Solution Manual for Occupational Safety and Health for Technologists, Engineers, and Managers, 9th Edition
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Online Instructor’s Manual with Testbank
for
Occupational Safety and Health
For Technologists, Engineers, and
Managers
Ninth Edition
David L. Goetsch
for
Occupational Safety and Health
For Technologists, Engineers, and
Managers
Ninth Edition
David L. Goetsch
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part Two: Answers to Review Questions 67
Chapter One 67
Chapter Two 69
Chapter Three 71
Chapter Four 74
Chapter Five 78
Chapter Six 80
Chapter Seven 86
Chapter Eight 89
Chapter Nine 91
Chapter Ten 95
Chapter Eleven 99
Chapter Twelve 102
Chapter Thirteen 106
Chapter Fourteen 108
Chapter Fifteen 111
Chapter Sixteen 116
Chapter Seventeen 120
Chapter Eighteen 122
Chapter Nineteen 126
Chapter Twenty 130
Chapter Twenty-One 137
Chapter Twenty-Two 139
Chapter Twenty-Three 142
Chapter Twenty-Four. 147
Chapter Twenty-Five 150
Chapter Twenty-Six 154
Chapter Twenty-Seven 156
Chapter Twenty-Eight 158
Chapter Twenty-Nine 160
Chapter Thirty 165
Chapter Thirty-One 167
Part Three: Transparency Masters 169
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Part Two: Answers to Review Questions 67
Chapter One 67
Chapter Two 69
Chapter Three 71
Chapter Four 74
Chapter Five 78
Chapter Six 80
Chapter Seven 86
Chapter Eight 89
Chapter Nine 91
Chapter Ten 95
Chapter Eleven 99
Chapter Twelve 102
Chapter Thirteen 106
Chapter Fourteen 108
Chapter Fifteen 111
Chapter Sixteen 116
Chapter Seventeen 120
Chapter Eighteen 122
Chapter Nineteen 126
Chapter Twenty 130
Chapter Twenty-One 137
Chapter Twenty-Two 139
Chapter Twenty-Three 142
Chapter Twenty-Four. 147
Chapter Twenty-Five 150
Chapter Twenty-Six 154
Chapter Twenty-Seven 156
Chapter Twenty-Eight 158
Chapter Twenty-Nine 160
Chapter Thirty 165
Chapter Thirty-One 167
Part Three: Transparency Masters 169
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part Two: Answers to Review Questions 67
Chapter One 67
Chapter Two 69
Chapter Three 71
Chapter Four 74
Chapter Five 78
Chapter Six 80
Chapter Seven 86
Chapter Eight 89
Chapter Nine 91
Chapter Ten 95
Chapter Eleven 99
Chapter Twelve 102
Chapter Thirteen 106
Chapter Fourteen 108
Chapter Fifteen 111
Chapter Sixteen 116
Chapter Seventeen 120
Chapter Eighteen 122
Chapter Nineteen 126
Chapter Twenty 130
Chapter Twenty-One 137
Chapter Twenty-Two 139
Chapter Twenty-Three 142
Chapter Twenty-Four. 147
Chapter Twenty-Five 150
Chapter Twenty-Six 154
Chapter Twenty-Seven 156
Chapter Twenty-Eight 158
Chapter Twenty-Nine 160
Chapter Thirty 165
Chapter Thirty-One 167
Part Three: Transparency Masters 169
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Part Two: Answers to Review Questions 67
Chapter One 67
Chapter Two 69
Chapter Three 71
Chapter Four 74
Chapter Five 78
Chapter Six 80
Chapter Seven 86
Chapter Eight 89
Chapter Nine 91
Chapter Ten 95
Chapter Eleven 99
Chapter Twelve 102
Chapter Thirteen 106
Chapter Fourteen 108
Chapter Fifteen 111
Chapter Sixteen 116
Chapter Seventeen 120
Chapter Eighteen 122
Chapter Nineteen 126
Chapter Twenty 130
Chapter Twenty-One 137
Chapter Twenty-Two 139
Chapter Twenty-Three 142
Chapter Twenty-Four. 147
Chapter Twenty-Five 150
Chapter Twenty-Six 154
Chapter Twenty-Seven 156
Chapter Twenty-Eight 158
Chapter Twenty-Nine 160
Chapter Thirty 165
Chapter Thirty-One 167
Part Three: Transparency Masters 169
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
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PART TWO
ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS
Chapter One – Safety and Health Movement, Then and Now
1. To what cause(s) can the improvements in workplace safety made to date be
attributed?
Improvements in safety up to now have been the result of pressure for legislation
to promote safety and health, the steadily increasing costs associated with
accidents and injuries, and the professionalization of safety as an occupation.
2. Explain the significance of the Code of Hammurabi in terms of the safety
movement.
What is significant about the code from the perspective of safety and health is that
it contained clauses dealing with injuries, allowable fees for physicians, and
monetary damages assessed against those who injured others.
3. Describe the circumstances that led to the development of the first organized
safety program.
In 1892 in a Joliet, Illinois, steel plant the first recorded safety program was
established in response to a scare caused when a flywheel exploded. Following
the explosion a committee of managers was formed to investigate and make
recommendations.
4. What is Frederick Taylor’s connection to the safety movement?
Although safety was not a major focus of his work, Taylor did draw a connection
between lost personnel time and management policies and procedures. This
connection between safety and management represented a major step toward
broad-based safety consciousness.
5. Explain the development of the National Safety Council.
The Association of Iron and Steel Electrical Engineers (AISEE), formed in the
early 1900s, pressed for a national conference on safety. As a result of the
AlSEE’s efforts, the first meeting of the Cooperative Safety Congress took place
in Milwaukee in 1912. A year after the initial meeting of the Cooperative Safety
Congress, the National Council of Industrial Safety was established in Chicago,
Illinois. In 1915, this organization changed its name to the National Safety
Council.
6. What impact did labor shortages in World War II have on the safety
movement?
The loss of a skilled worker due to an injury or for any other reason created an
excessive hardship.
PART TWO
ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS
Chapter One – Safety and Health Movement, Then and Now
1. To what cause(s) can the improvements in workplace safety made to date be
attributed?
Improvements in safety up to now have been the result of pressure for legislation
to promote safety and health, the steadily increasing costs associated with
accidents and injuries, and the professionalization of safety as an occupation.
2. Explain the significance of the Code of Hammurabi in terms of the safety
movement.
What is significant about the code from the perspective of safety and health is that
it contained clauses dealing with injuries, allowable fees for physicians, and
monetary damages assessed against those who injured others.
3. Describe the circumstances that led to the development of the first organized
safety program.
In 1892 in a Joliet, Illinois, steel plant the first recorded safety program was
established in response to a scare caused when a flywheel exploded. Following
the explosion a committee of managers was formed to investigate and make
recommendations.
4. What is Frederick Taylor’s connection to the safety movement?
Although safety was not a major focus of his work, Taylor did draw a connection
between lost personnel time and management policies and procedures. This
connection between safety and management represented a major step toward
broad-based safety consciousness.
5. Explain the development of the National Safety Council.
The Association of Iron and Steel Electrical Engineers (AISEE), formed in the
early 1900s, pressed for a national conference on safety. As a result of the
AlSEE’s efforts, the first meeting of the Cooperative Safety Congress took place
in Milwaukee in 1912. A year after the initial meeting of the Cooperative Safety
Congress, the National Council of Industrial Safety was established in Chicago,
Illinois. In 1915, this organization changed its name to the National Safety
Council.
6. What impact did labor shortages in World War II have on the safety
movement?
The loss of a skilled worker due to an injury or for any other reason created an
excessive hardship.
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7. Explain how workplace tragedies have affected the safety movement. Give
examples.
Safety and health tragedies in the workplace have greatly accelerated the pace of
the safety movement. Three of the most significant events in the history of the
safety and health movement were the Hawk’s Nest, asbestos menace, and Bhopal
tragedies.
8. Explain the primary reasons behind the passage of OSHA.
Generally, the state legislated safety requirements only in specific industries, had
inadequate safety and health standards, and had inadequate budgets for
enforcement. The injury and death toll due to industrial mishaps was still too
high. In the late 1960s, more than 14,000 employees were killed annually in
connection with their jobs. Work injury rates were taking an upward swing.
9. Summarize briefly the role organized labor has played in the advancement
of the safety movement.
Organized labor has fought for safer working conditions and appropriate
compensation for workers injured on the job.
10. Define the following terms: fellow servant rule; contributory negligence;
assumption of risk.
The most important contributions of organized labor to the safety movement was
their work to overturn anti-labor laws relating to safety in the workplace. The
fellow servant rule held that employees were not liable for workplace injuries that
resulted from the negligence of other employees. If the actions of employees
contributed to their own injuries, the employer was absolved of any liability. This
was the doctrine of contributory negligence. Assumption of risk was based on the
theory that people who accept a job assume the risks that go with it.
11. Explain the Three E’s of Safety.
Three E’s of Safety: Engineering – involves making design improvements to
both product and process; Education – ensures that employees know how to work
safely; and Enforcement – involves making sure that employees abide by safety
policies, rules, regulations, practices, and procedures.
12. Explain the term integration as it relates to modern safety and health.
By working together and drawing on their own respective areas of expertise,
safety and health professionals are better able to identify, predict, control, and
correct safety and health problems.
7. Explain how workplace tragedies have affected the safety movement. Give
examples.
Safety and health tragedies in the workplace have greatly accelerated the pace of
the safety movement. Three of the most significant events in the history of the
safety and health movement were the Hawk’s Nest, asbestos menace, and Bhopal
tragedies.
8. Explain the primary reasons behind the passage of OSHA.
Generally, the state legislated safety requirements only in specific industries, had
inadequate safety and health standards, and had inadequate budgets for
enforcement. The injury and death toll due to industrial mishaps was still too
high. In the late 1960s, more than 14,000 employees were killed annually in
connection with their jobs. Work injury rates were taking an upward swing.
9. Summarize briefly the role organized labor has played in the advancement
of the safety movement.
Organized labor has fought for safer working conditions and appropriate
compensation for workers injured on the job.
10. Define the following terms: fellow servant rule; contributory negligence;
assumption of risk.
The most important contributions of organized labor to the safety movement was
their work to overturn anti-labor laws relating to safety in the workplace. The
fellow servant rule held that employees were not liable for workplace injuries that
resulted from the negligence of other employees. If the actions of employees
contributed to their own injuries, the employer was absolved of any liability. This
was the doctrine of contributory negligence. Assumption of risk was based on the
theory that people who accept a job assume the risks that go with it.
11. Explain the Three E’s of Safety.
Three E’s of Safety: Engineering – involves making design improvements to
both product and process; Education – ensures that employees know how to work
safely; and Enforcement – involves making sure that employees abide by safety
policies, rules, regulations, practices, and procedures.
12. Explain the term integration as it relates to modern safety and health.
By working together and drawing on their own respective areas of expertise,
safety and health professionals are better able to identify, predict, control, and
correct safety and health problems.
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Chapter Two – Accidents and Their Effects
1. What are the leading causes of death in the United States?
Accidents are the fourth leading cause of death in this country behind heart
disease, cancer, and strokes.
2. When the overall cost of an accident is calculated, what elements make up
the cost?
These costs include such factors as lost wages, medical expenses, insurance
administration, fire-related losses, motor vehicle property damage, and indirect
costs.
3. What are the five leading causes of accidental deaths in the United States?
Motor vehicle, poison (solid, liquid), drowning, falls, and fire-related
4. What are the leading causes of death in the United States of people between
the ages of 25 and 44?
