Q&A Hero

Q: When firing a high-risk employee, an HR manager should conduct the meeting on a Friday so that the terminated employee has time to calm down over the weekend.

Q: Enterprise risk management involves identifying and handling security risks, such as those associated with workplace crime and facility security.

Q: Co-workers are primarily the perpetrators of workplace violence.

Q: In order to protect employees and assets from terrorist attack, employers should most likely ________. A) mandate facility evacuations B) require all personnel to telecommute C) designate risk management security measures D) establish an emergency text-messaging policy

Q: Which type of security program primarily involves training security personnel? A) organizational security B) architectural security C) mechanical security D) natural security

Q: Which of the following is NOT a step a business can take to protect itself from terror attacks? A) check mail carefully B) prepare evacuation plans C) assemble a crisis management team D) identify an on-site location for a staging area

Q: The security guards and tellers at National Bank receive extensive training on how to handle medical emergencies, angry customers, and suspicious packages. Which of the following security programs is most likely being used at National Bank? A) group security B) natural security C) mechanical security D) organizational security

Q: The mail room at Citibank uses special scanners to check the safety of incoming mail. This is most likely an example of ________. A) mechanical security B) organizational security C) natural security D) pre-existing security

Q: Which term refers to using good management to improve the security of a facility? A) natural security B) mechanical security C) architectural security D) organizational security

Q: Which term refers to using security and surveillance systems cost effectively in order to reduce the need for constant human surveillance? A) natural security B) mechanical security C) architectural security D) organizational security

Q: ________ means taking advantage of a facility's architectural features in order to minimize security problems. A) Mechanical security B) Organizational security C) Natural security D) Architectural security

Q: In most cases, what is the first step in establishing a basic security program at a workplace? A) analyzing the facility's current level of risk B) establishing mechanical security features C) screening current and new employees D) minimizing natural security features

Q: Identifying security and other corporate risks is known as ________. A) worker risk assessment B) supply chain management C) performance assessment D) enterprise risk management

Q: The majority of women murdered in the workplace are the victims of ________. A) unknown assailants B) family members C) co-workers D) friends

Q: You are a manager at a retail store, and you need to fire an employee who has threatened violence against a co-worker. Which of the following would be most appropriate in this situation? A) avoid offering a severance package B) keep the termination meeting brief C) conduct the meeting at the end of the day D) allow the employee to return to the work area

Q: Which of the following is NOT among the common clues that usually precede a violent incident at work? A) verbal threats B) written threats C) erratic behavior D) loner tendencies

Q: TGV Enterprises wants to prevent workplace violence. What is the first step the firm should most likely take? A) strengthening security B) screening employees C) checking references D) conducting drug tests

Q: Most homicides and assaults that occur in the workplace are committed by ________. A) co-workers B) supervisors C) customers D) terrorists

Q: On average how many workers are murdered each week while at work? A) 10 B) 20 C) 50 D) 90

Q: What steps can employers take to prevent the entry or spread of infectious diseases in the workplace?

Q: What are the factors leading to job stress? What advice would you give to a co-worker experiencing job stress?

Q: OSHA's standards regarding computer workstations, ergonomic keyboards, and advances in computer screen technology have nearly eliminated problems such as eyestrain, backaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Q: Heart disease, accidents, depression, anxiety, and early onset Alzheimer's disease have been linked to job stress.

Q: Workaholics typically experience no stress at work because they enjoy challenging themselves.

Q: Tardiness and lying are early-stage behaviors that indicate a worker's possible alcoholism.

Q: The 4-item CAGE and the 25-item MAST are testing tools frequently used by employers to screen for accident-prone behaviors in job candidates.

Q: Preemployment drug testing tends to discourage drug users from applying for jobs or for applying with companies that perform drug tests.

Q: Due to safety issues, most federal employees are prohibited from text messaging while driving on the job.

