STS study guide
STS · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The STS designation is a supervisor-level safety credential. It is aimed at front-line supervisors, foremen, team leads, and crew chiefs whose job title is not "safety professional" but whose daily decisions set the safety tone for the people working under them. The STS study guide has 6 sections and about 1,936 words.
01Hazard Recognition, Evaluation, and Control
Hazard recognition, evaluation, and control is a four-step cycle: find the hazard, quantify the risk, select controls, then verify the controls actually worked. Exams test whether you can run that cycle in the right order.
323 words, about 2 min02Safety Management Systems and Supervisory Leadership
A safety management system (SMS) is a structured, repeatable way to manage risk. Expect questions framed around ISO 45001, ANSI/ASSP Z10, and OSHA's Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs.
291 words, about 1 min03Regulatory Compliance and Consensus Standards
In the United States, the OSH Act of 1970 creates two employer duties. Section 5(a)(2) requires compliance with specific OSHA standards, largely found in 29 CFR 1910 (general industry) and 29 CFR 1926 (construction).
312 words, about 2 min04Incident Investigation, Reporting, and Recordkeeping
An incident is any unplanned event; a near miss is one that caused no harm but could have. First response: care for the injured, secure and preserve the scene, identify witnesses, and gather physical and documentary evidence before it is disturbed.
348 words, about 2 min05Training, Communication, and Worker Engagement
Training exists to close a specific performance gap against a specific hazard. Begin with a needs assessment tied to hazard and risk assessment results, incident trends, and job requirements.
346 words, about 2 min06Emergency Preparedness and Response
OSHA's emergency action plan requirements (29 CFR 1910.38) list the elements a candidate must be able to name: procedures for reporting emergencies, evacuation or shelter procedures and escape routes, procedures for employees who remain to perform critical operations, accounting for all employees after evacuation, rescue and medical duties, and names or job titles of contacts. A separate fire prevention plan (1910.39) covers major fire hazards, handling and storage of flammables, potential ignition sources, and housekeeping.
316 words, about 2 min