Deck 16: Managing Workplace Safety and Health

Question 1

The primary goal of state workers' compensation laws is best described as:

A) providing a means for injured workers to receive care and income without having to sue.
B) determining the cause of work-related accidents and minimizing future accidents.
C) ensuring that employers are not held responsible for accidents caused by worker negligence.
D) spreading the cost of workplace accidents among all workers in the state.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Members of OSHA's $100,000 club have:

A) invested more than $100,000 in health and safety equipment for employees.
B) purchased health and safety insurance coverage of at least $100,000.
C) received fines of $100,000 or more for safety or health violations.
D) paid more than $100,000 in workers' compensation claims.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Additional Case 16.1
Greenway Enterprises is a medium-sized manufacturer of electrical components. Recently, the company has experienced a number of workplace accidents. OSHA standards have not been violated in any of the accidents. One of the injured employees, Floyd, files a workers' compensation claim, which is upheld by the state. Doctors indicate that Floyd requires 8 weeks of vocational training before he can return to work.
Refer to Additional Case 16.1.Which of the following covers the costs of Floyd's vocational training?

A) Total disability benefits
B) Impairment benefits
C) Rehabilitation benefits
D) Medical benefits

Answer 3

C

Question 4

According to the doctrine of contributory negligence,employers were:

A) not responsible for an employees' injury when another employee's negligence caused the injury.
B) not liable for an employee's injuries when that employee's own negligence caused the injury.
C) responsible for compensating employees for all work-related illnesses and accidents.
D) not responsible for any employees' injuries under any circumstances.

Question 5

The doctrine of contributory negligence holds employers responsible for employee injuries.

Question 6

Impairment benefits,which are granted to workers for temporary or permanent partial disability,are regulated by OSHA.

Question 7

In some states,vocational training is included in workers' compensation rehabilitation benefits.

Question 8

Workers' compensation law has evolved over time to its present form.What common law principles governed employer responsibilities to injured employees in the past? What are the current principles that guide today's employers?

Question 9

Workers' compensation:

A) pays only if the worker cannot.
B) is considered a no-fault system.
C) is mandatory in all fifty states.
D) covers employees' medical costs with Medicaid.

Question 10

Workers' compensation:

A) replaces the worker's entire income until he/she is able to work again.
B) provides benefits for permanent, but not temporary, impairment.
C) gives survivors burial allowances and income benefits.
D) covers medical expenses up to $100,000.

Question 11

Which of the following is a true statement about workers' compensation?

A) Workers' compensation laws are federally mandated and enforced by OSHA.
B) Non-union firms are not required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
C) Workers' compensation is not mandatory in all U.S. states.
D) Most states had workers' compensation programs by 1911.

Question 12

Additional Case 16.1
Greenway Enterprises is a medium-sized manufacturer of electrical components. Recently, the company has experienced a number of workplace accidents. OSHA standards have not been violated in any of the accidents. One of the injured employees, Floyd, files a workers' compensation claim, which is upheld by the state. Doctors indicate that Floyd requires 8 weeks of vocational training before he can return to work.
Refer to Additional Case 16.1.Doctors determine that Floyd has a temporary partial disability and cannot return to work for at least 8 more weeks.What type of benefits would Floyd most likely receive as a result of this decision?

A) Total disability benefits
B) Impairment benefits
C) Survivor benefits
D) Rehabilitation benefits

Question 13

Workplace safety is a significant issue because approximately ________ employees were injured on the job in 2011.

A) 3,000,000
B) 1,000,000
C) 500,000
D) 250,000

Question 14

Workers' compensation insurance premiums are typically 8% per $100 of wages.

Question 15

Workers' compensation laws vary by state,but all are built on the theory that:

A) employees' personal health insurance should pay the medical costs of any injuries.
B) work-related accidents are costs of doing business and should be paid for by employers.
C) governments are responsible for paying the medical costs related to an employee's injuries.
D) employers are not responsible for employee injuries resulting from the employee's own negligence.

