

B.Struck-by incidents

C.Falls from heights

D.Caught-in/between hazards

Explanation: Falls from heights are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, consistently accounting for approximately one-third of all construction fatalities each year. This is why fall protection is a major emphasis in OSHA's construction safety standards. Common fall hazards include unprotected edges, floor holes, improperly erected scaffolding, and ladder misuse.

10Under OSHA's General Duty Clause, what is every employer required to provide?

A.Free lunch for all employees

B.A workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm

C.Health insurance for all employees

D.Company vehicles for transportation

Explanation: Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, known as the General Duty Clause, requires each employer to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. This clause applies when no specific OSHA standard addresses the hazard but the hazard is recognized in the industry and can be corrected.

About the OSHA 10 Construction Exam

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety course is an entry-level safety training program covering construction hazards and OSHA standards. It is required by law in many states and cities (NYC, CT, MA, NV, MO, NH, RI) for construction workers and provides a DOL course completion card upon passing.

Assessment

Module-based assessment with final exam

Time Limit

10-hour course with final assessment

Passing Score

70% (varies by provider)

Exam Fee

$25-100 (varies by provider) (OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration))

OSHA 10 Construction Exam Content Outline

15%

OSHA Standards & Worker Rights

OSH Act, General Duty Clause, worker rights, employer responsibilities, inspection procedures, and violation types

15%

Fall Protection

6-foot rule, guardrails, PFAS, ladder safety, fall clearance calculations, and controlled access zones

12%

Electrical Safety

GFCI protection, lockout/tagout, power line clearance, arc flash, and electrical hazard recognition

12%

Scaffolding Safety

Scaffold types, inspection, load capacity, guardrails, erection/dismantling, and competent person duties

10%

Excavation Safety

Soil classification, sloping/shoring/shielding, access/egress, competent person duties, and utility protection

10%

PPE

Hard hats, eye/face protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, and employer PPE responsibilities

10%

Hazard Communication

GHS labels, SDS, HazCom program, silica exposure, asbestos awareness, and chemical safety

Struck-By Hazards

Falling objects, flying objects, rolling equipment, swinging loads, and drop zone management

Caught-In/Between Hazards

Cave-ins, unguarded machinery, confined spaces, and equipment/structure collapse

How to Pass the OSHA 10 Construction Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% (varies by provider)
Assessment: Module-based assessment with final exam
Time limit: 10-hour course with final assessment
Exam fee: $25-100 (varies by provider)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

OSHA 10 Construction Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus heavily on fall protection — falls are the #1 cause of construction death and the most tested topic (6-foot rule, guardrail specs, PFAS components, ladder safety)

2Memorize the Focus Four hazards and their prevention methods — approximately 60% of construction fatalities fall into these categories

3Know the difference between a competent person and a qualified person, and which OSHA standards require each

4Study OSHA violation types and penalties — understand the difference between serious, willful, repeat, and other-than-serious violations

5Learn the GHS labeling system including pictograms, signal words, and the 16 sections of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OSHA 10-Hour Construction course?

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction course is an entry-level safety training program designed for construction workers. It covers recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in construction. Upon completion, workers receive a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) OSHA 10-Hour course completion card, which is valid for life (no expiration).

Is the OSHA 10-Hour card required for construction workers?

While OSHA does not require the 10-Hour card federally, many states and cities have enacted laws requiring it. New York City requires it for all construction workers, Connecticut requires it within 2 weeks of hire, Massachusetts requires it for public works projects, and Nevada, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island have similar requirements. Many employers also require it regardless of local law.

How long is the OSHA 10-Hour card valid?

The OSHA 10-Hour DOL card does not expire — it is valid for life once issued. However, some employers and jurisdictions may require refresher training at regular intervals. OSHA recommends staying current with safety training. The course content is updated periodically to reflect current standards and hazards.

Can I take the OSHA 10-Hour course online?

Yes, the OSHA 10-Hour Construction course is available online through authorized OSHA Education Centers and authorized online training providers. Online courses must meet the same content requirements as in-person courses and are delivered by OSHA-authorized trainers. The DOL card is mailed to students after successful course completion.

What is the difference between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30?

The OSHA 10-Hour course is entry-level training for construction workers covering basic hazard recognition and avoidance. The OSHA 30-Hour course is more comprehensive supervisor-level training that covers all OSHA 10 topics plus additional topics like safety management, accident investigation, crane safety, confined spaces, and ergonomics. The 30-Hour course is typically required for site supervisors and foremen.

How much does the OSHA 10-Hour course cost?

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction course typically costs $25-100 depending on the provider. Online courses tend to be on the lower end ($25-50), while in-person classroom courses may cost $50-100. The DOL card is usually included in the course fee. Some employers pay for their workers' training.