Human Resource Management, 15e (Dessler) Chapter 16

17) Which of the following is LEAST likely to be considered when OSHA calculates a penalty?A) business sizeB) compliance historyC) gravity of violationD) legal representationAnswer: DExplanation: D) In general, OSHA calculates penalties based on the gravity of the violation andusually takes into consideration factors like the size of the business, the firm's compliancehistory, and the employer's good faith. Legal representation for the employer is less likely to be afactor.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.18) According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers are responsible for.A) transferring workers who are cited for OSHA violationsB) examining workplace conditions for OSHA complianceC) scheduling annual consultations with OSHA representativesD) replacing old equipment on an annual basis to comply with OSHAAnswer: BExplanation: B) Employers are responsible for providing "a workplace free from recognizedhazards."Difficulty: HardChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.19) OSHA's standards are vague, which has made them difficult to enforce.Answer: FALSEExplanation: OSHA's standards are very complete and cover in detail just about everyconceivable hazard.Difficulty: EasyChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.8Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

20) An occupational illness is any abnormal condition or disorder caused by exposure toenvironmental factors associated with employment.Answer: TRUEExplanation: An occupational illness is any abnormal condition or disorder caused by exposureto environmental factors associated with employment. This includes acute and chronic illnessescaused by inhalation, absorption, ingestion, or direct contact with toxic substances or harmfulagents.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.21) Matthew, an electrician at Carver Industries, cut his hand while splicing wires. Matthewreceived first aid treatment before returning to work. Carver Industries is required by OSHA toreport Matthew's injury.Answer: FALSEExplanation: Employers must report most occupational injuries, specifically those that result inmedical treatment, loss of consciousness, restriction of work (one or more lost workdays),restriction of motion, or transfer to another job. However, if first aid is the only treatment, thenthe injury does not need to be reported.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Application of KnowledgeLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.22) OSHA insists that occupational injuries be recorded, including ankle sprains that occurduring voluntary participation in a company softball game.Answer: TRUEExplanation: OSHA's record-keeping requirements are fairly broad. An ankle sprain that occursduring voluntary participation in a company softball game would need to be reported.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.9Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

23) Investigating employee complaints of alleged violation standards is considered the highestpriority for OSHA.Answer: FALSEExplanation: OSHA inspection priorities include, from highest to lowest, imminent dangers,catastrophes and fatal accidents, employee complaints, high-hazard industries inspections, andfollow-up inspections.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.24) Scaffolding, fall protection, hazard communication, electrical disengagement, and respiratoryproblems are the most frequent OSHA inspection violation categories.Answer: TRUEExplanation: OSHA inspectors look for all types of violations, but some potential problemareas—such as scaffolding and fall protection—grab more of their attention. The five mostfrequent OSHA inspection violation areas are scaffolding, fall protection, hazardcommunication, lockout/tagout (electrical disengagement), and respiratory problems.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.25) Despite many managerial warnings, William refuses to wear a hard hat when working as anelectrician for Paulson Homes. William cuts his head when he falls from scaffolding that has notbeen properly secured. Paulson Homes will most likely not be held liable for William's injury.Answer: FALSEExplanation: Although employees have a responsibility to comply with OSHA standards, theyoften resist; the employer usually remains liable for any penalties. William's refusal to wear ahard hat does not mean Paulson Home is not liable for his injury, especially since the scaffoldingwas unsafe.Difficulty: HardChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Application of KnowledgeLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.10Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

