Q&A Hero

Q: An occupational illness is any abnormal condition or disorder caused by exposure to environmental factors associated with employment.

Q: OSHA's standards are vague which has made them difficult to enforce.

Q: One of the primary duties of a supervisor in regards to workplace safety is to conduct a daily walk-through of a work site.

Q: New computers emit chemical fumes, which are linked to sick building syndrome symptoms like headaches and runny noses.

Q: Which of the following is conducted by an agency to determine if a work site is in compliance with safety laws and regulations? A) security plan B) workplace review C) job hazard analysis D) operational safety review

Q: Data entry specialists and assembly line workers are most susceptible to ________. A) repetitive motion disorders B) workplace violence C) job stress D) burnout

Q: According to research, which of the following is an increasing cause of motor vehicle crashes? A) alcohol abuse B) hazardous roads C) cell phone usage D) improper driver training

Q: Which of the following would most likely occur with an evidence-based management approach to workplace safety? A) providing employee orientation B) monitoring hazardous tools C) analyzing accident rates D) writing a safety policy

Q: The HR manager at Thompson Industries has been given the task of reducing the number of unsafe acts and creating a supportive environment. Which of the following would be LEAST effective? A) conducting an organizational safety review B) providing leadership training to managers C) stressing the importance of teamwork D) promoting the value of safety

Q: Which term refers to systematically identifying and eliminating workplace dangers by focusing on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment? A) occupational safety program B) job hazard analysis C) operational safety review D) risk management

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) mechanical security B) group security C) organizational security D) natural 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) architectural security

Q: Which of the following terms refers to taking advantage of a facility's architectural features in order to minimize security problems? A) mechanical security B) organizational security C) natural security D) risk management

Q: ________ is "the process of assessing exposures to loss within an operation and determining how best to eliminate, manage or otherwise reduce the risk of an adverse event from having a negative impact on the business." A) Workplace safety B) Security C) Crisis management D) Risk management

Q: According to SHRM survey, ________ percent of responding organizations now have some type of formal disaster plan. A) 20 B) 85 C) 47 D) 93

Q: According to SHRM, workplace security plans should address all the following EXCEPT ________. A) formalize security functions B) protect intellectual property C) increase workplace dangers D) develop crisis plans

Q: ________ relates to protecting employees from internal and external security risks. A) Risk management B) Security C) Crisis D) Safety

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

Q: All of the following are most likely signs of employee depression EXCEPT ________. A) lack of sleep B) burnout C) poor concentration D) reduced appetite

Q: Employee depression results in as many as ________ total lost workdays in the United States each year. A) 500,000 B) 1,000,000 C) 100,000,000 D) 200,000,000

Q: Experts suggest that burnout can most effectively be reduced by ________. A) telecommuting B) taking long vacations 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) irritability 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 health care costs are almost ________ higher for highly stressed workers than for workers who experience low amounts of stress. A) 10% B) 25% C) 46% D) 75%

Q: Employees who wish to lower their job stress will most likely benefit from doing all of the following activities 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) retirements B) punctuality C) health care costs D) work quality

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) headaches B) cancer C) depression D) heart disease

Q: Which of the following is a personal factor that can lead to stress? A) poor supervision B) pace of work C) family life D) job security

Q: In some cases, employees accused of alcoholism or drug abuse have retaliated by suing the employer for all of the following EXCEPT ________. A) wrongful discharge B) OSHA violations C) illegal search D) defamation

Q: Lisa, a supervisor at a manufacturing facility, suspects that one of her subordinates may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Which of the following actions should Lisa take? A) Lisa should contact the worker's spouse for advice. B) Lisa should contact the police and a security guard. C) Lisa should observe the worker for signs of impairment. D) Lisa should ignore the matter because it is a personal issue.

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

Q: Which of the following is NOT one of the primary methods of dealing with a current employee who tests positive for illegal drugs? A) arrest B) discipline C) in-house counseling D) referral to outside counseling

Q: Centerline Communications wants to reduce the number of workplace accidents associated with employee substance abuse. Which of the following would be the most effective method to accomplish this goal? A) preemployment drug testing B) preemployment psychological screening C) a combination of random ongoing drug testing with psychological evaluations D) a combination of preemployment drug testing and random ongoing drug testing

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

Q: ________ percent of the US workforce has been impaired on the job at least once during the previous year? A) Eight B) Fifteen C) Twenty-seven D) Forty-three

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

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) dismissing the workers from their positions B) denying workers facility access for ten days C) sending workers to a nearby hospital D) offering workers a light-work option

Q: According to OSHA standards, which of the following substances has the lowest permissible exposure limit? A) vinyl chloride B) formaldehyde C) asbestos D) lead

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

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) job simulation tests B) unsafe conditions C) industrial hygiene D) screening

Q: All of the following are effective ways that employers reduce workers' compensation costs EXCEPT ________. A) enforcing safety policies B) communicating safety policies C) providing classroom training D) utilizing claims-tracking software

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) Each of the injured workers was given a job simulation test prior to selection and placement. B) The injured workers removed a safety guard while operating the press to speed the process. C) The accident reporting rate at Thermo is lower than that of comparable businesses in the area. D) One of the injured workers was on probation with Thermo for starting a fight with a co-worker.

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) The three workers were working overtime during an evening shift at Thermo, and only one of them had extensive experience using the press. B) 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. 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) All three of the injured workers had worked at Thermo for over thirty years and were nearing retirement age prior to the accident.

