Deck 13: Employee Safety, Health, and Wellness

Question 1

The primary purpose of OSHA is to impose fines on companies that exhibit a high incidence of accidents.

Answer 1

False
Explanation: The purpose of OSHA is to ensure worker safety and health in the United States by working with employers and employees to create better working environments.The act requires employers to provide employees a safe and healthy place to work and this responsibility extends to providing safe employees.The courts have reasoned that a dangerous worker is comparable to a defective machine.Imposing fines is within the scope of OSHA's work,but it is not the primary purpose.

Question 2

Since its inception,OSHA has helped to cut workplace fatalities by approximately how much?

A) 10 percent
B) 30 percent
C) 60 percent
D) 90 percent

Answer 2

C
Explanation: C)Since its beginning in 1970,OSHA has helped to cut workplace fatalities by more than 60 percent and occupational injury and illness by 40 percent.At the same time,U.S.employment has more than doubled from 56 million workers at 3.5 million work sites to more than 125 million workers.The agency has helped standardize reasonable worker protections.Rules defining confined spaces,machine guards,or hard hat zones have allowed many plant managers and site supervisors to think more about productivity,not accidents.The most frequently mentioned hazard that OSHA addresses has to do with missing or inadequate fall protection.

Question 3

What agency enforces the Occupational Safety and Health Act?

A) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
B) National Safety Administration
C) Occupational Safety and Health Administration
D) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Answer 3

C
Explanation: C)The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).OSHA aims to ensure worker safety and health in the United States by working with employers and employees to create better working environments.

Question 4

If 10 employees were exposed to one hazard that the employer intentionally did not eliminate,what would be the maximum penalty?

A) $400,000
B) $500,000
C) $600,000
D) $700,000

Question 5

Which of the following was created to ensure worker safety and health?

A) ADEA
B) FLSA
C) OSHA
D) EEOC

Question 6

ABC Manufacturing received one citation for a serious hazard.What is the maximum penalty for this violation?

A) $13,000
B) $11,000
C) $9,000
D) $7,000

Question 7

Although OSHA has helped to significantly reduce the number of workplace fatalities,the number of workers contracting occupational illnesses has remained the same.

Question 8

In order to prove that an employer has violated the general duty clause,OSHA must prove all of the following exist EXCEPT that ________.

A) the hazard was likely to cause minor injuries
B) a condition in the workplace presented a hazard
C) a feasible means existed to reduce the hazard
D) the employer or its industry recognized the hazard

Question 9

In pursuit of its mission,OSHA promotes and ensures ________.

A) corporate wellness programs
B) employee assistance programs
C) workplace safety and health
D) global healthcare

Question 10

Thompson Manufacturing has been designated a recalcitrant employer by OSHA.As a result,Thompson will most likely ________.

A) receive a stern warning
B) close its facilities immediately
C) experience numerous inspections
D) downsize its staff and hire contractors

Question 11

Approximately,how many inspectors does OSHA have?

A) 500
B) 2,200
C) 2,700
D) 22,000

Question 12

In regards to OSHA,health involves protecting employees from injuries caused by work-related accidents.

Question 13

Which OSHA clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognizable hazards that are causing,or likely to cause,death or serious harm to the employee?

A) specific duty
B) general duty
C) negligent retention
D) negligent hiring

Question 14

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),which attempts to ensure worker safety.

Question 15

Since its inception,OSHA has helped to cut occupational injury and illness rates by how much?

A) 10%
B) 40%
C) 80%
D) 100%

Question 16

The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide employees a safe and healthy place to work,and which responsibility extends to providing "safe" employees.

Question 17

What term refers to employees' freedom from physical or emotional illness?

A) safety
B) health
C) prevention
D) morale

Question 18

Which of the following firms recently received the largest fine in OSHA's history?

A) BP
B) GM
C) Exxon
D) Toyota

Question 19

What involves protecting employees from injuries caused by work-related accidents?