Accidents, motor vehicle, poison (solid, liquid), drowning, falls, fire-related,
cancer, and heart disease
5. Explain how todays’s rate of accidental work deaths now compares with the
rate of the early 1900s.
Between 1912 and 1989, accidental work deaths per 100,000 population were
reduced 81 percent, from 21 to 4.
6. What are the five leading causes of work deaths?
Motor vehicle related, falls, electric current, drowning, and fire-related
7. What are the five leading causes of work injuries by type of accident?
Overexertion, impact accidents, falls, bodily reaction, and compression.
8. When death rates are classified by industry type, what are the three leading
industry types?
Mining/quarrying, agriculture, construction
9. Rank the following body parts according to frequency of injury from highest
to lowest: neck, fingers, trunk, back, and eyes.
Back, fingers, trunk, eyes, and neck
10. Explain the reasons for high accident rates in developing countries.
Rapid development and the pressure of global competition
Missing safety and health infrastructure
Chapter Two – Accidents and Their Effects
1. What are the leading causes of death in the United States?
Accidents are the fourth leading cause of death in this country behind heart
disease, cancer, and strokes.
2. When the overall cost of an accident is calculated, what elements make up
the cost?
These costs include such factors as lost wages, medical expenses, insurance
administration, fire-related losses, motor vehicle property damage, and indirect
costs.
3. What are the five leading causes of accidental deaths in the United States?
Motor vehicle, poison (solid, liquid), drowning, falls, and fire-related
4. What are the leading causes of death in the United States of people between
the ages of 25 and 44?
Accidents, motor vehicle, poison (solid, liquid), drowning, falls, fire-related,
cancer, and heart disease
5. Explain how todays’s rate of accidental work deaths now compares with the
rate of the early 1900s.
Between 1912 and 1989, accidental work deaths per 100,000 population were
reduced 81 percent, from 21 to 4.
6. What are the five leading causes of work deaths?
Motor vehicle related, falls, electric current, drowning, and fire-related
7. What are the five leading causes of work injuries by type of accident?
Overexertion, impact accidents, falls, bodily reaction, and compression.
8. When death rates are classified by industry type, what are the three leading
industry types?
Mining/quarrying, agriculture, construction
9. Rank the following body parts according to frequency of injury from highest
to lowest: neck, fingers, trunk, back, and eyes.
Back, fingers, trunk, eyes, and neck
10. Explain the reasons for high accident rates in developing countries.
Rapid development and the pressure of global competition
Missing safety and health infrastructure
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Chapter Three – Theories of Accident Causation
1. Explain the domino theory of accident causation, including its origin and its
impact on more modern theories.
There are five factors in the sequence of events leading up to an accident: 1)
ancestry and social environment, 2) fault of person, 3) unsafe actimechanical or
physical hazard, 4) accident, and 5) injury.
2. What were the findings of Herbert W.Heinrich’s 1920s study of the causes of
industrial accidents?
88 percent of industrial accidents are caused by unsafe acts committed by fellow
workers.10 percent of industrial accidents are caused by unsafe conditions. 2
percent of industrial accidents are unavoidable.
3. List five of Heinrich’s Axioms of Industrial Safety.
Accidents result from a completed series of factors, one of which is the accident
itself.
An accident can occur only as the result of an unsafe act by a person and/or a
physical or mechanical hazard.
Most accidents are the result of unsafe behavior by people.
An unsafe act by a person or an unsafe condition does not always immediately
result in an accident/injury.
The reasons why people commit unsafe acts can serve as helpful guides in
selecting corrective actions.
The severity of an accident is largely fortuitous and the accident that caused it
is largely preventable.
The best accident prevention techniques are analogous with the best quality
and productivity techniques.
Management should assume responsibility for safety since it is in the best
position to get results.
The supervisor is the key person in the prevention of industrial accidents.
In addition to the direct costs of an accident (i.e., compensation, liability
claims, medical costs, and hospital expenses) there are also hidden or indirect
costs.
4. Explain the following concepts in the domino theory: preceding factor;
central factor.
Heinrich’s theory has two central points: 1) injuries are caused by the action of
preceding factors; and 2) removal of the central factor (unsafe act/hazardous
condition) negates the action of the preceding factor and, in so doing, prevents
accidents and injuries.
5. What are the three broad factors that lead to human error in the human
factor theory? Briefly explain each.
Overload – Overload amounts to an imbalance between a person’s capacity at
any given time and the load that person is carrying in a given state.
Chapter Three – Theories of Accident Causation
1. Explain the domino theory of accident causation, including its origin and its
impact on more modern theories.
There are five factors in the sequence of events leading up to an accident: 1)
ancestry and social environment, 2) fault of person, 3) unsafe actimechanical or
physical hazard, 4) accident, and 5) injury.
2. What were the findings of Herbert W.Heinrich’s 1920s study of the causes of
industrial accidents?
88 percent of industrial accidents are caused by unsafe acts committed by fellow
workers.10 percent of industrial accidents are caused by unsafe conditions. 2
percent of industrial accidents are unavoidable.
3. List five of Heinrich’s Axioms of Industrial Safety.
Accidents result from a completed series of factors, one of which is the accident
itself.
An accident can occur only as the result of an unsafe act by a person and/or a
physical or mechanical hazard.
Most accidents are the result of unsafe behavior by people.
An unsafe act by a person or an unsafe condition does not always immediately
result in an accident/injury.
The reasons why people commit unsafe acts can serve as helpful guides in
selecting corrective actions.
The severity of an accident is largely fortuitous and the accident that caused it
is largely preventable.
The best accident prevention techniques are analogous with the best quality
and productivity techniques.
Management should assume responsibility for safety since it is in the best
position to get results.
The supervisor is the key person in the prevention of industrial accidents.
In addition to the direct costs of an accident (i.e., compensation, liability
claims, medical costs, and hospital expenses) there are also hidden or indirect
costs.
4. Explain the following concepts in the domino theory: preceding factor;
central factor.
Heinrich’s theory has two central points: 1) injuries are caused by the action of
preceding factors; and 2) removal of the central factor (unsafe act/hazardous
condition) negates the action of the preceding factor and, in so doing, prevents
accidents and injuries.
5. What are the three broad factors that lead to human error in the human
factor theory? Briefly explain each.
Overload – Overload amounts to an imbalance between a person’s capacity at
any given time and the load that person is carrying in a given state.
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5
Inappropriate Response/Incompatibility – How a person responds in a given
situation can cause or prevent an accident. If a person detects a hazardous
condition but does nothing to correct it, he or she has responded inappropriately.
Inappropriate Activities – Human error can be the result of inappropriate
activities. An example of an inappropriate activity would be a person undertaking
a task he or she doesn’t know how to do.
6. Explain the systems failure component of the accident/incident theory.
First, it shows the potential for a causal relationship between management
decisions/management behavior and safety. Second, it establishes management’s
role in accident prevention as well as the broader concepts of safety and health in
the workplace.
7. What are the key components of the epidemiological theory and how does
their interaction affect accident causation?
The key components are predisposition characteristics and situational
characteristics. These characteristics, taken together, can either result in or
prevent conditions that might result in an accident.
8. Explain the systems theory of accident causation.
This theory views a situation in which an accident might occur as a system
comprised of the following components: person (host), machine (agency), and
environment. The likelihood of an accident occurring is determined by how these
components interact. Changes in the patterns of interaction can increase or reduce
the probability of an accident occurring.
9. What impact do stressors have in the systems theory?
When stressors are introduced between points 1 and 2 the likelihood of an
accident increases.
10. List five factors to consider before making workplace decisions that involve
risk.
1) Job requirements, 2) the worker’s abilities and limitations, 3) what is gained if
the task is successfully accomplished, 4) what is lost if the task is attempted but
fails, and 5) what is lost if the task is not attempted.
11. Explain the principles of behavior-based safety.
There are seven basic principles of BBS:
Intervention that is focused on employee behavior
Identification of external factors that will help understand and improve
employee behavior
Direct behavior with activators or events antecedent to the desired behavior,
and motivation of the employee to behave as desired with incentives and
rewards that will follow the desired behavior
Focus on the positive consequences that will result from the desired behavior
as a way to motivate employees
Application of the scientific method to improve attempts at behavioral
interventions
Use of theory to integrate information rather than to limit possibilities
Inappropriate Response/Incompatibility – How a person responds in a given
situation can cause or prevent an accident. If a person detects a hazardous
condition but does nothing to correct it, he or she has responded inappropriately.
Inappropriate Activities – Human error can be the result of inappropriate
activities. An example of an inappropriate activity would be a person undertaking
a task he or she doesn’t know how to do.
6. Explain the systems failure component of the accident/incident theory.
First, it shows the potential for a causal relationship between management
decisions/management behavior and safety. Second, it establishes management’s
role in accident prevention as well as the broader concepts of safety and health in
the workplace.
7. What are the key components of the epidemiological theory and how does
their interaction affect accident causation?
The key components are predisposition characteristics and situational
characteristics. These characteristics, taken together, can either result in or
prevent conditions that might result in an accident.
8. Explain the systems theory of accident causation.
This theory views a situation in which an accident might occur as a system
comprised of the following components: person (host), machine (agency), and
environment. The likelihood of an accident occurring is determined by how these
components interact. Changes in the patterns of interaction can increase or reduce
the probability of an accident occurring.
9. What impact do stressors have in the systems theory?
When stressors are introduced between points 1 and 2 the likelihood of an
accident increases.
10. List five factors to consider before making workplace decisions that involve
risk.
1) Job requirements, 2) the worker’s abilities and limitations, 3) what is gained if
the task is successfully accomplished, 4) what is lost if the task is attempted but
fails, and 5) what is lost if the task is not attempted.
11. Explain the principles of behavior-based safety.
There are seven basic principles of BBS:
Intervention that is focused on employee behavior
Identification of external factors that will help understand and improve
employee behavior
Direct behavior with activators or events antecedent to the desired behavior,
and motivation of the employee to behave as desired with incentives and
rewards that will follow the desired behavior
Focus on the positive consequences that will result from the desired behavior
as a way to motivate employees
Application of the scientific method to improve attempts at behavioral
interventions
Use of theory to integrate information rather than to limit possibilities
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Planned interventions with the feelings and attitudes of the individual
employee in mind
12. What is the role of the safety and health professional with regard to handling
employees who might be drug or alcohol abusers?
Safety and health professionals should be aware of the workplace problems that
can be caused by alcohol and drug abuse.Should also be a member of the cross-
functional team of representatives who develop a drug-free workplace program.
13. List the warning signs of clinical depression.
Persistent dreary moods
Signs of too little sleep
Sleeping on the job or persistent drowsiness
Sudden weight loss or gain
General loss of interest, especially in areas of previous interest
Restlessness, inability to concentrate, or irritability
Chronic physical problems
Forgetfulness or an inability to make simple decisions
Persistent feeling of guilt
Feeling of low self-worth
Focus on death or talk of suicide
14. What must management do if it is serous about providing a safe and healthy
work environment for employees?
Management must establish expectations, provide training, evaluate employee
performance with safety in mind, and reinforce safe and healthy behavior.
15. Explain the connections between obesity and injuries.
The most common causes of injuries to obese people were the result of
overexertion and falls. Efforts to promote optimal body weight may reduce not
only the risk of chronic diseases, but also the risk of unintentional injuries.
16. Explain the Swiss Cheese Model from the perspective of accident prevention.
The Swiss Cheese Model bases accident prevention on providing multiple
defensive layers between hazards and the harm they might cause.