Q: A safety program that identifies employee conduct that contributes to accidents and then trains workers to avoid such conduct is known as a ________ program. A) strategic safety B) behavior-based safety C) positive reinforcement safety D) employee participation-based safety

Q: OSHA standards on respiratory protection require that employees ________. A) recognize and repair faulty respiratory equipment B) receive eight hours of training in respiratory safety standards C) demonstrate how to inspect, put on, and remove respirator seals D) pass a written exam on safety inspections of respiratory equipment

Q: How do managers reduce unsafe acts through selection? A) identify traits linked to job accidents and screen candidates for such traits B) train employees on the safe and proper use of equipment and tools C) rotate employees through different positions within the company D) offer monetary incentives to employee teams with low accident rates

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) 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. D) Noise emitted from the press and the heat in the Thermo facility are considered distracting and potentially dangerous.

Q: Which of the following should be the first method used to reduce workplace accidents? A) enforcing job rotation B) screening job applicants C) removing physical hazards D) requiring employees to use PPE

Q: All of the following are considered vulnerable workers EXCEPT ________. A) young workers B) male workers C) immigrant workers D) female workers

Q: In most large facilities, who is responsible for reducing unsafe working conditions and reducing unsafe acts by employees? A) chief safety officer B) OSHA representative C) HR supervisor D) line manager

Q: Supervisors can reduce unsafe acts in all of the following ways 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: Which of the following is NOT a method of minimizing workplace accidents? A) reducing unsafe conditions B) reducing unsafe acts C) screening employees D) paying better wages

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

Q: Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to contribute to accidents at work? A) unsafe conditions B) nature of the work C) day of the week D) time of day

Q: Which of the following accounts for one-third of all industrial accidents? A) forklifts and wheelbarrows B) woodworking machines C) pulleys and flywheels D) ladders and scaffolds

Q: Improperly guarded equipment, defective equipment, hazardous procedures, and improper ventilation are all examples of ________. A) chance occurrences B) unsafe conditions C) unsafe employee behavior D) normal occupational hazards

Q: What is the primary cause of workplace accidents? A) chance occurrences B) unsafe conditions C) unsafe employee behavior D) insufficient safety training

Q: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers are responsible for ________. A) transferring workers who are cited for OSHA violations B) examining workplace conditions for OSHA compliance C) scheduling annual consultations with OSHA representatives D) replacing old equipment on an annual basis to comply with OSHA

Q: Which of the following is LEAST likely to be considered when OSHA calculates a penalty? A) business size B) compliance history C) gravity of violation D) legal representation

Q: When a complaint indicates the possibility of imminent danger, OSHA conducts an inspection within ________. A) 12 hours B) 24 hours C) 3 days D) 20 days

Q: Which of the following would be considered OSHA's lowest priority for inspection? A) conducting a follow-up inspection B) investigating an employee complaint C) investigating the occurrence of a fatality D) performing a high-hazard industry inspection

Q: According to OSHA, which of the following would most likely be considered the highest priority? A) investigating the occurrence of a fatality B) inspecting a site where there may be imminent danger C) conducting random inspections and follow-up inspections D) conducting a special-emphasis inspection aimed at a high-hazard industry

Q: Which of the following would most likely NOT be considered a reportable injury according to OSHA? A) Mike breaks his arm while playing in a softball game during a mandatory company picnic. B) John sprains his ankle after becoming tangled in his car's seat belt in the company parking lot. C) Leah breaks her wrist after slipping in a puddle on a stairwell inside the company building. D) Tom injures his back during a traffic accident as he delivers lumber in a company truck.

Q: According to OSHA, employers must report occupational injuries that result in any of the following EXCEPT ________. A) first aid treatment B) loss of consciousness C) restriction of motion D) transfer to another job

Q: What term is used to describe any abnormal condition or disorder caused by exposure to environmental factors associated with employment? A) on-the-job accident B) chronic condition C) occupational illness D) work-related disease

Q: Under OSHA, employers with ________ or more employees must maintain records of and report occupational injuries and occupational illnesses. A) 6 B) 11 C) 35 D) 50

Q: Which government agency enforces the standards set out in the Occupational Safety and Health Act? A) Department of Health and Human Services B) Department of Agriculture C) Department of Commerce D) Department of Labor

Q: All of the following are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act EXCEPT ________. A) federal agents B) hospital nurses C) crane operators D) self-employed persons

Q: The Occupational Safety and Health Act was intended to ________. A) set national, state, and local safety and health standards B) assure every person safe and healthful working conditions C) provide safe and healthful working conditions to self-employed persons D) prevent the occurrence of occupational illnesses among public employees

Q: Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration? A) set and enforce the safety and health standards for almost all workers in the U.S. B) ensure that employees of state agencies have safe and healthy working conditions C) provide safe and healthy working conditions to all self-employed persons D) ensure that family farms provide healthy and safe working environments

Q: Which of the following is the supervisor's primary role in safety? A) conducting daily safety inspections of the workplace B) helping workers file claims for job-related injuries C) alerting top management to OSHA inspections D) setting health and safety standards for the firm

Q: All of the following are effective methods of improving workplace safety EXCEPT ________. A) analyzing accident rates B) publicizing an organization's safety policy C) showing an organizational commitment to safety D) setting unreasonable but challenging safety goals

Q: While accident rates are falling, ________ U.S. workers died in workplace incidents. A) 2369 B) 4551 C) 6278 D) 8100

Q: In a brief essay, discuss some of the reasons for declining union membership. Do you think this is good or bad for the U.S. economy and U.S. businesses? Why?

Q: What are the different types of strikes? What is the purpose of picketing during a strike? During a union drive and election, what are the guidelines regarding employee picketing?

Q: What third-party interventions are available to handle an impasse during collective bargaining? Discuss each type of intervention in a brief essay.

Q: You are a supervisor at a large manufacturing firm. What should and shouldn't you do during organizing and preelection campaigns? What should and shouldn't you do when faced with employee grievances?

Q: List and describe the five steps involved in planning a union drive and election.

Q: What are the ways that an employer can lose an NLRB election?