Common Safety Orientation (CSO) Practice Test

If a supervisor sees an employee smoking while walking down the sidewalk on a controlled facility, what action should they take?

1. Ignore the employee's behavior

2. Ask the employee to stop smoking immediately

3. Make the employee put out the cigarette and inform them of the designated smoking area

4. Report the employee to upper management

The correct answer is: Make the employee put out the cigarette and inform them of the designated smoking area

The appropriate action in this scenario involves making the employee put out the cigarette and informing them of the designated smoking area. This response is essential for several reasons related to workplace safety and compliance with facility policies. Firstly, many controlled facilities have specific regulations regarding smoking to ensure the safety of all employees and to minimize fire hazards. By asking the employee to extinguish their cigarette, the supervisor is addressing a potential risk to the facility and its inhabitants. Secondly, informing the employee of the designated smoking area fosters compliance with the facility's policies. This is a learning opportunity for the employee, allowing them to understand where they can smoke without violating rules. It reinforces the importance of adhering to established safety protocols, promoting a culture of safety within the workplace. Ignoring the behavior would likely result in continued violations of safety policies, potentially leading to more severe consequences if an incident occurs. Simply asking the employee to stop smoking does not provide them with the necessary guidance or context regarding where smoking is allowed. Reporting the employee to upper management might be excessive for a first-time offense, especially when a direct intervention allows for immediate correction and education on proper conduct. Overall, addressing the behavior directly while providing the necessary information ensures a safer environment and promotes adherence to facility guidelines.