Planned interventions with the feelings and attitudes of the individual
employee in mind
12. What is the role of the safety and health professional with regard to handling
employees who might be drug or alcohol abusers?
Safety and health professionals should be aware of the workplace problems that
can be caused by alcohol and drug abuse.Should also be a member of the cross-
functional team of representatives who develop a drug-free workplace program.
13. List the warning signs of clinical depression.
Persistent dreary moods
Signs of too little sleep
Sleeping on the job or persistent drowsiness
Sudden weight loss or gain
General loss of interest, especially in areas of previous interest
Restlessness, inability to concentrate, or irritability
Chronic physical problems
Forgetfulness or an inability to make simple decisions
Persistent feeling of guilt
Feeling of low self-worth
Focus on death or talk of suicide
14. What must management do if it is serous about providing a safe and healthy
work environment for employees?
Management must establish expectations, provide training, evaluate employee
performance with safety in mind, and reinforce safe and healthy behavior.
15. Explain the connections between obesity and injuries.
The most common causes of injuries to obese people were the result of
overexertion and falls. Efforts to promote optimal body weight may reduce not
only the risk of chronic diseases, but also the risk of unintentional injuries.
16. Explain the Swiss Cheese Model from the perspective of accident prevention.
The Swiss Cheese Model bases accident prevention on providing multiple
defensive layers between hazards and the harm they might cause.
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Chapter Four – Roles and Professional Certifications for
Safety and Health Professionals
1. What types of positions might be included in a modern safety and health
team?
Engineers, physicists, industrial hygienists, occupational physicians, and
occupational health nurses.
2. Briefly explain the impact such issues as workers’ compensation and the
environment have had on the commitment of corporate management to
safety and health.
OSHA Standards, on-site inspections, and penalties have encouraged a greater
commitment to safety and health than was evident in the past as has the growing
awareness that providing a safe and healthy workplace is the fight thing to do
from both an ethical and a business perspective.
3. What is the difference between a staff and a line position?
Line authority means the safety and health manager has authority over and
supervises certain employees. Staff authority means the safety and health
manager is the staff person responsible for a certain function, but he or she has no
line authority over others involved with that function.
4. Explain the types of problems modern safety and health managers can
expect to confront in attempting to implement their programs.
Lack of commitment
Top management may go along with having a company-wide safety and health
program because they see it as a necessary evil.
Production versus Safety
Industrial firms are in business to make a profit.Anything that interferes with
production or processing is likely to be looked on unfavorably.
5. Briefly explain what a company must do in order to succeed in today’s
competitive global marketplace.
The most productive company is the one that generates the most output
with the least input.
6. How can safety and health managers use the competitiveness issue to gain a
commitment to their programs?
Resources invested in safety and health can actually improve a company’s
competitiveness. Productivity, quality, cost, image, and response time can go a
long way in helping to gain management commitment to safety and health.
7. List five different college majors that can lead to a career as a safety and
health manager.
Industrial safety, occupational safety, environmental technology, safety and
health management, and industrial hygiene.
8. Explain the importance of ongoing in-service training for modern safety and
health managers and how to get it.
Chapter Four – Roles and Professional Certifications for
Safety and Health Professionals
1. What types of positions might be included in a modern safety and health
team?
Engineers, physicists, industrial hygienists, occupational physicians, and
occupational health nurses.
2. Briefly explain the impact such issues as workers’ compensation and the
environment have had on the commitment of corporate management to
safety and health.
OSHA Standards, on-site inspections, and penalties have encouraged a greater
commitment to safety and health than was evident in the past as has the growing
awareness that providing a safe and healthy workplace is the fight thing to do
from both an ethical and a business perspective.
3. What is the difference between a staff and a line position?
Line authority means the safety and health manager has authority over and
supervises certain employees. Staff authority means the safety and health
manager is the staff person responsible for a certain function, but he or she has no
line authority over others involved with that function.
4. Explain the types of problems modern safety and health managers can
expect to confront in attempting to implement their programs.
Lack of commitment
Top management may go along with having a company-wide safety and health
program because they see it as a necessary evil.
Production versus Safety
Industrial firms are in business to make a profit.Anything that interferes with
production or processing is likely to be looked on unfavorably.
5. Briefly explain what a company must do in order to succeed in today’s
competitive global marketplace.
The most productive company is the one that generates the most output
with the least input.
6. How can safety and health managers use the competitiveness issue to gain a
commitment to their programs?
Resources invested in safety and health can actually improve a company’s
competitiveness. Productivity, quality, cost, image, and response time can go a
long way in helping to gain management commitment to safety and health.
7. List five different college majors that can lead to a career as a safety and
health manager.
Industrial safety, occupational safety, environmental technology, safety and
health management, and industrial hygiene.
8. Explain the importance of ongoing in-service training for modern safety and
health managers and how to get it.
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In-service training, ongoing interaction with professional colleagues, and
continued reading of professional literature are effective ways to stay current.This
means joining the appropriate professional organizations, becoming familiar with
related government agencies, and establishing links with relevant standards
organizations.
9. How can safety and health managers become certified in their profession?
In order to qualify to sit for a certification examination, safety and health
managers must have the required education and experience and submit letters of
recommendation as specified by the certification board.
10. Name three professional societies a safety and health manager may join.
American Academy of Industrial Hygiene
American Industrial Hygiene Association
American Occupational Medical Association
American Society of Safety Engineers
National Safety Council
Society of Toxicology
11. What is meant by the statement “If a physician makes an error he might
harm one person, but an engineer who errs might harm one hundred”?
Engineers can make a significant contribution to safety. Correspondingly, they
can cause, inadvertently or through incompetence, accidents that result in serious
injury and property damage.
12. Explain how the design process can affect safety.
With a poorly designed seat belt installed in 10,000 automobiles, the engineer has
inadvertently endangered the lives of as many as 40,000
people (estimating a maximum of four passengers per car).
13. What typed of engineers are most likely to work as design engineers?
Those that are most likely to be designers are aerospace, electrical, mechanical,
and nuclear engineers.
14. Why is the title safety engineer sometimes a misnomer?
It implies that the person filling the position is a degreed engineer with formal
education and/or special training in workplace safety.Typically, the title is given
to the person who has overall responsibility for the company’s safety program or
to a member of the company’s safety team who is responsible for the traditional
aspects of the safety program.
15. What specific strengths might industrial engineers bring to bear as safety
engineers?
Their knowledge of industrial systems, both manual and automated, can make
them valuable members of a design team, particularly one that designs industrial
systems and technologies.
16. What specific strengths might chemical engineers bring to the safety and
health team?
In-service training, ongoing interaction with professional colleagues, and
continued reading of professional literature are effective ways to stay current.This
means joining the appropriate professional organizations, becoming familiar with
related government agencies, and establishing links with relevant standards
organizations.
9. How can safety and health managers become certified in their profession?
In order to qualify to sit for a certification examination, safety and health
managers must have the required education and experience and submit letters of
recommendation as specified by the certification board.
10. Name three professional societies a safety and health manager may join.
American Academy of Industrial Hygiene
American Industrial Hygiene Association
American Occupational Medical Association
American Society of Safety Engineers
National Safety Council
Society of Toxicology
11. What is meant by the statement “If a physician makes an error he might
harm one person, but an engineer who errs might harm one hundred”?
Engineers can make a significant contribution to safety. Correspondingly, they
can cause, inadvertently or through incompetence, accidents that result in serious
injury and property damage.
12. Explain how the design process can affect safety.
With a poorly designed seat belt installed in 10,000 automobiles, the engineer has
inadvertently endangered the lives of as many as 40,000
people (estimating a maximum of four passengers per car).
13. What typed of engineers are most likely to work as design engineers?
Those that are most likely to be designers are aerospace, electrical, mechanical,
and nuclear engineers.
14. Why is the title safety engineer sometimes a misnomer?
It implies that the person filling the position is a degreed engineer with formal
education and/or special training in workplace safety.Typically, the title is given
to the person who has overall responsibility for the company’s safety program or
to a member of the company’s safety team who is responsible for the traditional
aspects of the safety program.
15. What specific strengths might industrial engineers bring to bear as safety
engineers?
Their knowledge of industrial systems, both manual and automated, can make
them valuable members of a design team, particularly one that designs industrial
systems and technologies.
16. What specific strengths might chemical engineers bring to the safety and
health team?
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The coursework they take is particularly relevant since all of it relates either
directly or indirectly to health.
17. What specific strengths might chemical engineers bring to the safety and
health team?
A broad background has made the chemical engineer extremely versatile and
capable of working in a wide variety of industries: chemical, petroleum,
aerospace, nuclear, materials, microelectronics, sanitation, food processing, and
computer technology.
18. Describe the job of the industrial hygienist.
To recognize environmental factors and to understand their effect on humans
and their well-being.
To evaluate on the basis of experience and with the aid of quantitative
measurement techniques, the magnitude of these stresses in terms of ability to
impair human health and well-being, and
To prescribe methods to eliminate control, or reduce such stresses when
necessary to alleviate their effects.
19. What is a health physicist?
Health physicists are concerned primarily with radiation in the workplace. Their
duties include monitoring radiation inside and outside the facility, measuring the
radioactivity levels of biological samples, developing the radiation components of
the company’s emergency action plan, and supervising the decontamination of
workers and the workplace when necessary.
20. Describe the job of the occupational physician.
Appraisal, maintenance, restoration, and improvement of the workers’ health
through application of the principles of preventive medicine, emergency
medical care, rehabilitation, and environmental medicine.
Promotion of a productive and fulfilling interaction of the worker and the job,
via application of principles of human behavior.
Active appreciation of the social, economic, and administrative needs and
sibilities of both the worker and work community.
Team approach to safety and health, involving cooperation of the physician
with occupational or industrial hygienists, occupational health nurses, safety
personnel, and other specialists.
21. Describe the job of the occupational health nurse.
To adopt the nursing program to meet the specific needs of the individual
company.
To give competent nursing care for all employees.
To ensure that adequate resources are available to support the nursing
program.
To seek out competent medical direction if it is not available on-site.
To establish and maintain an adequate system of records-relating to workplace
health care.
The coursework they take is particularly relevant since all of it relates either
directly or indirectly to health.
17. What specific strengths might chemical engineers bring to the safety and
health team?
A broad background has made the chemical engineer extremely versatile and
capable of working in a wide variety of industries: chemical, petroleum,
aerospace, nuclear, materials, microelectronics, sanitation, food processing, and
computer technology.
18. Describe the job of the industrial hygienist.
To recognize environmental factors and to understand their effect on humans
and their well-being.
To evaluate on the basis of experience and with the aid of quantitative
measurement techniques, the magnitude of these stresses in terms of ability to
impair human health and well-being, and
To prescribe methods to eliminate control, or reduce such stresses when
necessary to alleviate their effects.
19. What is a health physicist?
Health physicists are concerned primarily with radiation in the workplace. Their
duties include monitoring radiation inside and outside the facility, measuring the
radioactivity levels of biological samples, developing the radiation components of
the company’s emergency action plan, and supervising the decontamination of
workers and the workplace when necessary.
20. Describe the job of the occupational physician.
Appraisal, maintenance, restoration, and improvement of the workers’ health
through application of the principles of preventive medicine, emergency
medical care, rehabilitation, and environmental medicine.
Promotion of a productive and fulfilling interaction of the worker and the job,
via application of principles of human behavior.
Active appreciation of the social, economic, and administrative needs and
sibilities of both the worker and work community.