Q: Tina is a data entry specialist who spends most of her day at a computer workstation. She has recently experienced eyestrain, neck aches, and pain in her wrist. Which of the following recommendations is LEAST likely to benefit Tina? A) taking 3-5 minute breaks every 30 minutes B) working in an area with indirect lighting C) resting her wrists lightly on a pad D) placing the screen above eye level

Q: Larry smokes, but he would like to quit. His employer will pay the costs of a smoking cessation program. How much money will Larry's employer most likely save each year if Larry quits smoking as a result of the program? A) $50 B) $200 C) $750 D) $1000

Q: Which of the following is a true statement regarding workplace smoking? A) The ADA protects the rights of workers to smoke at work. B) Employers may dismiss workers because they smoke at home. C) OSHA requires employers to establish designated smoking areas. D) Workplace smoking rules are determined by local unions and federal laws.

Q: All of the following recommendations are suggested for companies seeking to minimize the entry or spread of infectious diseases EXCEPT ________. A) cleaning work areas regularly and frequently B) making hand sanitizers easily available C) monitoring international travel alerts D) administering drug tests frequently

Q: If your employees are traveling to and from international destinations, which of the following is the most appropriate option for preventing the entry or spread of an infectious disease? A) sending workers to a nearby hospital B) offering workers a light-work option C) denying workers facility access for 10 days D) placing workers on indefinite unpaid leave

Q: Bursitis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are examples of ________. A) denied workers' compensation claims B) ergonomic health conditions C) repetitive motion disorders D) unsafe work conditions

Q: All of the following are major sources of occupational respiratory disease EXCEPT ________. A) carbon dioxide B) asbestos C) silica D) mold

Q: William, a manager at a computer firm, noticed that one of the technicians in his group has been showing signs of persistent sadness, reduced appetite, and poor concentration. Such symptoms are most likely an indication that the technician is experiencing ________. A) occupational disease B) depression C) alcoholism D) burnout

Q: According to experts, burnout can most effectively be reduced by ________. A) telecommuting B) rotating jobs C) changing careers D) reassessing goals

Q: As an HR manager, you need to be aware of the symptoms of burnout among employees. Which of the following is most likely NOT a sign of employee burnout? A) exhaustion B) absenteeism C) entrapment D) resentment

Q: ________ is defined as the total depletion of physical and mental resources caused by excessive striving to reach an unrealistic work-related goal. A) Depression B) Job stress C) Anxiety D) Burnout

Q: Research estimates that the cost of health care is nearly ________ higher for highly stressed workers than for workers with low levels of stress. A) 10% B) 25% C) 50% D) 100%

Q: Gwen works as a stockbroker, and she is experiencing the symptoms of job stress. All of the following would most likely help Gwen reduce her stress levels EXCEPT ________. A) making a list of problems and possible solutions B) putting off dealing with distasteful problems C) requesting realistic project deadlines D) limiting interruptions

Q: Which of the following will most likely increase as a result of employees experiencing significant job stress? A) performance B) punctuality C) work quality D) health care costs

Q: David is experiencing significant levels of job stress in his position as vice president of marketing. Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a consequence of David's stress? A) anxiety B) cancer C) headaches D) heart disease

Q: Which of the following terms refers to people who feel driven to always be on time and meet deadlines? A) lifelong learner B) team player C) workaholic D) supervisor

Q: All of the following are symptoms of employees in the advanced stages of alcoholism EXCEPT ________. A) drinking on the job B) walking with an unsteady gait C) delegating job responsibilities D) performing the job incompetently

Q: Which of the following is one of the earliest indicators of an employee's possible alcoholism? A) violent outbursts B) mood swings C) personal neglect D) missed deadlines

Q: As an employer, which of the following would be your best choice for reducing workplace accidents? A) preemployment drug testing B) random employee drug testing C) a combination of random, ongoing drug testing with psychological evaluations D) a combination of preemployment drug testing and random ongoing drug testing

Q: Toyota uses cadmium pigments in the paint for its cars. At the Toyota plant, air samples are frequently taken as a precautionary measure to ensure that employees are not exposed to levels outside the OSHA safety standards. Which of the following best describes this situation? A) unsafe acts B) industrial hygiene C) infectious disease D) ergonomic hazard

Q: In a brief essay, discuss how employers can protect vulnerable workers, such as women and older men.