26) Positive reinforcement programs identify the worker behaviors that lead to accidents andthen train workers to avoid these behaviors.Answer: FALSEExplanation: Positive reinforcement programs provide workers with continuing positivefeedback, usually in the form of graphical performance reports and supervisory support, to shapethe workers' safety-related behavior.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 5AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.27) What is OSHA and how does it help protect workers?Answer: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to protectworkers and minimize workplace accidents. OSHA's basic purpose is to administer theOccupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and to set and enforce the safety and healthstandards that apply to almost all workers in the United States. The Department of Laborenforces the standards, and OSHA has inspectors working out of branch offices to ensurecompliance. Under OSHA, employers with 11 or more employees must maintain records of andreport certain occupational injuries and occupational illnesses.OSHA enforces its standards through inspections and (if necessary) citations. The inspection isusually unannounced. OSHA may not conduct warrantless inspections without an employer'sconsent. It may inspect with an authorized search warrant or its equivalent.OSHA takes a "worst-first" approach in setting inspection priorities. Priorities include, fromhighest to lowest, imminent dangers, catastrophes and fatal accidents, employee complaints,high-hazard industries inspections, and follow-up inspections. In one recent year, OSHAconducted about 40,600 inspections, and accepted more than 3,000 whistle-blower cases.Difficulty: HardChapter: 16Objective: 2AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.11Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

28) What types of unsafe conditions are the primary focus of OSHA standards? How doesOSHA enforce its standards?Answer: Unsafe conditions are a main cause of accidents. They include things like: Improperly guarded equipment Defective equipment Hazardous procedures in, on, or around machines or equipment Unsafe storage—congestion, overloading Improper illumination—glare, insufficient light Improper ventilation—insufficient air change, impure air sourceThe solution here is to identify and eliminate the unsafe conditions. The main aim of the OSHAstandards is to address these mechanical and physical accident-causing conditions. OSHAenforces its standards through inspections and (if necessary) citations. The inspection is usuallyunannounced. OSHA may not conduct warrantless inspections without an employer's consent.However, it may inspect after acquiring an authorized search warrant or its equivalent. With alimited number of inspectors, OSHA recently has focused on "fair and effective enforcement,"combined with outreach, education and compliance assistance, and various OSHA-employercooperative programs.Difficulty: HardChapter: 16Objective: 2, 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.2 Explain the basic facts about safety law and OSHA.29) What is the primary cause of workplace accidents?A) chance occurrencesB) unsafe conditionsC) unsafe employee behaviorD) insufficient safety trainingAnswer: BExplanation: B) Unsafe conditions are the main cause of workplace accidents. Chanceoccurrences are a less significant cause of workplace accidents.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"12Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

30) Improperly guarded equipment, defective equipment, hazardous procedures, and improperventilation are all examples of .A) chance occurrencesB) unsafe conditionsC) unsafe employee behaviorD) normal occupational hazardsAnswer: BExplanation: B) Unsafe conditions refer to any mechanical and physical conditions that causeaccidents, such as defective equipment and improper ventilation.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Application of KnowledgeLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"31) Which of the following accounts for one-third of all industrial accidents?A) forklifts and wheelbarrowsB) woodworking machinesC) pulleys and flywheelsD) ladders and scaffoldsAnswer: AExplanation: A) About one-third of industrial accidents occur around forklift trucks,wheelbarrows, and other handling and lifting areas. The most serious accidents usually occur bymetal and woodworking machines and saws, or around transmission machinery like gears,pulleys, and flywheels. Falls on stairs, ladders, walkways, and scaffolds are the third mostcommon cause of industrial accidents.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"32) Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to contribute to accidents at work?A) unsafe conditionsB) nature of the workC) day of the weekD) time of dayAnswer: CExplanation: C) Work conditions and the tasks of the job contribute to work accidents. Moreaccidents occur during night shifts, so time of day matters due to worker fatigue. However, theday of the week is less likely to make a difference.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"13Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