Team approach to safety and health, involving cooperation of the physician
with occupational or industrial hygienists, occupational health nurses, safety
personnel, and other specialists.
21. Describe the job of the occupational health nurse.
To adopt the nursing program to meet the specific needs of the individual
company.
To give competent nursing care for all employees.
To ensure that adequate resources are available to support the nursing
program.
To seek out competent medical direction if it is not available on-site.
To establish and maintain an adequate system of records-relating to workplace
health care.
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To plan, prepare, promote, present, and broker educational activities for
employees.
To establish and maintain positive working relationships with all departments
within the company.
To maintain positive working relationships with all components of the local
health care community.
To monitor and evaluate the nursing program on a continual basis and adjust
accordingly.
22. Explain the concept of risk management.
Risk management consists of the various activities and strategies in an
organization to protect itself from situations, circumstances, or events that might
undermine its security.
23. Explain the role of the ergonomist.
CPE must meet the following requirements:
Must have a master’s degree in one of the correlative fields of ergonomics,
such as biomechanics, human factor/ergonomics, industrial engineering,
industrial hygiene, kinesiology, psychology, or systems engineering.
Appropriateness of work experience and evidence of participation in projects
requiring ergonomic expertise.
A work sample that demonstrate a breadth of ergonomic knowledge and the
ability to use ergonomic methods successfully.
24. Explain the responsibilities of employees in safety and health.
Employees are responsible for complying with all safety rules and regulations,
safely and properly using tools and equipment, safely and properly following all
procedures and processes, properly wearing appropriate PPE, refusing to take
shortcuts, reporting unsafe conditions, encouraging fellow employees to work
safely, and participating in safety training.
25. Explain how to achieve each of the following certifications: Certified Safety
Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist, and Certified Professional
Ergonomist.
Certified Safety Professional
o Apply to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals
o Meet an academic requirement
o Meet a professional safety experience requirement
o Pass the Safety Fundamentals Examination
o Pass the Comprehensive Practice Examination
o Certified Industrial Hygienist
o Technical Knowledge – Review courses; Professional reference questionnaire
o Pass Review and Exam given by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene
o Certification Maintenance
o Certified Professional Ergonomist
o Meet Academic Requirements
o Meet Work Experience
o Work Product
To plan, prepare, promote, present, and broker educational activities for
employees.
To establish and maintain positive working relationships with all departments
within the company.
To maintain positive working relationships with all components of the local
health care community.
To monitor and evaluate the nursing program on a continual basis and adjust
accordingly.
22. Explain the concept of risk management.
Risk management consists of the various activities and strategies in an
organization to protect itself from situations, circumstances, or events that might
undermine its security.
23. Explain the role of the ergonomist.
CPE must meet the following requirements:
Must have a master’s degree in one of the correlative fields of ergonomics,
such as biomechanics, human factor/ergonomics, industrial engineering,
industrial hygiene, kinesiology, psychology, or systems engineering.
Appropriateness of work experience and evidence of participation in projects
requiring ergonomic expertise.
A work sample that demonstrate a breadth of ergonomic knowledge and the
ability to use ergonomic methods successfully.
24. Explain the responsibilities of employees in safety and health.
Employees are responsible for complying with all safety rules and regulations,
safely and properly using tools and equipment, safely and properly following all
procedures and processes, properly wearing appropriate PPE, refusing to take
shortcuts, reporting unsafe conditions, encouraging fellow employees to work
safely, and participating in safety training.
25. Explain how to achieve each of the following certifications: Certified Safety
Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist, and Certified Professional
Ergonomist.
Certified Safety Professional
o Apply to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals
o Meet an academic requirement
o Meet a professional safety experience requirement
o Pass the Safety Fundamentals Examination
o Pass the Comprehensive Practice Examination
o Certified Industrial Hygienist
o Technical Knowledge – Review courses; Professional reference questionnaire
o Pass Review and Exam given by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene
o Certification Maintenance
o Certified Professional Ergonomist
o Meet Academic Requirements
o Meet Work Experience
o Work Product
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26. Explain how to achieve the following certification: Certified Occupational
Health Nurse-Safety Manager.
Pass COHN-SM certification Exam
Meet Academic Requirements
Meet Work Experience
Pass Additional Subspecialty Testing
26. Explain how to achieve the following certification: Certified Occupational
Health Nurse-Safety Manager.
Pass COHN-SM certification Exam
Meet Academic Requirements
Meet Work Experience
Pass Additional Subspecialty Testing
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Chapter Five – Safety, Health, and Competition in the Global
Marketplace
1. Explain why and how global competition can have a negative impact on
safety and health in the workplace.
It is not uncommon for this pressure to create a harried atmosphere that can
increase the likelihood of accidents. It can also lead to shortcuts that increase the
potential for health hazards.
2. Define the term competitiveness.
The Institute of Corporate Competitiveness defines competitiveness as “the
ability to consistently succeed and prosper in the marketplace whether it is local,
regional, national, or global.”
3. What are the common characteristics of the most competitive companies?
Those who consistently outperform their competitors in the key areas of
quality, productivity, response time, service, cost, and corporate image.
Those who continually improve in all of these areas.
4. Explain the importance of continual improvement as it relates to global
competitiveness.
The productivity record of today will be broken tomorrow. What is considered
world-class quality today will be considered mediocre tomorrow. What is
excellent service today will be unsatisfactory service tomorrow. The acceptable
costs of today will be considered too high tomorrow. Record response time today
will be too slow tomorrow. Finally, an excellent corporate image today can fade
quickly and be gone tomorrow.
5. Define the terms productivity and value added.Explain their relationship.
Output / Input = Productivity
Value added is the difference between what it costs to produce a product and
what it costs to purchase it. This difference represents the value that has been
added to the product by the production process. Value added is increased when
productivity is increased.
6. State two rules of thumb that explain how to recognize declining
productivity.
Productivity is declining when 1) output declines and input is constant; or 2)
output is constant, but input increases.
7. State two rules of thumb that explain how to recognize improving
productivity.
Productivity is improving when 1) output is constant, but input decreases; or 2)
output increases and input is constant.
8. Explain the relationship between productivity and quality as it relates to
competitiveness.
Quality goes hand-in-hand with productivity in the competitiveness equation.
Today’s industrial company must have both. Quality without productivity results
Chapter Five – Safety, Health, and Competition in the Global
Marketplace
1. Explain why and how global competition can have a negative impact on
safety and health in the workplace.
It is not uncommon for this pressure to create a harried atmosphere that can
increase the likelihood of accidents. It can also lead to shortcuts that increase the
potential for health hazards.
2. Define the term competitiveness.
The Institute of Corporate Competitiveness defines competitiveness as “the
ability to consistently succeed and prosper in the marketplace whether it is local,
regional, national, or global.”
3. What are the common characteristics of the most competitive companies?
Those who consistently outperform their competitors in the key areas of
quality, productivity, response time, service, cost, and corporate image.
Those who continually improve in all of these areas.
4. Explain the importance of continual improvement as it relates to global
competitiveness.
The productivity record of today will be broken tomorrow. What is considered
world-class quality today will be considered mediocre tomorrow. What is
excellent service today will be unsatisfactory service tomorrow. The acceptable
costs of today will be considered too high tomorrow. Record response time today
will be too slow tomorrow. Finally, an excellent corporate image today can fade
quickly and be gone tomorrow.
5. Define the terms productivity and value added.Explain their relationship.
Output / Input = Productivity
Value added is the difference between what it costs to produce a product and
what it costs to purchase it. This difference represents the value that has been
added to the product by the production process. Value added is increased when
productivity is increased.
6. State two rules of thumb that explain how to recognize declining
productivity.
Productivity is declining when 1) output declines and input is constant; or 2)
output is constant, but input increases.
7. State two rules of thumb that explain how to recognize improving
productivity.
Productivity is improving when 1) output is constant, but input decreases; or 2)
output increases and input is constant.
8. Explain the relationship between productivity and quality as it relates to
competitiveness.
Quality goes hand-in-hand with productivity in the competitiveness equation.
Today’s industrial company must have both. Quality without productivity results
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in costs that are too high to be competitive. Productivity without quality results in
a shabby product that quickly tarnishes the corporate image.
9. Define the term quality.
Quality is a measure of the extent to which a product or service meets or exceeds
customer expectations.
10. Write a brief rebuttal to the following statement: “A safety and health
program is just a bunch of bureaucratic regulations that get in the way of
profits.”
Instructor/student opinion.
Chapter Six – The OSH Act, Standards, and Liability
1. Briefly explain the rationale for the OSH Act.
To assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and
healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources.
2. What is OSHA’s mission or purpose?
Encourage employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards
Implement new safety and health programs
Improve existing safety and health programs
Encourage research that will lead to innovative ways of dealing with
workplace safety and health problems
Establish the rights of employers regarding the improvement of workplace
safety and health
Monitor job-related illnesses and injuries through a system of reporting and
record-keeping
Establish training programs to increase the number of safety and health
professionals and to continually improve their competence
Establish mandatory workplace safety and health standards and enforce those
standards
Provide for the development and approval of state-level workplace safety and
health programs
Monitor, analyze, and evaluate state-level safety and health programs
3. List those who are exempted from coverage by OSHA.
Persons who are self employed
Family farms that employ only immediate members of the family
Federal agencies covered by other federal statutes (in cases where these other
federal statutes do not cover working conditions in a specific area or
areas, OSHA standards apply)
State and local governments (except that in order to gain OSHA’s approval of
a state-level safety and health plan, states must provide a program for state
and local government and employees that is at least equal to its private sector
plan)
4. Explain the difference between an OSHA standard and an OSHA regulation.
in costs that are too high to be competitive. Productivity without quality results in
a shabby product that quickly tarnishes the corporate image.
9. Define the term quality.
Quality is a measure of the extent to which a product or service meets or exceeds
customer expectations.
10. Write a brief rebuttal to the following statement: “A safety and health
program is just a bunch of bureaucratic regulations that get in the way of
profits.”
Instructor/student opinion.
Chapter Six – The OSH Act, Standards, and Liability
1. Briefly explain the rationale for the OSH Act.
To assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and
healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources.
2. What is OSHA’s mission or purpose?
Encourage employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards
Implement new safety and health programs
Improve existing safety and health programs
Encourage research that will lead to innovative ways of dealing with
workplace safety and health problems
Establish the rights of employers regarding the improvement of workplace
safety and health
Monitor job-related illnesses and injuries through a system of reporting and
record-keeping
Establish training programs to increase the number of safety and health
professionals and to continually improve their competence
Establish mandatory workplace safety and health standards and enforce those
standards
Provide for the development and approval of state-level workplace safety and
health programs
Monitor, analyze, and evaluate state-level safety and health programs
3. List those who are exempted from coverage by OSHA.
Persons who are self employed
Family farms that employ only immediate members of the family
Federal agencies covered by other federal statutes (in cases where these other
federal statutes do not cover working conditions in a specific area or
areas, OSHA standards apply)
State and local governments (except that in order to gain OSHA’s approval of
a state-level safety and health plan, states must provide a program for state
and local government and employees that is at least equal to its private sector
plan)
4. Explain the difference between an OSHA standard and an OSHA regulation.
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OSHA standards address specific hazards such as working in confined spaces,
handling hazardous waste, or working with dangerous chemicals. Regulations do
not apply to specific hazards. Regulations do not require the rigorous review
process that standards go through.
5. Explain how the following processes relating to OSHA standards are
accomplished; passage of a new standard; request for a temporary variance;
appealing a standard.