A) safety
B) health
C) wellness
D) morale

Question 20

According to your textbook,all of the following EXCEPT ________ are included within the umbrella definition of safety.

A) musculoskeletal disorders
B) stress injuries
C) natural disasters
D) workplace and domestic violence

Question 21

The Securities and Exchange Commission is responsible for upholding the whistleblower provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Question 22

Individuals who are not prone to violence are more likely to be ________.

A) recovering from substance abuse
B) married with children
C) outwardly focused
D) highly educated

Question 23

Why is it economically beneficial to maintain workplaces that are safe,healthy,and drug-free?

Question 24

Worker safety affects recruitment,retention,and benefits.

Question 25

A portion the Sarbanes-Oxley Act makes it illegal to fire or otherwise discriminate against a corporate officer for trying to report possible accounting irregularities to higher corporate officials or enforcement agencies.The ________ administers that portion of Sarbanes-Oxley.

A) Department of Homeland Security
B) Internal Revenue Service
C) U.S. Department of Labor
D) Securities and Exchange Commission

Question 26

The Severe Violator Enforcement Program focuses on employers that have repeatedly violated safety regulations.

Question 27

Comprehensive safety programs should primarily focus on unsafe working conditions and on unsafe ________.

A) employee actions
B) equipment
C) management policies
D) products

Question 28

What is the top leading cause of workplaces injuries and their associated costs?

A) overexertion
B) truck accidents
C) repetitive motion
D) struck against object

Question 29

In order to establish and maintain a safety program,a company must limit its focus to unsafe working conditions.

Question 30

OSHA has authorized stricter enforcement measures for manufacturers and other employers that repeatedly violate health and safety standards.

Question 31

Which of the following is an essential element of a corporate safety program?

A) a culture of fear and reprisal to penalize safety violators
B) a corporate culture where employees are involved and engaged
C) a laissez-faire attitude from the top management team
D) a top-down approach to implementing safety in the workplace

Question 32

Kelly is extremely stressed about work,and her productivity is declining.What is the best way for Kelly to manage her stress?

A) exercising regularly
B) starting a diet plan
C) working on the weekend
D) requesting new assignments

Question 33

Within the Department of Labor,OSHA enforces ________ for workplace safety,the environment,consumer products,the financial system,and other areas.

A) pension benefit guaranties
B) equal employment opportunity statutes
C) whistleblower protection provisions
D) financial disclosure requirements

Question 34

Under OSHA's general duty clause,employers are required to conduct background investigations and drug tests on each employee to ensure workplace safety.

Question 35

The leading cause of workplace injuries was overexertion,such as lifting,carrying,pushing,and pulling.

Question 36

Small businesses are exempt from complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Question 37

OSHA provides free on-site consultation for ________.

A) small businesses that have evidence of significant safety problems
B) small businesses
C) large businesses
D) none of the above

Question 38

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)are conditions that affect the body's muscles,joints,tendons,ligaments,and nerves.

Question 39

An employee with which of the following qualities would most likely have fewer work injuries?

A) high productivity rate
B) extensive education
C) lengthy work experience
D) extensive job knowledge

Question 40

OSHA can issue warnings,but it does not have the power to issue fines.

Question 41

Job hazard analysis is a multi-step process designed to study a task for the purpose of isolating and addressing safety issues.

Question 42

Musculoskeletal disorders cost companies approximately ________ annually.

A) $26.5 billion
B) $50.6 billion
C) $61.2 billion
D) $75.1 billion

Question 43

The EEOC requires businesses to communicate more openly about the hazards associated with the materials they use and produce and the wastes they generate.

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a component of a successful JHA program?

A) management support
B) employee training
C) government enforcement
D) management oversight

Question 45

Which term refers to conditions that affect the body's muscles,joints,tendons,ligaments,and nerves?