Question 16

Which of the following is most likely true?

A) Workers' compensation is a federal program. OSHA is the organization that helps individual states meet workers' compensation standards.
B) Workers' compensation is a federal program that provides compensation to employees injured on the job. OSHA is a federal program that creates and enforces safety standards in the workplace.
C) OSHA is a federal program that creates safety standards for work environments. Workers' compensation programs are created by the individual states to provide compensation for employees injured on the job.
D) OSHA is a federal program that provides compensation for employees injured on the job. Workers' compensation programs are state programs that provide compensation for employees injured on the job.

Question 17

Workers' compensation laws are intended to encourage employers to invest in safety and to minimize litigation.

Question 18

The ________ holds that employers are not held liable for an employee's injuries when the negligence of another employee contributed to or caused the accident.

A) doctrine of contributory negligence
B) fellow-servant rule
C) general duty provision
D) "no-fault" rule

Question 19

________ are benefits for temporary or permanent partial disability based on the degree and duration of the disability.

A) Total disability benefits
B) Impairment benefits
C) Rehabilitation benefits
D) Medical expense benefits

Question 20

Which of the following is the primary problem associated with workers' compensation?

A) Lengthy claim settlement
B) Employer and employee fraud
C) Lack of legal recourse for injured employees who want to appeal
D) Decreasing number of states providing workers' compensation insurance

Question 21

OSHA's highest inspection priority would be which of the following?

A) "High-hazard" industries and occupations
B) Follow-ups of employee complaints about unsafe working conditions
C) Workplaces with incidents of fatalities or hospitalization of five or more workers
D) Situations involving "imminent danger" in the workplace

Question 22

Which of the following requires employers to provide employees with information about hazardous substances in the workplace?

A) The doctrine of contributory negligence
B) The Hazardous Waste Act
C) Right-to-know regulations
D) The general duty provision of OSHA

Question 23

Once it has been reported that a firm has violated OSHA standards,the firm's stock prices typically:

A) remain the same.
B) suffer long-term effects.
C) drop for several days.
D) increase in the short-term.

Question 24

Which of the following handles employer appeals of OSHA citations,abatement periods,and penalties?

A) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
B) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
C) Hazard Communication Standards Commission
D) Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Question 25

The primary purpose of NIOSH is to:

A) oversee state safety programs.
B) research safety and health problems.
C) handle employee citation appeals.
D) fine employers for unsafe conditions.

Question 26

Andrew,the plant manager,is talking with the OSHA representative about compliance with a new OSHA regulation.Andrew explains that his plant cannot meet the compliance deadline due to financial and contractual considerations,so he asks for a one-year delay.Andrew is most likely requesting a(n)________ from OSHA.

A) inspection
B) variance
C) citation
D) injunction

Question 27

According to the U.S.Supreme Court,employees:

A) may be cited for safety violations.
B) are not obligated to comply with their company's health and safety standards.
C) have the right to refuse to work under conditions in which they reasonably believe there is an immediate risk of injury or death.
D) are to be held liable for failing to report all hazardous conditions, injuries, or work-related illnesses to OSHA in a timely manner.

Question 28

Kingston Enterprises received a notice to provide information to employees about hazardous substances in the work environment.The notification was most likely in response to the:

A) Americans with Disabilities Act.
B) Occupational Safety and Hazard Act.
C) Hazard Communication Standard.
D) NIOSH Act.

Question 29

OSHA inspectors are planning a surprise inspection at a steel mill.Which of the following is most likely true?

A) The steel mill management has the right to demand a search warrant.
B) The employer must prevent inspectors from entering the building according to federal law.
C) Surprise inspections are illegal except in cases of "imminent danger" in the workplace.
D) The inspectors will not have the right to question employers or employees.

Question 30

If an employer wants OSHA's free consulting service,it must first:

A) have an outstanding violation.
B) be identified as eligible by NIOSH.
C) conduct a self-audit of workplace safety.
D) contact the OSHA consultant and request help.