Passage of a New Standard – OSHA must publish its intentions in the Federal
Register in either a notice of proposed rule making or an advance notice of
proposed rule making. After publishing notice, they must conduct a public
hearing if one is requested. After the close of the comment period
and public hearing, if one is held, OSHA must publish in the Federal register the
full, final text of any standard amended or adopted and the date it becomes
effective, along with an explanation of the standard and the reasons for
implementing it.
Request for a Temporary Variance – Employers must demonstrate that they are
making a concerted effort to comply and taking the steps necessary to protect
employees while working toward compliance. The requirements are as follows:
1) identification of the parts of the standard that cannot be complied with; 2)
explanation of the reasons why compliance is not possible; 3) detailed
explanation of the steps that have been taken so far to comply with the standard;
and 4) explanation of the steps that will be taken to fully comply.
Appealing a Standard – An appeal must be filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals
serving the geographic region in which the complainant lives or does business.
Appeal paperwork must be initiated within 60 days of a standard’s approval.
6. Briefly describe OSHA’s record-keeping requirements.
Employers are required to keep injury and illness records for each location where
they do business. Records must be maintained on an annual basis using special
forms prescribed by OSHA. Records are not sent to OSHA. Rather, they must be
maintained locally for a minimum of five years. However, they must be available
for inspection for OSHA at any time.
7. What are OSHA’s reporting requirements?
All occupational illnesses must be reported, regardless of the severity. Work-
related injuries must be reported if they result in one or more of the following:
Death of one or more workers
One or most lost workdays
Restricted motion or restrictions to the work an employee can do
Loss of consciousness of one or more workers
Transfer of an employee to another job
Medical treatment beyond in-house first aid
8. Explain what employers are required to do in order to keep employees
informed.
Employers are required to keep employees informed about safety and health
issues that concern them. They are required to post the following material at
OSHA standards address specific hazards such as working in confined spaces,
handling hazardous waste, or working with dangerous chemicals. Regulations do
not apply to specific hazards. Regulations do not require the rigorous review
process that standards go through.
5. Explain how the following processes relating to OSHA standards are
accomplished; passage of a new standard; request for a temporary variance;
appealing a standard.
Passage of a New Standard – OSHA must publish its intentions in the Federal
Register in either a notice of proposed rule making or an advance notice of
proposed rule making. After publishing notice, they must conduct a public
hearing if one is requested. After the close of the comment period
and public hearing, if one is held, OSHA must publish in the Federal register the
full, final text of any standard amended or adopted and the date it becomes
effective, along with an explanation of the standard and the reasons for
implementing it.
Request for a Temporary Variance – Employers must demonstrate that they are
making a concerted effort to comply and taking the steps necessary to protect
employees while working toward compliance. The requirements are as follows:
1) identification of the parts of the standard that cannot be complied with; 2)
explanation of the reasons why compliance is not possible; 3) detailed
explanation of the steps that have been taken so far to comply with the standard;
and 4) explanation of the steps that will be taken to fully comply.
Appealing a Standard – An appeal must be filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals
serving the geographic region in which the complainant lives or does business.
Appeal paperwork must be initiated within 60 days of a standard’s approval.
6. Briefly describe OSHA’s record-keeping requirements.
Employers are required to keep injury and illness records for each location where
they do business. Records must be maintained on an annual basis using special
forms prescribed by OSHA. Records are not sent to OSHA. Rather, they must be
maintained locally for a minimum of five years. However, they must be available
for inspection for OSHA at any time.
7. What are OSHA’s reporting requirements?
All occupational illnesses must be reported, regardless of the severity. Work-
related injuries must be reported if they result in one or more of the following:
Death of one or more workers
One or most lost workdays
Restricted motion or restrictions to the work an employee can do
Loss of consciousness of one or more workers
Transfer of an employee to another job
Medical treatment beyond in-house first aid
8. Explain what employers are required to do in order to keep employees
informed.
Employers are required to keep employees informed about safety and health
issues that concern them. They are required to post the following material at
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locations where employee information is normally displayed: a) OSHA poster
2203; b) summaries of variance requests; c) copies of all OSHA citations received
for failure to meet standards; and d) the summary page of OSHA form 200.
9. Explain the various components of OSHA’s enhanced enforcement policy.
Components of the enhanced enforcement policy include:
Follow-up inspections – OSHA’s area directors are empowered to conduct
follow-up inspections to verify compliance.
Programmed inspections – OSHA’s site specific targeting process uses
objective selection criteria to schedule programmed inspections.
Public awareness – when an organization receives a high gravity
violation, OSHA makes the public aware of the fact and all applicable
enforcement actions by issuing press releases through local and national
media.
Settlements – provisions for high gravity violation settlement agreements
require the organization to hire consultants to develop a feasible process for
changing the safety and health culture in the facility.
Section 11(b) summary enforcement orders – once an order has been entered,
organizations that fail to comply may be held in contempt of court—an action
OSHA pursues.
10. Describe how a hypothetical OSHA workplace inspection would proceed
from the first step to the last.
The OSHA compliance office presents his or her credentials to a company
official.
The compliance officer conducts an opening conference with pertinent
company officials and employee representatives.
The compliance officer makes the inspection tour.
The compliance officer holds a closing conference, which involves open
discussion between the officer and company/employee representatives.
OSHA personnel advise company representatives of problems noted, actions
planned as a result, and assistance available from OSHA.
11. List and explain three different types of OSHA citations and the typical
penalties that accompany them. Who gets the money from OSHA fines?
Other than Serious Violation – A violation that has a direct relationship to job
safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm. A
proposed penalty of up to $7,000 for each violation is discretionary.
Willful Violation – A violation that the employer intentionally and knowingly
commits.
Repeat Violation – A violation of any standard, regulation, rule, or order where,
upon re-inspection, a substantially similar violation is found.
Failure to Correct Prior Violation – Failure to correct a prior violation may
bring a civil penalty of up to $7,000 for each day the violation continues beyond
the prescribed abatement date.
OSHA fines go to the general fund of the U.S. Treasury
12. Describe the process for appealing an OSHA citation.
locations where employee information is normally displayed: a) OSHA poster
2203; b) summaries of variance requests; c) copies of all OSHA citations received
for failure to meet standards; and d) the summary page of OSHA form 200.
9. Explain the various components of OSHA’s enhanced enforcement policy.
Components of the enhanced enforcement policy include:
Follow-up inspections – OSHA’s area directors are empowered to conduct
follow-up inspections to verify compliance.
Programmed inspections – OSHA’s site specific targeting process uses
objective selection criteria to schedule programmed inspections.
Public awareness – when an organization receives a high gravity
violation, OSHA makes the public aware of the fact and all applicable
enforcement actions by issuing press releases through local and national
media.
Settlements – provisions for high gravity violation settlement agreements
require the organization to hire consultants to develop a feasible process for
changing the safety and health culture in the facility.
Section 11(b) summary enforcement orders – once an order has been entered,
organizations that fail to comply may be held in contempt of court—an action
OSHA pursues.
10. Describe how a hypothetical OSHA workplace inspection would proceed
from the first step to the last.
The OSHA compliance office presents his or her credentials to a company
official.
The compliance officer conducts an opening conference with pertinent
company officials and employee representatives.
The compliance officer makes the inspection tour.
The compliance officer holds a closing conference, which involves open
discussion between the officer and company/employee representatives.
OSHA personnel advise company representatives of problems noted, actions
planned as a result, and assistance available from OSHA.
11. List and explain three different types of OSHA citations and the typical
penalties that accompany them. Who gets the money from OSHA fines?
Other than Serious Violation – A violation that has a direct relationship to job
safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm. A
proposed penalty of up to $7,000 for each violation is discretionary.
Willful Violation – A violation that the employer intentionally and knowingly
commits.
Repeat Violation – A violation of any standard, regulation, rule, or order where,
upon re-inspection, a substantially similar violation is found.
Failure to Correct Prior Violation – Failure to correct a prior violation may
bring a civil penalty of up to $7,000 for each day the violation continues beyond
the prescribed abatement date.
OSHA fines go to the general fund of the U.S. Treasury
12. Describe the process for appealing an OSHA citation.
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The first step is to notify OSHA’s area director in writing. This is known as filing
a notice of contest. It must be done within fifteen working days of receipt of a
citation or penalty notice. The notice of contest must clearly describe the basis for
the employee’s challenge and contain all of the information about what is being
challenged. Once OSHA receives a notice of contest, the area director forwards it
and all pertinent materials to the Occupational Safety and Health Review
Commission (OSHRC).
13. List and briefly explain OSHA’s voluntary protection programs.
Star Program – The Star Program recognizes companies that have incorporated
safety and health into their regular management system so successfully that their
injury rates are below the national average for their industry.
Merit Program – The Merit Program is less strenuous than the Star Program. It
is seen as a stepping-stone to recognize companies that have made a good start
toward Star Program recognition.
Demonstration Program – The Department of Labor describes the
Demonstration Program as follows: “for companies that provide Star-quality
worker protection in industries where certain Star requirements can be changed to
include these companies as Star participants.”
14. List five employer responsibilities.
Meet the general duty responsibility to provide a workplace free from hazards
that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees, and comply with standards, rules, and regulations issued under the
OSH Act.
Be knowledgeable of mandatory standards and make copies available to
employees for review upon request.
Keep employees informed about OSHA.
Continually examine workplace conditions to ensure they conform to
standards.
Minimize or reduce hazards.
Make sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment (including
appropriate personal protective equipment) that is properly maintained.
Use color codes, posters, labels, or signs as appropriate to warn employees
of potential hazards.
Establish or update operating procedures and communicate them so that
employees follow safety and health requirements.
Provide medical examinations when required by OSHA standards.
Provide the training required by OSHA standards.
Report to the nearest OSHA office within forty-eight hours of any fatal
accident or one that results in the hospitalization of five or more
employees.
Keep OSHA-required records of injuries and illnesses, and post a copy of the
totals from the last page of OSHA No. 200 during the entire month of
February each year.(This applies to employers with eleven or more
employees.)
The first step is to notify OSHA’s area director in writing. This is known as filing
a notice of contest. It must be done within fifteen working days of receipt of a
citation or penalty notice. The notice of contest must clearly describe the basis for
the employee’s challenge and contain all of the information about what is being
challenged. Once OSHA receives a notice of contest, the area director forwards it
and all pertinent materials to the Occupational Safety and Health Review
Commission (OSHRC).
13. List and briefly explain OSHA’s voluntary protection programs.
Star Program – The Star Program recognizes companies that have incorporated
safety and health into their regular management system so successfully that their
injury rates are below the national average for their industry.
Merit Program – The Merit Program is less strenuous than the Star Program. It
is seen as a stepping-stone to recognize companies that have made a good start
toward Star Program recognition.
Demonstration Program – The Department of Labor describes the
Demonstration Program as follows: “for companies that provide Star-quality
worker protection in industries where certain Star requirements can be changed to
include these companies as Star participants.”
14. List five employer responsibilities.
Meet the general duty responsibility to provide a workplace free from hazards
that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees, and comply with standards, rules, and regulations issued under the
OSH Act.
Be knowledgeable of mandatory standards and make copies available to
employees for review upon request.
Keep employees informed about OSHA.
Continually examine workplace conditions to ensure they conform to
standards.
Minimize or reduce hazards.
Make sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment (including
appropriate personal protective equipment) that is properly maintained.
Use color codes, posters, labels, or signs as appropriate to warn employees
of potential hazards.
Establish or update operating procedures and communicate them so that
employees follow safety and health requirements.
