Hotel Housekeeping Course (Room Attendant): Safe work: lifting, slips, sharps and working alone

1. Question 1 of 16

   What are the three basic rights workers have under Canadian OHS laws?

   • AThe right to sue, strike and resign
   • BThe right to overtime, vacation and a pension
   • CTo know about hazards, to take part in safety, and to refuse dangerous work
   • DThe right to choose your rooms, hours and coworkers
   Show answer

   Answer: C. To know about hazards, to take part in safety, and to refuse dangerous work

   OHS laws in each jurisdiction give workers the right to know, the right to participate and the right to refuse dangerous work.

2. Question 2 of 16

   What does the right to know mean?

   • AYour employer must tell you about hazards and train you to work safely
   • BYou can see coworkers' pay
   • CYou can know your schedule a year ahead
   • DYou can read guests' booking details
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Your employer must tell you about hazards and train you to work safely

   The right to know means being told about hazards and getting the information, training and supervision you need, ideally before work starts.

3. Question 3 of 16

   According to CCOHS, what are the main physical risks for hotel housekeepers?

   • AFrostbite from cold rooms
   • BEye strain from computer screens at the front desk
   • CHearing loss from loud music
   • DBack injuries and neck, shoulder and arm injuries
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Back injuries and neck, shoulder and arm injuries

   CCOHS says the main risks are back injuries and neck, shoulder and arm injuries from forceful movements in awkward positions.

4. Question 4 of 16

   Which tool helps you clean a tub without kneeling and leaning in?

   • AA long-handled scrubber or extension pole
   • BA step stool
   • CA stronger chemical so you need to scrub less
   • DA smaller cloth
   Show answer

   Answer: A. A long-handled scrubber or extension pole

   Long-handled tools reduce bending and overstretching.

5. Question 5 of 16

   How should you move a loaded housekeeping cart?

   • APush it, and report any stiff or broken wheels
   • BLift one end and drag it
   • CLoad it as high as possible to save trips, then pull it
   • DPull it behind you down the hallway
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Push it, and report any stiff or broken wheels

   Pushing is easier on your body than pulling, and carts with bad wheels need much more force.

6. Question 6 of 16

   CCOHS suggests doing heavier tasks at what point in the shift?

   • AAt the very end of the shift, after your breaks
   • BEarly, when you are less tired
   • COnly on weekends
   • DRight before your break
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Early, when you are less tired

   CCOHS recommends planning the workload so heavier tasks come early in the shift, when workers are less fatigued.

7. Question 7 of 16

   Your shoulder has started to ache after several days of making beds. What is the best step?

   • ATake pain medicine and work faster to finish the rooms early
   • BReport it early and ask about changes to how you work
   • CIgnore it until it becomes an injury
   • DSwitch to lifting with your back
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Report it early and ask about changes to how you work

   Reporting aches early lets the problem be fixed before it becomes a serious injury.

8. Question 8 of 16

   What kind of footwear helps prevent slips in wet bathrooms?

   • ASandals for easy cleaning
   • BShoes with non-skid soles
   • CSocks only on carpet
   • DShoes with smooth leather soles
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Shoes with non-skid soles

   CCOHS recommends shoes with non-skid soles.

9. Question 9 of 16

   You need to reach a high shelf in the closet. What should you do?

   • AClimb onto the dresser
   • BStand on the bathtub edge
   • CUse the right step stool or extension tool
   • DStand on a desk chair with wheels, holding the shelf
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Use the right step stool or extension tool

   Never stand on furniture, tub edges or toilets; use proper equipment.

10. Question 10 of 16

    What does CCOHS recommend keeping on the housekeeping cart for safety?

    • AA fire extinguisher for each room
    • BExtra bleach for mixing
    • CA sharps disposal container
    • DA guest's spare key
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A sharps disposal container

    CCOHS recommends keeping a sharps disposal container on the cart.

11. Question 11 of 16

    You see a used needle on the floor beside the bed. What should you do?

    • APick it up with tongs and put it point-first into a sharps container, then report it
    • BPut the cap back on before throwing it out
    • CWrap it in tissue and put it in the trash
    • DPick it up carefully with your fingers
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Pick it up with tongs and put it point-first into a sharps container, then report it

    Never handle needles by hand or recap them; use a tool, put them in a puncture-resistant container and report the find.

12. Question 12 of 16

    Why should you never push down a full trash bag with your hand?

    • AGuests may want the trash back
    • BHidden needles or broken glass could injure you
    • CIt wastes trash bags
    • DIt makes the bag too heavy to lift into the cart
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Hidden needles or broken glass could injure you

    Sharps can be hidden in trash, so never compress it with your hands or feet.

13. Question 13 of 16

    A needle sticks your finger. What should you do first?

    • ASqueeze and suck the wound
    • BPut a bandage on it and finish the room first
    • CWait to see if any symptoms appear
    • DRinse it under running water, wash gently with soap and water, and report it right away
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Rinse it under running water, wash gently with soap and water, and report it right away

    Rinse and wash the wound, report it to your employer at once and get medical advice quickly.

14. Question 14 of 16

    Which disease does CCOHS describe as the highest needlestick risk for unvaccinated workers?

    • AMeasles
    • BHepatitis B
    • CInfluenza
    • DTuberculosis
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Hepatitis B

    CCOHS lists hepatitis B as the highest risk and recommends vaccination for eligible workers.

15. Question 15 of 16

    In British Columbia, what must an employer have for workers who work alone or in isolation?

    • AA written procedure for checking their well-being at set intervals and at the end of the shift
    • BA monthly phone call to each worker
    • CA rule that nobody may ever work alone
    • DA guard posted on every floor
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A written procedure for checking their well-being at set intervals and at the end of the shift

    BC's OHS Regulation requires a written check procedure, contact at predetermined intervals and a check at the end of the shift.

16. Question 16 of 16

    Under Ontario law, a room attendant may refuse work over violence in which situation?

    • ANever; refusals are not allowed in hotels
    • BOnly after a police report is filed
    • CWhen they have reason to believe workplace violence may endanger them
    • DWhenever a guest is rude to them
    Show answer

    Answer: C. When they have reason to believe workplace violence may endanger them

    Ontario's OHSA lets a worker refuse work if they have reason to believe they may be endangered by workplace violence; harassment alone is not grounds for a refusal.

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