Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) Practice Exam

If a serious violation exists and the supervisor knows about the hazard, what does this indicate?

1. It shows the supervisor is ineffective

2. It constitutes a serious violation

3. It is irrelevant to the employer's obligations

4. It exempts the employer from liability

The correct answer is: It constitutes a serious violation

When considering a serious violation known to the supervisor, it is indicative of a serious violation status because it highlights a breach of health and safety regulations that poses a significant risk to employees. The existence of a serious violation suggests that there is a failure to address a known hazard, which is a critical responsibility of a supervisor. When a supervisor is aware of a serious hazard but fails to act or report it, this not only fails to protect employees but also reflects on the company’s commitment to health and safety standards. Consequently, this knowledge solidifies that a serious violation exists because the supervisor's awareness implies negligent oversight in ensuring a safe work environment. In contrast to the other options, the supervisor's acknowledgment of the hazard does not demonstrate ineffectiveness without the context of whether actions were taken afterward; it does not nullify the employer's obligations, nor does it remove liability for potential harm resulting from the hazard. The presence of a known serious violation holds significant implications for accountability and compliance within safety management systems.