Q: How can accidents in the workplace be prevented? List and describe five ways.

Q: How can screening reduce unsafe acts in the workplace?

Q: Positive reinforcement programs identify the worker behaviors that lead to accidents and then train workers to avoid these behaviors.

Q: Studies have shown that safety posters increase safe behavior at work by more than 20%.

Q: Safety training is not as important with new trainees because they are more likely to pay attention and therefore avoid accidents.

Q: Lockout/tagout involves affixing a disabled tag to the equipment.

Q: OSHA advocates safety incentive programs because they drastically reduce the number of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Q: Safety training should be bilingual in situations where employees speak English as a second language or are not fluent in English.

Q: Which of the following would LEAST likely be categorized as a vulnerable worker? A) minority workers B) young workers C) immigrant workers D) female workers

Q: Reviews conducted by agencies to determine if units in their jurisdiction are complying with safety laws and regulations are known as ________ reviews. A) risk assessment B) behavioral safety C) job hazard D) operational safety

Q: Which of the following is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating hazards before accidents occur? A) behavior-based safety analysis B) operational safety review C) job hazard analysis D) lockout/tagout

Q: Which term refers to the formal procedure for disabling power equipment in the workplace? A) job hazard analysis B) lockout/tagout C) voltage check D) ergonomics

Q: Thermo is a plastic supply and custom fabrication company. Thermo serves clients in the medical, solar, and semiconductor industries by making acrylic and polycarbonate sheets, tubes, and rods. The company employs approximately 500 workers at its facility in Ohio. Safety is a top priority at Thermo, and supervisors are required to conduct daily inspections of all equipment. Recently, three workers were seriously injured by a large press used to mold plastic parts. The workers spent time in the hospital for hand injuries, and they are currently recuperating at home. As a result, top management is evaluating all aspects of safety at the facility to determine what changes need to be made. Which of the following, if true, best supports the argument that Thermo needs to implement a positive reinforcement program? A) The injured workers removed a safety guard while operating the press in order to speed the process. B) One of the injured workers was on probation with Thermo for starting a fight with a co-worker. C) Each of the injured workers was given a job simulation test prior to selection and placement. D) The press used by the injured workers was an older model that had recently been repaired.

Q: Thermo is a plastic supply and custom fabrication company. Thermo serves clients in the medical, solar, and semiconductor industries by making acrylic and polycarbonate sheets, tubes, and rods. The company employs approximately 500 workers at its facility in Ohio. Safety is a top priority at Thermo, and supervisors are required to conduct daily inspections of all equipment. Recently, three workers were seriously injured by a large press used to mold plastic parts. The workers spent time in the hospital for hand injuries, and they are currently recuperating at home. As a result, top management is evaluating all aspects of safety at the facility to determine what changes need to be made. Which of the following questions is LEAST relevant to Thermo's decision to minimize unsafe acts at the facility? A) Have Thermo managers trained employees in the use of the company's mechanical security system? B) How are employee safety suggestions and complaints currently handled by Thermo managers? C) How are Thermo employees rewarded or praised for adhering to safety rules and procedures? D) What is the current level of employee involvement in designing Thermos' safety program?

Q: Thermo is a plastic supply and custom fabrication company. Thermo serves clients in the medical, solar, and semiconductor industries by making acrylic and polycarbonate sheets, tubes, and rods. The company employs approximately 500 workers at its facility in Ohio. Safety is a top priority at Thermo, and supervisors are required to conduct daily inspections of all equipment. Recently, three workers were seriously injured by a large press used to mold plastic parts. The workers spent time in the hospital for hand injuries, and they are currently recuperating at home. As a result, top management is evaluating all aspects of safety at the facility to determine what changes need to be made. Which of the following, if true, supports the argument that Thermo needs to modify its screening, placement, and training procedures? A) Interviews with the on-duty supervisor indicate that signs were clearly posted near the accident site explaining the importance of using protective guards. B) Supervisors use a combination of recognition and monetary incentives to encourage employees to follow safety procedures. C) Noises emitted from the press and the high temperatures in the Thermo facility are considered distracting and potentially dangerous. D) Interviews with the injured workers indicate that the most experienced worker removed the safety guard and the other two workers did not know how to respond.