A) repetition syndrome
B) stress trauma injuries
C) flexible ligament injuries
D) musculoskeletal disorders

Question 46

Foley Foods is a mid-size food processing facility that has had a significant increase in business lately.The firm needs to hire additional workers and develop a second shift to meet productivity needs.The HR manager at Foley Foods recommends implementing a safety program.Which of the following suggests that a safety program would be beneficial to Foley Foods?

A) Foley Foods recently became a smoke-free workplace.
B) Foley Foods will be hiring new workers for the night shift.
C) Employees at Foley Foods use simulators during training programs.
D) Managers at Foley Foods will soon be conducting performance appraisals.

Question 47

Foley Foods is a mid-size food processing facility that has had a significant increase in business lately.The firm needs to hire additional workers and develop a second shift to meet productivity needs.The HR manager at Foley Foods recommends implementing a safety program.Which of the following questions is LEAST relevant to this decision?

A) How many OSHA citations has Foley Foods received?
B) What engineering controls are used at Foley Foods?
C) What is the annual accident rate at Foley Foods?
D) How does Foley Foods recruit safety engineers?

Question 48

According to a Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index,workplace illnesses and injuries cost U.S.firms $53 billion in workers' compensation costs.

Question 49

What has been the effect on both employers and employees of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act?

Question 50

Foley Foods is a mid-size food processing facility that has had a significant increase in business lately.The firm needs to hire additional workers and develop a second shift to meet productivity needs.The HR manager at Foley Foods recommends implementing a safety program.Which of the following best supports the implementation of a safety program?

A) At the end of each year, high performing employees at Foley Foods are given bonuses.
B) As a government contractor, Foley Foods must have an employee assistance program.
C) Workers' compensation costs increased significantly in the last year at Foley Foods.
D) Foley Foods' main competitor recently received an OSHA penalty and citation.

Question 51

When evaluating the effectiveness of a safety program,OSHA primarily focuses on the frequency of injuries at a firm.

Question 52

What results in a detailed written procedure for safely completing many tasks within a plant?

A) job analysis
B) workplace analysis
C) job hazard analysis
D) quantified hazard analysis

Question 53

As an HR professional,what arguments could you provide to convince top management to support the establishment of a safety program?

Question 54

Which department within a corporation is most likely responsible for anticipating losses associated with safety factors?

A) employee relations
B) risk management
C) health and safety
D) human resources

Question 55

Foley Foods is a mid-size food processing facility that has had a significant increase in business lately.The firm needs to hire additional workers and develop a second shift to meet productivity needs.The HR manager at Foley Foods recommends implementing a safety program.Which of the following most likely undermines the need for a safety program?

A) Foley Foods has a high employee turnover rate.
B) All machines at Foley Foods are equipped with safety interlocks.
C) Foley Foods' workers' compensation costs are the highest in the industry.
D) Employees at Foley Foods have the option of wearing safety goggles and other PPE.

Question 56

What law requires businesses to communicate more openly about the hazards associated with the materials they use and produce and the wastes they generate?

A) Occupational Communication in Safety and Health Act
B) Safe Communication in Health Act
C) Occupational Safety and Health Act
D) Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act

Question 57

One of the primary tasks of a firm's safety director is to ________.

A) request safety inspections
B) prepare OSHA reports
C) provide safety training
D) act as a line manager

Question 58

Which of the following is a multi-step process designed to study and analyze a task and then break down that task into steps that provide a means of eliminating associated dangers?

A) job analysis
B) job hazard analysis
C) workplace analysis
D) hazard analysis

Question 59

According to OSHA,who is primarily responsible for employee safety?

A) employee
B) OSHA
C) employer
D) co-workers

Question 60

When the employer provides necessary safety equipment,OSHA places primary responsibility for employee safety on the employee.

Question 61

According to research,which of the following most likely occurs from using ergonomics?