Question 31

According to the text,OSHA has been criticized for lacking occupational standards related to:

A) combustible dust.
B) asbestos exposure.
C) confined spaces.
D) infectious diseases.

Question 32

Dow Construction wants to control its workers' compensation costs,which have increased significantly in the past few years.All of the following would be appropriate for Dow EXCEPT:

A) extending disability payments.
B) contesting potentially fraudulent claims.
C) providing on-site occupational health centers.
D) providing injury-prevention training to workers.

Question 33

Which term refers to the time during which an employer is required to correct a hazard found by an OSHA inspector?

A) Temporary variance
B) Restoration period
C) Abatement period
D) Citation calendar

Question 34

OSHA places three obligations on employers,including:

A) offering low-cost health insurance to injured workers.
B) keeping records of all occupational injuries and illnesses.
C) providing a pension for survivors of any employee killed on the job.
D) implementing non-smoking work environments in large firms.

Question 35

The Cumberland Highlands Recreation Center (CHRC)has hired an independent lawn care company to maintain the county's softball and baseball parks.Merle,who works for the lawn care company,cut his hand very seriously while maintaining one of the ball fields.Which of the following is most likely true?

A) OSHA does not consider Merle an employee of CHRC.
B) Workers' compensation will not cover Merle's injury.
C) The CHRC will pay for Merle's workers' compensation.
D) The lawn care company will probably win if it sues the CHRC for Merle's worker compensation.

Question 36

The government agency that develops occupational standards,grants variances to employers,conducts workplace inspections,and issues citations and penalties,is the:

A) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
B) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
C) Hazard Communication Standards Commission.
D) Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Question 37

What are the reasons for safety and health laws? How have workers' compensation laws and OSHA affected worker safety?

Question 38

After contacting OSHA to request a free consultation,the next step for an employer is to:

A) review the findings of the inspection and look for areas that can be improved.
B) discuss the consultant's role and the employer's obligations under the service.
C) examine workplace conditions and schedule meetings with employees.
D) assess the penalties for the business' safety violations.

Question 39

OSHA's lowest inspection priority would be which of the following?

A) "High-hazard" industries and occupations
B) Doing follow-ups of employee complaints of unsafe working conditions
C) Workplaces with incidents of fatalities or hospitalization of five or more workers
D) Situations involving "imminent danger" in the workplace

Question 40

Owen,a manager at Metro Manufacturing,has an employee who is currently taking workers' compensation leave.It is Owen's responsibility to ensure that his employee's claim is legitimate.Which of the following actions would be LEAST effective for Owen's task?

A) Showing concern for the employee
B) Mandating that the employee return to work
C) Remaining in regular contact with the employee
D) Interviewing workers familiar with the employee's accident

Question 41

Both OSHA and NIOSH inspectors may inspect worksites and gather information from employers and employees about hazardous materials.

Question 42

Business owners have the right to demand a search warrant from OSHA inspectors.

Question 43

What tools are available to OSHA for ensuring worker safety? What are some modern health and safety concerns facing both OSHA and employers?

Question 44

There are federal guidelines regarding AIDS that require organizational compliance.The major source of these guidelines is ________ and OSHA.

A) NIOSH
B) ADA
C) HCSC
D) OSHRC

Question 45

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission is a subsidiary of OSHA and reviews OSHA's judgments.

Question 46

A federal law that requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment,comply with specific occupational safety and health standards,and keep records of occupational injuries and illnesses is the ________.

Question 47

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,the most hazardous profession is:

A) logging.
B) farming.
C) construction.
D) commercial fishing.

Question 48

Employers may receive up to a one-year variance regarding compliance with new OSHA standards.

Question 49

Employees who understand the connection between safety measures and the company's bottom line are likely to have less resistance to safety programs than employees who don't.

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for receiving OSHA approval of a state occupational safety and health program?