Q: Thermo is a plastic supply and custom fabrication company. Thermo serves clients in the medical, solar, and semiconductor industries by making acrylic and polycarbonate sheets, tubes, and rods. The company employs approximately 500 workers at its facility in Ohio. Safety is a top priority at Thermo, and supervisors are required to conduct daily inspections of all equipment. Recently, three workers were seriously injured by a large press used to mold plastic parts. The workers spent time in the hospital for hand injuries, and they are currently recuperating at home. As a result, top management is evaluating all aspects of safety at the facility to determine what changes need to be made. Which of the following, if true, best supports the argument that Thermo supervisors need additional training in OSHA standards? A) None of the injured Thermo workers was wearing personal protective equipment because the high temperatures in the facility made the PPE very uncomfortable. B) The three workers were working overtime during an evening shift at Thermo, and only one of them had extensive experience using the press. C) Thermo conducts air sampling on a weekly basis as part of its industrial hygiene program, and the firm has never been cited for poor air quality. D) The safety gate had been removed from the press to bypass a safety interlock, and the gate was not replaced prior to the three workers using the machine during their morning shift at Thermo.

Q: How do managers reduce unsafe acts through selection? A) identify traits linked to job accidents and screen candidates for such traits B) rotate employees through different positions within the organization C) offer monetary incentives to employee teams with low accident rates D) respond to employee suggestions to improve possible problem areas

Q: When managers identify a trait associated with workplace accidents and then use this trait as part of the selection process for new hires, they are using ________ to reduce unsafe acts. A) job rotation B) screening C) training D) incentives

Q: Unsafe acts can be reduced through all of the following methods EXCEPT by ________. A) listening to employee suggestions B) identifying employee interests and preferences C) involving workers in planning safety programs D) providing workers with comfortable protective equipment

Q: Kevin is a supervisor at a manufacturing facility that has experienced a high rate of on-the-job accidents. Which of the following methods should Kevin use first to reduce the number of workplace accidents? A) enforcing job rotation B) screening job applicants C) removing physical hazards D) requiring employees to use PPE

Q: Which of the following is NOT a method of minimizing workplace accidents? A) reducing unsafe conditions B) reducing unsafe acts C) training employees D) paying high wages

Q: What is an unsafe act? What actions can supervisors take to reduce the number of unsafe acts by subordinates?

Q: Accidents occur more frequently in facilities with ________. A) bright lighting B) congested work areas C) strong union support D) low seasonal layoff rates

Q: A toxic safety climate is best described as a work environment that ________. A) involves dangerous chemicals B) hires inexperienced workers C) promotes unsafe acts D) encourages overtime

Q: The most serious workplace accidents involve ________. A) wheelbarrows B) improper ventilation C) forklift trucks D) woodworking machines

Q: All of the following personality traits are associated with people who file vehicular insurance claims EXCEPT ________. A) clumsiness B) entitlement C) impatience D) distractibility

Q: Which of the following personality traits is LEAST likely to be associated with people who are considered accident prone? A) impulsive B) extroverted C) highly fastidious D) sensation seeking

Q: Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to contribute to accidents at work? A) high workplace temperature B) hostile co-workers C) day of the week D) time of day

Q: Improperly guarded equipment, defective equipment, hazardous procedures, and improper ventilation are all examples of ________. A) chance occurrences B) unsafe conditions C) unsafe behavior by employees D) weather-related accidents

Q: What are the major sources of occupational respiratory disease? What role does OSHA play in protecting employees against occupational respiratory diseases?

Q: You are a supervisor at a carpet manufacturing facility. How can you reduce unsafe conditions in the workplace? What would you do to ensure a smooth OSHA inspection of your facility?