Provide medical examinations when required by OSHA standards.
Provide the training required by OSHA standards.
Report to the nearest OSHA office within forty-eight hours of any fatal
accident or one that results in the hospitalization of five or more
employees.
Keep OSHA-required records of injuries and illnesses, and post a copy of the
totals from the last page of OSHA No. 200 during the entire month of
February each year.(This applies to employers with eleven or more
employees.)
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At a prominent location within the workplace, post OSHA poster 2203
informing employees of their rights and responsibilities.
Provide employees, former employees, and their representative access to
the Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA
No.200) at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner.
Give employees access to medical and exposure records.
Give the OSHA compliance officer names of authorized employee
representatives who may be asked to accompany the compliance officer
during an inspection.
Do not discriminate against employees who properly exercise their rights
under the act.
Post OSHA citations at or near the work site involved. Each citation or
copy must remain posted until the violation has been abated, or for three
working days, whichever is longer.
Abate cited violations within the prescribed period.
15. List five employee rights.
Complain to an employer, union, OSHA, or any other governmental agency
about job safety and health hazards.
File safety or health grievances.
Participate in a workplace safety and health committee or in union activities
concerning job safety and health.
Participate in OSHA inspections, conferences, hearings, or other OSHA
related activities.
Expect employers to make review copies available of OSHA standards and
requirements.
Ask employers for information on emergency procedures.
Receive safety and health training.
Be kept informed about safety and health issues.
Anonymously ask OSHA to conduct an investigation of hazardous conditions
at the work site.
Be informed of actions taken by OSHA as a result of a complaint.
Observe during an OSHA inspection and respond to the questions asked by a
compliance officer.
See records of hazardous materials in the workplace.
See their own medical record.
Review the annual Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries (OSHA
No.200).
Have an exit briefing with the OSHA compliance officer following an OSHA
inspection.
Anonymously ask NIOSH to provide information about toxicity levels of
substances used in the workplace.
Challenge the abatement period given employers to correct hazards discovered
in an OSHA inspection.
At a prominent location within the workplace, post OSHA poster 2203
informing employees of their rights and responsibilities.
Provide employees, former employees, and their representative access to
the Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA
No.200) at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner.
Give employees access to medical and exposure records.
Give the OSHA compliance officer names of authorized employee
representatives who may be asked to accompany the compliance officer
during an inspection.
Do not discriminate against employees who properly exercise their rights
under the act.
Post OSHA citations at or near the work site involved. Each citation or
copy must remain posted until the violation has been abated, or for three
working days, whichever is longer.
Abate cited violations within the prescribed period.
15. List five employee rights.
Complain to an employer, union, OSHA, or any other governmental agency
about job safety and health hazards.
File safety or health grievances.
Participate in a workplace safety and health committee or in union activities
concerning job safety and health.
Participate in OSHA inspections, conferences, hearings, or other OSHA
related activities.
Expect employers to make review copies available of OSHA standards and
requirements.
Ask employers for information on emergency procedures.
Receive safety and health training.
Be kept informed about safety and health issues.
Anonymously ask OSHA to conduct an investigation of hazardous conditions
at the work site.
Be informed of actions taken by OSHA as a result of a complaint.
Observe during an OSHA inspection and respond to the questions asked by a
compliance officer.
See records of hazardous materials in the workplace.
See their own medical record.
Review the annual Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries (OSHA
No.200).
Have an exit briefing with the OSHA compliance officer following an OSHA
inspection.
Anonymously ask NIOSH to provide information about toxicity levels of
substances used in the workplace.
Challenge the abatement period given employers to correct hazards discovered
in an OSHA inspection.
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Participate in hearings conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health
Review Commission.
Be advised when an employer requests a variance to a citation or any OSHA
standard.
Testify at variance hearings.
Appeal decisions handed down at OSHA variance hearings.
Give OSHA input concerning the development, implementation, modification,
and/or revocation of standards.
16. Describe the purpose and organization of NIOSH.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is part of the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). NIOSH has two broad
functions: research and education. The main focus of the agency’s research is on
toxicity levels and human tolerance levels of hazardous substances. Each year
NIOSH publishes updated lists of toxic materials and recommended tolerance
levels.
17. Define the following legal terms as they relate to workplace safety:
negligence; liability; ability to pay; and tort.
Negligence – Negligence means failure to take reasonable care or failure to
perform duties in ways that prevent harm to humans or damage to property.
Liability – Liability is a duty to compensate as a result of being held responsible
for an act or omission.
Ability to Pay – The concept of ability to pay applies when there are a number of
defendants in a case, but not all have the ability to pay financial damages. It
allows the court to assess all damage against the defendant or defendants who
have the ability to pay.
Tort – A tort is an action involving a failure to exercise reasonable care
that may, as a result, lead to civil litigation.
18. Explain OSHA’s stand on safety incentives.
OSHA is not opposed to safety incentives per se. However, OSHA does
recommend caution in using them to ensure that the desire to earn incentives does
not lead to under-reporting of accidents, injuries, and near misses. Organizations
that use safety incentives should have a plans for preventing under-reporting and
be prepared to defend that plan.
Participate in hearings conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health
Review Commission.
Be advised when an employer requests a variance to a citation or any OSHA
standard.
Testify at variance hearings.
Appeal decisions handed down at OSHA variance hearings.
Give OSHA input concerning the development, implementation, modification,
and/or revocation of standards.
16. Describe the purpose and organization of NIOSH.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is part of the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). NIOSH has two broad
functions: research and education. The main focus of the agency’s research is on
toxicity levels and human tolerance levels of hazardous substances. Each year
NIOSH publishes updated lists of toxic materials and recommended tolerance
levels.
17. Define the following legal terms as they relate to workplace safety:
negligence; liability; ability to pay; and tort.
Negligence – Negligence means failure to take reasonable care or failure to
perform duties in ways that prevent harm to humans or damage to property.
Liability – Liability is a duty to compensate as a result of being held responsible
for an act or omission.
Ability to Pay – The concept of ability to pay applies when there are a number of
defendants in a case, but not all have the ability to pay financial damages. It
allows the court to assess all damage against the defendant or defendants who
have the ability to pay.
Tort – A tort is an action involving a failure to exercise reasonable care
that may, as a result, lead to civil litigation.
18. Explain OSHA’s stand on safety incentives.
OSHA is not opposed to safety incentives per se. However, OSHA does
recommend caution in using them to ensure that the desire to earn incentives does
not lead to under-reporting of accidents, injuries, and near misses. Organizations
that use safety incentives should have a plans for preventing under-reporting and
be prepared to defend that plan.
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Chapter Seven – Workers’ Compensation
1. Explain the underlying rationale of workers’ compensation as a concept.
The underlying rationale for workers’ compensation had two aspects: 1) fairness
to injured employees, especially those without the resources to undertake legal
actions that are often drawn out and expensive; and 2) reduction of costs to
employers associated with workplace injuries (i.e., legal, image, and morale
costs).
2. List four objectives of workers’ compensation.
Replacement of income
Rehabilitation of the injured employee
Prevention of accidents
Cost allocation
3. List five types of employees who may not be covered by workers’
compensation.
Agricultural employees
Domestic employees
Casual employees
Hazardous work employees
Charitable or religious employees
Employees of small organizations
Railroad and maritime employees
Contractors and subcontractors
Minors
Extraterritoriality employees
4. What is meant by the term contributory negligence?
Contributory negligence means that the injured worker’s own negligence
contributed to the accident.
5. What is meant by the term assumption of risk?
If an employee knew that the job involved risk, he or she could not expect to be
compensated when the risks resulted in accidents and injuries.
6. Explain the reasons for the unprecedented increases in medical costs in the
United States.
The unprecedented increases can be attributed to two factors: 1) technological
developments that have resulted in extraordinary but costly advances in medical
care; and 2) a proliferation of litigation that has driven the cost of malpractice
insurance steadily up.
7. What are the three types of workers’ compensation insurance?
State funds, private insurance, and self-insurance.
8. Insurance companies use one of six methods for determining the premium
rates of employers. Select three and explain them.
Chapter Seven – Workers’ Compensation
1. Explain the underlying rationale of workers’ compensation as a concept.
The underlying rationale for workers’ compensation had two aspects: 1) fairness
to injured employees, especially those without the resources to undertake legal
actions that are often drawn out and expensive; and 2) reduction of costs to
employers associated with workplace injuries (i.e., legal, image, and morale
costs).
2. List four objectives of workers’ compensation.
Replacement of income
Rehabilitation of the injured employee
Prevention of accidents
Cost allocation
3. List five types of employees who may not be covered by workers’
compensation.
Agricultural employees
Domestic employees
Casual employees
Hazardous work employees
Charitable or religious employees
Employees of small organizations
Railroad and maritime employees
Contractors and subcontractors
Minors
Extraterritoriality employees
4. What is meant by the term contributory negligence?
Contributory negligence means that the injured worker’s own negligence
contributed to the accident.
5. What is meant by the term assumption of risk?
If an employee knew that the job involved risk, he or she could not expect to be
compensated when the risks resulted in accidents and injuries.
6. Explain the reasons for the unprecedented increases in medical costs in the
United States.
The unprecedented increases can be attributed to two factors: 1) technological
developments that have resulted in extraordinary but costly advances in medical
care; and 2) a proliferation of litigation that has driven the cost of malpractice
insurance steadily up.
7. What are the three types of workers’ compensation insurance?
State funds, private insurance, and self-insurance.
8. Insurance companies use one of six methods for determining the premium
rates of employers. Select three and explain them.
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Schedule Rating – Insurance companies establish baseline safety conditions and
evaluate the employer’s conditions against the baselines. Credits are awarded for
conditions that are better than the baseline and debits are assessed for conditions
that are worse. Insurance rates are adjusted accordingly.
Manual Rating – A manual of rates is developed that establishes rates for
various occupations. Each occupation may have a different rate based on its
perceived level of hazard. The overall rate for the employer is a pro-rata
combination of all the individual rates.
Experience Rating – Employers are classified by type. Premium rates are
assigned based on predictions of average losses for a given type of employer.
Rates are then adjusted either up or down on the employer’s actual experience
over the past three years.
Retrospective Rating – Employees pay an established rate for a set period. At
the end of the period the actual experience is assessed and an appropriate
monetary adjustment is made.
Premium Discounting – Large employers receive large discounts on their
premiums based on their size.
Combination Method – The insurer combines two or more of the other methods
to arrive at premium rate.
9. How can one determine if an injury should be considered serious?
Student/instructor opinion.
10. Explain the concepts of AOE and COE.
When employees are injured when undertaking work prescribed in their job
description, work assigned by a supervisor, or work normally expected of
employees, they fall into the AOE category. Benefits are owed only when an
injury occurs in the course of employment (COE).
11. Distinguish between an employee and an independent contractor.
A person who is on the company’s payroll, receives benefits, and has a supervisor
is clearly an employee. However, a person who accepts a service contract to
perform a specific task or set of tasks and is not directly supervised by the
company is not considered an employee.
12. Define the following terms: temporary disability, permanent disability.
Temporary Disability – Temporary disability is the state that exists when it is
probable that an injured worker who is currently unable to work will be able to
resume gainful employment with no or only partial disability.Temporary
disability assumes there will be substantial improvement.
Permanent Disability – Permanent partial disability is the condition that exists
when an injured employee is not expected to recover fully.In such cases the
employee will be able to work again but not at full capacity.Often employees who
are partially disabled must be retrained for another occupation.
13. Explain the following theories of handling permanent partial disability cases:
whole-person, wage-loss, loss of wage-earning capacity.