A) Providing educational assistance to employers
B) Hiring and training competent enforcement personnel
C) Exhibiting the ability to set and enforce standards
D) Showing the ability to fund more than half of the program's costs

Question 51

OSHA inspectors may not enter any business without legal warnings or search warrants in order to conduct an unscheduled inspection.

Question 52

Under OSHA,firms are encouraged but not required to comply with employee requests for information on safety and health hazards.

Question 53

Additional Case 16.1
Greenway Enterprises is a medium-sized manufacturer of electrical components. Recently, the company has experienced a number of workplace accidents. OSHA standards have not been violated in any of the accidents. One of the injured employees, Floyd, files a workers' compensation claim, which is upheld by the state. Doctors indicate that Floyd requires 8 weeks of vocational training before he can return to work.
Refer to Additional Case 16.1.The HR manager at Greenway suspects that Floyd filed a fraudulent workers' compensation claim.Which of the following would be the most effective action to take?

A) Auditing Floyd's credit report for unpaid expenses
B) Communicating with workers who witnessed Floyd's accident
C) Refusing to pay any of Floyd's medical and rehabilitation expenses
D) Requesting that an OSHA inspector investigate the site of Floyd's accident

Question 54

The Federal Register publishes proposed new occupational standards.

Question 55

Additional Case 16.1
Greenway Enterprises is a medium-sized manufacturer of electrical components. Recently, the company has experienced a number of workplace accidents. OSHA standards have not been violated in any of the accidents. One of the injured employees, Floyd, files a workers' compensation claim, which is upheld by the state. Doctors indicate that Floyd requires 8 weeks of vocational training before he can return to work.
Refer to Additional Case 16.1.Given that OSHA standards were not violated by Greenway,which of the following is most likely true?

A) Greenway invites OSHA inspectors to review safety procedures each week.
B) Greenway keeps all workers' compensation records on file for OSHA.
C) Greenway complies with OSHA's general duty provision.
D) Greenway adheres to OSHA's fellow-servant rule.

Question 56

OSHA offers a free consultation service to help businesses identify workplace hazards and improve safety management.

Question 57

Fatal occupational injury rates are highest in the logging industry according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Question 58

Additional Case 16.1
Greenway Enterprises is a medium-sized manufacturer of electrical components. Recently, the company has experienced a number of workplace accidents. OSHA standards have not been violated in any of the accidents. One of the injured employees, Floyd, files a workers' compensation claim, which is upheld by the state. Doctors indicate that Floyd requires 8 weeks of vocational training before he can return to work.
Refer to Additional Case 16.1.As a result of numerous workplace accidents at Greenway,the firm's workers' compensation rates have increased significantly.Which of the following would be LEAST effective at keeping the firm's rates under control?

A) Requesting a variance from OSHA
B) Establishing an on-site health center
C) Providing safety training for workers
D) Auditing and investigating all claims

Question 59

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)is responsible for which of the following?

A) Enforcing safety regulations throughout the United States
B) Creating new health and safety standards
C) Developing state workers' compensation programs
D) Performing safety inspections of businesses

Question 60

All of the following are components of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standards EXCEPT:

A) using warning labels and signs to identify restricted areas.
B) providing employees with personal protection equipment.
C) keeping exposed employees' medical records for 5 years after employment.
D) identifying methods of decontamination and procedures for handling waste.

Question 61

Which of the following is LEAST effective when a manager suspects that an employee is involved in domestic violence?

A) Requesting that local law enforcement patrol the workplace
B) Providing closer parking for the abuse victim
C) Having a friend escort the abuse victim to the parking lot
D) Providing the employee time off for extreme cases

Question 62

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,workplace homicides:

A) have increased significantly in recent years.
B) tend to be directed at managerial staff.
C) have declined slightly in recent years.
D) are rarely reported.

Question 63

Sabotage is best described as:

A) technology thefts.
B) physical acts of violence.
C) violent acts of retaliation.
D) harmless pranks by co-workers.