A) improved workplace security
B) lowered selection costs
C) improved recruitment
D) lowered injury rate

Question 62

What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)? How can ergonomics benefit a workforce with a high number of employees affected by MSDs?

Question 63

Tanya is a data entry specialist who spends most of her day at a computer workstation.She has recently experienced a weak grip,wrist numbness,and sensitivity to cold.Which of the following recommendations is LEAST likely to benefit Tanya?

A) placing the monitor at eye level
B) taking periodic exercise breaks
C) alternating tasks during the day
D) adjusting her chair height

Question 64

What is the second leading cause of death in the workplace after auto accidents?

A) falls
B) assaults
C) explosions
D) homicides

Question 65

Individuals in which of the following jobs are LEAST likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome?

A) assembly line workers
B) illustrators
C) teachers
D) carpenters

Question 66

Which term refers to physical assault,verbal abuse,or hostility directed toward employees at work?

A) misdemeanor
B) negligent hiring
C) sexual harassment
D) workplace violence

Question 67

In what approach is it the goal to fit the machine and work environment to the person,rather than require the person to make the adjustment?

A) biomechanics
B) ergonomics
C) HR metrics
D) isometrics

Question 68

The severity of carpal tunnel syndrome can be reduced with an ergonomic work environment.

Question 69

The goal of ergonomics is to enable the worker to adjust to the machines,tasks,and environments in the workplace.

Question 70

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of ergonomics?

A) encouraging ethical work behavior
B) monitoring worker productivity
C) promoting good posture
D) studying fatigue issues

Question 71

Which term refers to the liability an employer may incur when a firm keeps individuals on the payroll whose records indicate a strong potential for wrongdoing?

A) faulty metrics
B) negligent hiring
C) erroneous selection
D) negligent retention

Question 72

The study of human interaction with tasks,equipment,tools and the physical environment is known as ________.

A) HR metrics
B) biomechanics
C) ergonomics
D) isometrics

Question 73

ABC Manufacturing employs a man who frequently exhibits aggressive behavior towards both co-workers and customers.Managers at ABC realize that the employee has a potential for violence,yet they continue to keep him on the payroll.If the employee harms a co-worker,then ABC Manufacturing could be held liable for ________.

A) hazardous employment
B) negligent retention
C) civil disturbance
D) negligent hiring

Question 74

Elway Transportation provides delivery services to businesses and individuals.Elway drivers frequently complain of back injuries,fatigue,and driving discomfort.Which of the following would most likely benefit Elway Transportation?

A) ergonomics
B) gainsharing
C) broadbanding
D) HR metrics

Question 75

Which of the following workers most likely faces the greatest danger from workplace violence?

A) Terry, an administrative assistant at a law firm
B) Robert, a night-shift convenience store clerk
C) John, a foreman at a construction company
D) Holly, an inner-city high school teacher

Question 76

People who use their hands and wrists repeatedly in the same way tend to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Question 77

Which of the following is most likely to reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome?

A) resting the hand and wrist in a neutral position
B) performing similar activities regularly each day
C) positioning computer monitors above eye level
D) keeping keyboards below elbow level

Question 78

Ryan,an HR manager at a computer firm,has been asked to develop policies for preventing workplace violence.Which of the following policies would most likely be LEAST beneficial?

A) banning weapons on company property
B) requiring workers to be searched daily
C) providing receptionists with panic buttons
D) encouraging workers to report violent acts

Question 79

Which of the following is caused by pressure on the median nerve that occurs as a result of a narrowing of the passageway that houses the nerve?

A) carpal isometrics
B) carpal tunnel syndrome
C) ergotism syndrome
D) isometrics syndrome

Question 80

Which of the following would be the best method for an employer trying to minimize violent acts and avoid lawsuits?

A) implement policies that ban employees from owning weapons
B) require employees to submit to weapons searches each day
C) establish policies that encourage employees to report suspicious activities
D) employ a full-time psychologist to test employees regularly