Whole Person Theory – Once it has been determined that an injured worker’s
capabilities have been permanently impaired to some extent, the theory is applied
Schedule Rating – Insurance companies establish baseline safety conditions and
evaluate the employer’s conditions against the baselines. Credits are awarded for
conditions that are better than the baseline and debits are assessed for conditions
that are worse. Insurance rates are adjusted accordingly.
Manual Rating – A manual of rates is developed that establishes rates for
various occupations. Each occupation may have a different rate based on its
perceived level of hazard. The overall rate for the employer is a pro-rata
combination of all the individual rates.
Experience Rating – Employers are classified by type. Premium rates are
assigned based on predictions of average losses for a given type of employer.
Rates are then adjusted either up or down on the employer’s actual experience
over the past three years.
Retrospective Rating – Employees pay an established rate for a set period. At
the end of the period the actual experience is assessed and an appropriate
monetary adjustment is made.
Premium Discounting – Large employers receive large discounts on their
premiums based on their size.
Combination Method – The insurer combines two or more of the other methods
to arrive at premium rate.
9. How can one determine if an injury should be considered serious?
Student/instructor opinion.
10. Explain the concepts of AOE and COE.
When employees are injured when undertaking work prescribed in their job
description, work assigned by a supervisor, or work normally expected of
employees, they fall into the AOE category. Benefits are owed only when an
injury occurs in the course of employment (COE).
11. Distinguish between an employee and an independent contractor.
A person who is on the company’s payroll, receives benefits, and has a supervisor
is clearly an employee. However, a person who accepts a service contract to
perform a specific task or set of tasks and is not directly supervised by the
company is not considered an employee.
12. Define the following terms: temporary disability, permanent disability.
Temporary Disability – Temporary disability is the state that exists when it is
probable that an injured worker who is currently unable to work will be able to
resume gainful employment with no or only partial disability.Temporary
disability assumes there will be substantial improvement.
Permanent Disability – Permanent partial disability is the condition that exists
when an injured employee is not expected to recover fully.In such cases the
employee will be able to work again but not at full capacity.Often employees who
are partially disabled must be retrained for another occupation.
13. Explain the following theories of handling permanent partial disability cases:
whole-person, wage-loss, loss of wage-earning capacity.
Whole Person Theory – Once it has been determined that an injured worker’s
capabilities have been permanently impaired to some extent, the theory is applied
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like a subtraction problem. What the worker can do after recuperation from the
injury is determined and subtracted from what he or she could do before the
accident. Factors such as age, education, and occupation are not considered.
Wage-Loss Theory – The wage-loss theory requires a determination of how
much the employee could have earned had the injury not occurred.
Loss of Wage-Earning Capacity – The loss of wage-earning capacity theory, is
based not just on what the employee earned at the time of the accident, but also
on what he or she might have earned in the future.
14. Distinguish between medical vocational rehabilitation.
Medical rehabilitation consists of providing whatever treatment is required to
restore to the extent possible any lost ability to function normally. Vocational
rehabilitation involves providing the education and training needed to prepare the
worker for a new occupation.
15. What are the three approaches for settling workers’ compensation claims?
Direct settlement, agreement settlement, and public hearing.
16. Explain the concept of medical management of workplace injuries.
Out-of-control workers’ compensation cases in the ’90s led to the concept of
medical management of workplace injuries. Through better management of
workers’ compensation claims, more than 30 states have merged the concepts of
workers’ compensation and managed care. The goals are to speed up the
processing of workers’ compensation claims; reduce costs; reduce fraud and
abuse; and improve medical management of workplace injuries.
17. Explain the theory of cost allocation.
Cost allocation is the process of spreading the cost of workers’ compensation
across an industry so that no individual company is overly burdened. The cost of
workers’ compensation includes the costs of premiums, benefits, and
administration.
18. Summarize briefly the problems most widely associated with workers’
compensation.
The most fundamental problem with workers’ compensation is that it is not
fulfilling its objectives. Lost income is not being adequately replaced, the number
of accidents has not decreased, and the effectiveness of cost allocation is
questionable.
19. What types of actions are workers’ compensation reform movements likely
to recommend in the future?
Stabilizing workers’ compensation costs over the long term.
Streamlining administration of the system.
Reducing the costs associated with the resolution of medical issues.
Limiting stress-related claims.
Limiting vocational rehabilitation benefits.
Increasing benefits paid for temporary and permanent disabilities.
Reducing the amount insurers may charge for overhead.
Providing more public input into the settling of rates.
like a subtraction problem. What the worker can do after recuperation from the
injury is determined and subtracted from what he or she could do before the
accident. Factors such as age, education, and occupation are not considered.
Wage-Loss Theory – The wage-loss theory requires a determination of how
much the employee could have earned had the injury not occurred.
Loss of Wage-Earning Capacity – The loss of wage-earning capacity theory, is
based not just on what the employee earned at the time of the accident, but also
on what he or she might have earned in the future.
14. Distinguish between medical vocational rehabilitation.
Medical rehabilitation consists of providing whatever treatment is required to
restore to the extent possible any lost ability to function normally. Vocational
rehabilitation involves providing the education and training needed to prepare the
worker for a new occupation.
15. What are the three approaches for settling workers’ compensation claims?
Direct settlement, agreement settlement, and public hearing.
16. Explain the concept of medical management of workplace injuries.
Out-of-control workers’ compensation cases in the ’90s led to the concept of
medical management of workplace injuries. Through better management of
workers’ compensation claims, more than 30 states have merged the concepts of
workers’ compensation and managed care. The goals are to speed up the
processing of workers’ compensation claims; reduce costs; reduce fraud and
abuse; and improve medical management of workplace injuries.
17. Explain the theory of cost allocation.
Cost allocation is the process of spreading the cost of workers’ compensation
across an industry so that no individual company is overly burdened. The cost of
workers’ compensation includes the costs of premiums, benefits, and
administration.
18. Summarize briefly the problems most widely associated with workers’
compensation.
The most fundamental problem with workers’ compensation is that it is not
fulfilling its objectives. Lost income is not being adequately replaced, the number
of accidents has not decreased, and the effectiveness of cost allocation is
questionable.
19. What types of actions are workers’ compensation reform movements likely
to recommend in the future?
Stabilizing workers’ compensation costs over the long term.
Streamlining administration of the system.
Reducing the costs associated with the resolution of medical issues.
Limiting stress-related claims.
Limiting vocational rehabilitation benefits.
Increasing benefits paid for temporary and permanent disabilities.
Reducing the amount insurers may charge for overhead.
Providing more public input into the settling of rates.
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20. Explain the most common workers’ compensation cost reduction strategies.
Stay in touch with the injured employee.
Have a return-to-work program and use it.
Determine the cause of the accident.
20. Explain the most common workers’ compensation cost reduction strategies.
Stay in touch with the injured employee.
Have a return-to-work program and use it.
Determine the cause of the accident.
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Chapter Eight – Accident Investigation and Reporting
1. Explain the rationale for investigating accidents.
The primary reason for investigating an accident is not to identify a scapegoat,
but to determine the cause of the accident.
2. When should an investigation be reported? Why?
An investigation should be conducted immediately. First, immediate
investigations are more likely to produce accurate information. Second, it is
important to collect information before the accident scene is changed and before
witnesses begin comparing notes. Finally, an immediate investigation is evidence
of management’s commitment to preventing future accidents.
3. Explain the difference between an accident report and an accident-analysis
report.
An accident report is completed when the accident in question represents only a
minor accident. It answers the questions who, what, when, and where. An
accident-analysis report is completed when the accident in question is serious. It
answers the questions who, what, when, where, and why.
4. List the categories of the most common causes of accidents.
Personal beliefs and feelings
Mismatch or overload
Systems failure
Traps
Unsafe conditions
Unsafe acts
5. What are the terms that should guide the conduct of an accident
investigation?
The investigation should be guided by the following words: who, what, when,
where, why, and how.
6. What role should the safety and health professional play in the conduct of an
accident investigation?
The safety and health profession should play a leadership role in collecting and
analyzing the facts and developing recommendations.
7. List and explain the steps for conducting an accident investigation.
Isolate the Accident Scene – The entire area surrounding such a scene is blocked
off by barriers or heavy yellow tape.
Record All Evidence – It is important to make a permanent record of all
pertinent evidence as quickly as possible.
Photograph and/or Videotape the Scene – Modern photographic and
videotaping technology has simplified the task of observing and recording
evidence.
Chapter Eight – Accident Investigation and Reporting
1. Explain the rationale for investigating accidents.
The primary reason for investigating an accident is not to identify a scapegoat,
but to determine the cause of the accident.
2. When should an investigation be reported? Why?
An investigation should be conducted immediately. First, immediate
investigations are more likely to produce accurate information. Second, it is
important to collect information before the accident scene is changed and before
witnesses begin comparing notes. Finally, an immediate investigation is evidence
of management’s commitment to preventing future accidents.
3. Explain the difference between an accident report and an accident-analysis
report.
An accident report is completed when the accident in question represents only a
minor accident. It answers the questions who, what, when, and where. An
accident-analysis report is completed when the accident in question is serious. It
answers the questions who, what, when, where, and why.
4. List the categories of the most common causes of accidents.
Personal beliefs and feelings
Mismatch or overload
Systems failure
Traps
Unsafe conditions
Unsafe acts
5. What are the terms that should guide the conduct of an accident
investigation?
The investigation should be guided by the following words: who, what, when,
where, why, and how.
6. What role should the safety and health professional play in the conduct of an
accident investigation?
The safety and health profession should play a leadership role in collecting and
analyzing the facts and developing recommendations.
7. List and explain the steps for conducting an accident investigation.
Isolate the Accident Scene – The entire area surrounding such a scene is blocked
off by barriers or heavy yellow tape.
Record All Evidence – It is important to make a permanent record of all
pertinent evidence as quickly as possible.
Photograph and/or Videotape the Scene – Modern photographic and
videotaping technology has simplified the task of observing and recording
evidence.
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Identify Witnesses – In identifying witnesses it is important to compile a witness
list. Names should be recorded in three categories: a) primary witnesses, b)
secondary witnesses, and c) tertiary witnesses.
8. Why is it important to record all pertinent evidence relating to an accident
immediately after an accident has occurred?
Certain types of evidence may be perishable.
The longer an accident scene must be isolated, the more likely it is that
evidence will be disturbed, knowingly, or unknowingly.
If the isolated scene contains a critical piece of equipment or a critical
component in a larger process, pressure will quickly mount to get it back into
operation.
9. What can you do when taking close-up photographs to put them in proper
perspective?
When photographing objects involved in the accident, be sure to identify and
measure them to show the proper perspective. Place a ruler or coin next to the
object when making a close-up photograph. This technique will help to
demonstrate the object’s size or perspective.
10. List and differentiate among the three categories of witnesses to an accident.
Primary witnesses are eyewitnesses to the accident.
Secondary witnesses are witnesses who did not actually see the accident
happen, but were in the vicinity and arrived on the scene immediately or very
shortly after the accident.
Tertiary witnesses are witnesses who were not present at the time of the
accident or afterward but may still have relevant evidence to present (i.e., an
employee who had complained earlier about a problem with the machine
involved in the accident).
11. Briefly explain the when and where of interviewing witnesses.
When to Interview – Interviews should begin as soon as the witness list has been
compiled and once begun, they should proceed expeditiously.
Where to Interview – The best place to interview is at the accident site. If this is
not possible, interviews should take place in a private setting elsewhere. It is
important to ensure that all distractions are removed, interruptions are guarded
against, and the witness is not accompanied by other witnesses.