Question 64

Which company cited in your text trains its managers in how to spot and respond to domestic violence?

A) Liz Claiborne
B) United Airlines
C) Microsoft
D) United Parcel Service

Question 65

Which term refers to employing an individual with a history of violent or illegal behavior without conducting a background check or taking proper precautions?

A) Negligent hiring
B) Employee-at-will
C) Abatement
D) Sabotage

Question 66

According to ADA guidelines,employers have the right to:

A) ask job candidates if they have AIDS.
B) test job applicants for HIV before making an employment offer.
C) test job applicants for HIV after an employment offer has been extended.
D) refuse to make reasonable accommodations for employees with HIV or AIDS.

Question 67

Which of the following is NOT an example of workplace violence?

A) Harassment
B) Threats
C) Assault
D) Fraud

Question 68

Chambers Enterprises employs 200 workers in its Illinois offices.Louisa,a Chambers employee,was recently assaulted by her husband in a domestic dispute.Which of the following is Chambers required to do?

A) Change Louisa's phone number
B) File a complaint in Louisa's name with the police department
C) Temporarily move Louisa to another work station in the building
D) Provide Louisa with an escort to and from the company parking lot

Question 69

According to research,fetal health is most likely:

A) not linked to video display terminal usage of the mother.
B) negatively affected by the mother's extensive cell phone usage.
C) not affected by any chemicals utilized in manufacturing plants.
D) negatively affected by the mother's heavy video display terminal usage.

Question 70

Approximately what percentage of U.S.employers have either a policy or a program addressing workplace violence?

A) 10%
B) 30%
C) 50%
D) 70%

Question 71

When James was fired by Robertson,Inc.,he retaliated by infecting the computer system with a serious virus.James has committed:

A) domestic violence.
B) harassment.
C) cyber theft.
D) sabotage.

Question 72

Carolina,a bank accounts manager,physically attacked a co-worker.The bank had not investigated a gap in Carolina's resume and did not know that Carolina had been convicted in the past of assault and battery.Which of the following is most likely true about this case?

A) The bank cannot be held responsible for Carolina's actions.
B) Carolina can sue the bank for her actions.
C) The bank is guilty of negligent hiring.
D) Carolina is guilty of sabotage.

Question 73

Which of the following would most likely have a cumulative stress disorder?

A) Human resources manager
B) Data entry specialist
C) Bartender
D) Nurse

Question 74

To avoid cumulative trauma disorder,it is most important that workers:

A) bend their wrists almost continuously.
B) refrain from bending their elbows.
C) place tools within easy reach.
D) grasp objects continuously.

Question 75

Which of the following is a true statement?

A) Regular exposure to loud noise of 95 decibels has been linked to high blood pressure.
B) OSHA requires hearing protection for employees exposed to an average of 65 decibels of noise.
C) The majority of employees who should wear hearing protection are doing so on a regular basis.
D) Damage from exposure to loud noise is noticeable on a day-to-day basis when decibels exceed 100.

Question 76

Which of the following does BMW South Africa NOT include in its HIV/AIDS program?

A) Peer educators
B) Training and workshops
C) Free condoms
D) Financial benefits

Question 77

For employers,what is the primary problem associated with cumulative trauma disorders?

A) Negligent hiring charges
B) Risk of employee sabotage
C) Lost employee work days
D) Lack of high-deductible insurance

Question 78

Which term refers to a wide array of injuries caused by repetitive physical movements?

A) Occupational stress syndrome
B) Cumulative trauma disorder
C) Occupational impairment
D) Carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 79

Employers can most likely avoid charges of negligent hiring by:

A) requiring honesty tests.
B) using panels of interviewers.
C) conducting background checks.
D) requesting applicant medical records.

Question 80

To reduce the threat of sabotage,a company should most likely do all of the following EXCEPT:

A) discipline employees in front of co-workers.
B) hire quality employees and treat them fairly.
C) offer employees training in conflict management.
D) examine unexplained gaps in job applicants' resumes.