12. Briefly explain the how of interviewing witnesses.
The key to getting at the facts is to put the witness at ease and to listen. Listen to
what is said, how it is said, and what isn’t said. Ask questions that will get at the
information listed earlier in this chapter, but phrase them in an open-ended
format. Don’t lead witnesses with your questions or influence them with gestures,
facial expressions, tone of voice, or any other form of nonverbal communication.
Interrupt only if absolutely necessary to seek clarification on a critical point.
Remain nonjudgmental and objective.
13. What is the purpose of an accident report?
Identify Witnesses – In identifying witnesses it is important to compile a witness
list. Names should be recorded in three categories: a) primary witnesses, b)
secondary witnesses, and c) tertiary witnesses.
8. Why is it important to record all pertinent evidence relating to an accident
immediately after an accident has occurred?
Certain types of evidence may be perishable.
The longer an accident scene must be isolated, the more likely it is that
evidence will be disturbed, knowingly, or unknowingly.
If the isolated scene contains a critical piece of equipment or a critical
component in a larger process, pressure will quickly mount to get it back into
operation.
9. What can you do when taking close-up photographs to put them in proper
perspective?
When photographing objects involved in the accident, be sure to identify and
measure them to show the proper perspective. Place a ruler or coin next to the
object when making a close-up photograph. This technique will help to
demonstrate the object’s size or perspective.
10. List and differentiate among the three categories of witnesses to an accident.
Primary witnesses are eyewitnesses to the accident.
Secondary witnesses are witnesses who did not actually see the accident
happen, but were in the vicinity and arrived on the scene immediately or very
shortly after the accident.
Tertiary witnesses are witnesses who were not present at the time of the
accident or afterward but may still have relevant evidence to present (i.e., an
employee who had complained earlier about a problem with the machine
involved in the accident).
11. Briefly explain the when and where of interviewing witnesses.
When to Interview – Interviews should begin as soon as the witness list has been
compiled and once begun, they should proceed expeditiously.
Where to Interview – The best place to interview is at the accident site. If this is
not possible, interviews should take place in a private setting elsewhere. It is
important to ensure that all distractions are removed, interruptions are guarded
against, and the witness is not accompanied by other witnesses.
12. Briefly explain the how of interviewing witnesses.
The key to getting at the facts is to put the witness at ease and to listen. Listen to
what is said, how it is said, and what isn’t said. Ask questions that will get at the
information listed earlier in this chapter, but phrase them in an open-ended
format. Don’t lead witnesses with your questions or influence them with gestures,
facial expressions, tone of voice, or any other form of nonverbal communication.
Interrupt only if absolutely necessary to seek clarification on a critical point.
Remain nonjudgmental and objective.
13. What is the purpose of an accident report?
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The purpose of the report is to record the findings of the accident investigation,
the cause or causes of the accident, and recommendations for corrective action.
14. Who is responsible for filing accident reports with OSHA?
All employers are required to report work-related deaths. All employers are
required to report any worker amputation, eye loss, or in-patient hospitalization.
All employers are required to report fatal heart attacks that occur at work and
motor vehicle deaths that occur in a construction zone. Employers with 10 or
more employees that are not classified as partially exempt must record serious
work-related injuries and illnesses using the appropriate OSHA forms (i.e. 300,
300A, and 301).
The purpose of the report is to record the findings of the accident investigation,
the cause or causes of the accident, and recommendations for corrective action.
14. Who is responsible for filing accident reports with OSHA?
All employers are required to report work-related deaths. All employers are
required to report any worker amputation, eye loss, or in-patient hospitalization.
All employers are required to report fatal heart attacks that occur at work and
motor vehicle deaths that occur in a construction zone. Employers with 10 or
more employees that are not classified as partially exempt must record serious
work-related injuries and illnesses using the appropriate OSHA forms (i.e. 300,
300A, and 301).
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26
Chapter Nine – Product Safety and Liability
1. Explain the best way for a manufacturer to limit its exposure to product
liability lawsuits.
The best way the manufacturer can prevent or defend such claims is by
manufacturing a reasonably safe and reliable product, and, where necessary, by
providing instructions for its proper use. The key to achieving a reasonably safe
and reliable product and, at the same time, reducing the product liability exposure
is to build in product safety.
2. What are the steps to follow in filing a product liability lawsuit?
An injured party decides to seek redress against the manufacturer of a product
and engages an attorney.
The attorney files a complaint in state or federal court.
The discovery period is undertaken during which evidence is collected,
depositions are taken, and the product is examined.
A trial date is set.
The trial takes place or a settlement is reached out of court.
3. What is the discovery period in a product liability lawsuit?
The collection of evidence can involve taking depositions from expert witnesses
and examining the product in question. Product examination might involve
running a variety of tests and observing simulations.
4. Briefly explain the concept of strict liability in tort.
A. One who sells any product in a defective condition unreasonably dangerous to
the user or consumer or to his property is subject to liability for physical harm
thereby caused to the ultimate consumer or user, or to his property if:
1) The seller is engaged in the business of selling such a product
2) It is expected to and does reach the user or consumer without substantial
change in the condition in which it is sold.
B. The rule stated in Subsection (1) applies although:
1) The seller has exercised all possible care in preparation and sale of his product,
and;
2) The user or consumer has not bought the product from or entered into any
contractual relation with the seller.
5. List the three criteria governing a company’s duty to warn.
The potential for an accident when the product is used without a warning,
provided the use to which it is put is reasonably predictable.
Probable seriousness of injuries if an accident does occur.
Potential positive effectiveness and feasibility of a warning.
6. What are two purposes of the Consumer Product Safety Act?
To protect the public from the risk of injuries incurred while using consumer
products.
To help consumers make objective evaluations of the risks associated with
using consumer products.
Chapter Nine – Product Safety and Liability
1. Explain the best way for a manufacturer to limit its exposure to product
liability lawsuits.
The best way the manufacturer can prevent or defend such claims is by
manufacturing a reasonably safe and reliable product, and, where necessary, by
providing instructions for its proper use. The key to achieving a reasonably safe
and reliable product and, at the same time, reducing the product liability exposure
is to build in product safety.
2. What are the steps to follow in filing a product liability lawsuit?
An injured party decides to seek redress against the manufacturer of a product
and engages an attorney.
The attorney files a complaint in state or federal court.
The discovery period is undertaken during which evidence is collected,
depositions are taken, and the product is examined.
A trial date is set.
The trial takes place or a settlement is reached out of court.
3. What is the discovery period in a product liability lawsuit?
The collection of evidence can involve taking depositions from expert witnesses
and examining the product in question. Product examination might involve
running a variety of tests and observing simulations.
4. Briefly explain the concept of strict liability in tort.
A. One who sells any product in a defective condition unreasonably dangerous to
the user or consumer or to his property is subject to liability for physical harm
thereby caused to the ultimate consumer or user, or to his property if:
1) The seller is engaged in the business of selling such a product
2) It is expected to and does reach the user or consumer without substantial
change in the condition in which it is sold.
B. The rule stated in Subsection (1) applies although:
1) The seller has exercised all possible care in preparation and sale of his product,
and;
2) The user or consumer has not bought the product from or entered into any
contractual relation with the seller.
5. List the three criteria governing a company’s duty to warn.
The potential for an accident when the product is used without a warning,
provided the use to which it is put is reasonably predictable.
Probable seriousness of injuries if an accident does occur.
Potential positive effectiveness and feasibility of a warning.
6. What are two purposes of the Consumer Product Safety Act?
To protect the public from the risk of injuries incurred while using consumer
products.
To help consumers make objective evaluations of the risks associated with
using consumer products.
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27
To encourage uniformity in standards and regulations and to minimize
conflicts among regulations at the various levels of government.
To encourage research into the causes of product-related injuries, health
problems, and deaths and how these things can be prevented.
7. Define the following concepts associated with product liability law: patent
defect, latent defect, prudent man concept.
Patent Defect – A patent defect is one that occurs in all items in a manufactured
batch.
Latent Defect – A latent defect occurs in only one or a limited number of copies
in a batch.
Prudent Man Concept – In determining whether a risk is reasonable or
unreasonable, the prudent man concept is applied. A reasonable risk exists when
consumers a) understand the risk; b) evaluate the level of risk; c) know how to
deal with the risk; and d) accept the risk based on reasonable risk/benefit
considerations. In other words, they behave prudently.
8. Explain the reporting requirements component of the Community Right-to-
Know Act.
Companies are required to maintain accurate, up-to-date information on
chemicals they produce, store, use, transport, and so on. They are required to
provide material safety data sheets (MSDSs) or other communication devices that
contain at least the following information: name, formula, and other technical
information about the chemical; potential safety and health hazards; handling
precautions; and emergency procedures. Companies are required to give LEPCs
and SERCs information about how much of a given chemical is typically present
on their site or sites and where it is stored.
9. List and briefly explain the three components of a comprehensive product
safety program.
Product Safety Coordinator – A successful product safety program must
involve all departments within the company. It is important to have one person
responsible for coordinating and facilitating this involvement. This person is the
product safety Coordinator.
Product Safety Committee – A product safety committee with a representative
from all major departments is formed because effective product safety is the
responsibility of all departments.
Product Safety Auditor – The product safety auditor is responsible for
evaluating the overall organization and individual departments within it.
10. How may assigning product safety coordination duties to an executive of the
company affect the success of the program?
Giving coordination responsibility to a person who lacks executive level access
and decision-making powers can contribute to the failure of a product safety
program.
11. What role do you think safety and health professionals should play in a
product safety program?
To encourage uniformity in standards and regulations and to minimize
conflicts among regulations at the various levels of government.
To encourage research into the causes of product-related injuries, health
problems, and deaths and how these things can be prevented.
7. Define the following concepts associated with product liability law: patent
defect, latent defect, prudent man concept.
Patent Defect – A patent defect is one that occurs in all items in a manufactured
batch.
Latent Defect – A latent defect occurs in only one or a limited number of copies
in a batch.
Prudent Man Concept – In determining whether a risk is reasonable or
unreasonable, the prudent man concept is applied. A reasonable risk exists when
consumers a) understand the risk; b) evaluate the level of risk; c) know how to
deal with the risk; and d) accept the risk based on reasonable risk/benefit
considerations. In other words, they behave prudently.
8. Explain the reporting requirements component of the Community Right-to-
Know Act.
Companies are required to maintain accurate, up-to-date information on
chemicals they produce, store, use, transport, and so on. They are required to
provide material safety data sheets (MSDSs) or other communication devices that
contain at least the following information: name, formula, and other technical
information about the chemical; potential safety and health hazards; handling
precautions; and emergency procedures. Companies are required to give LEPCs
and SERCs information about how much of a given chemical is typically present
on their site or sites and where it is stored.
9. List and briefly explain the three components of a comprehensive product
safety program.
Product Safety Coordinator – A successful product safety program must
involve all departments within the company. It is important to have one person
responsible for coordinating and facilitating this involvement. This person is the
product safety Coordinator.
Product Safety Committee – A product safety committee with a representative
from all major departments is formed because effective product safety is the
responsibility of all departments.
Product Safety Auditor – The product safety auditor is responsible for
evaluating the overall organization and individual departments within it.
10. How may assigning product safety coordination duties to an executive of the
company affect the success of the program?
Giving coordination responsibility to a person who lacks executive level access
and decision-making powers can contribute to the failure of a product safety
program.
11. What role do you think safety and health professionals should play in a
product safety program?
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