33) All of the following personality traits are associated with people who file vehicular insuranceclaims EXCEPT .A) impatienceB) entitlementC) clumsinessD) aggressivenessAnswer: CExplanation: C) Personality traits that correlate with filing vehicular insurance claims includeentitlement, impatience, aggressiveness, and distractibility. Being uncoordinated has not beencorrelated to poor driving.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"34) Woodworking machines, flywheels, and saws cause the most serious workplace injuries.Answer: TRUEExplanation: The most serious accidents usually occur by metal and woodworking machines andsaws, or around transmission machinery like gears, pulleys, and flywheels.Difficulty: EasyChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"35) Workplace accidents occur more often during night shifts than during daytime shifts.Answer: TRUEExplanation: Accident rates usually don't increase too noticeably during the first 5 or 6 hours ofthe workday. But after that, the accident rate increases faster. This is due partly to fatigue andpartly to the fact that accidents occur more often during night shifts.Difficulty: EasyChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"36) People who are impulsive and highly extroverted tend to be accident prone.Answer: TRUEExplanation: There is growing evidence that people with specific traits may indeed be accidentprone. For example, people who are impulsive, sensation seeking, extremely extroverted, andless conscientious are more likely to have accidents.Difficulty: EasyChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"14Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

37) Comfort, fit, durability, and convenience are primary concerns regarding personal protectiveequipment.Answer: TRUEExplanation: Getting employees to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) is a famouslydifficult chore. Wearability, reliable protection, fit, comfort, and convenience are likely toimprove the use of PPE.Difficulty: EasyChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"38) The fatality rate of young workers is nearly three times that of older, more experiencedworkers.Answer: FALSEExplanation: Employers should make special provisions to assist older workers like reducingheavy lifting and boosting lighting levels. The fatality rate for older workers is about three timesthat of younger workers.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"39) Many employers today are banning mandatory overtime due to the increased likelihood of aworkplace accident caused by employee fatigue.Answer: TRUEExplanation: In part due to reduced headcount and more people with second jobs, employeefatigue is a growing problem today. Many employers are therefore taking steps to reduceemployee fatigue, such as banning mandatory overtime.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 3AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.3 Answer the question, "What causes accidents?"15Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

40) All of the following are effective methods of improving workplace safety EXCEPT.A) analyzing accident ratesB) publicizing an organization's safety policyC) showing an organizational commitment to safetyD) setting unreasonable but challenging safety goalsAnswer: DExplanation: D) Safety goals should be achievable and specific. Analyzing accident rates,publishing the firm's safety policy, and showing an organizational commitment to safety areeffective methods of improving safety.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 1AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.4 List and explain five ways to prevent accidents at work.41) Which of the following is NOT a method of minimizing workplace accidents?A) reducing unsafe conditionsB) reducing unsafe actsC) screening employeesD) paying better wagesAnswer: DExplanation: D) Reducing unsafe conditions is always the first line of defense. Reducing unsafeacts—by emphasizing safety and through screening, training, or incentive programs, forexample—is the second basic way to reduce accidents. Paying better wages is less likely to affectaccidents.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 4AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.4 List and explain five ways to prevent accidents at work.42) Supervisors can reduce unsafe acts in all of the following ways EXCEPT by .A) listening to employee suggestionsB) identifying employee interests and preferencesC) involving workers in planning safety programsD) providing workers with comfortable protective equipmentAnswer: BExplanation: B) Listening to employee suggestions and involving them in the safety programcan minimize accidents. Providing PPE that is comfortable and reliable encourages workers touse it. Although screening employees is important, identifying their interests and preferences isless likely to reduce unsafe acts.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 4AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.4 List and explain five ways to prevent accidents at work.16Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

43) In most large facilities, who is responsible for reducing unsafe working conditions andreducing unsafe acts by employees?A) chief safety officerB) OSHA representativeC) HR supervisorD) line managerAnswer: AExplanation: A) In large facilities, the chief safety officer (often called the "EnvironmentalHealth and Safety Officer") is responsible for reducing unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. Insmaller firms, managers, including those from human resources, plant management, and first-linemanagers, share these responsibilities.Difficulty: EasyChapter: 16Objective: 4AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.4 List and explain five ways to prevent accidents at work.44) All of the following are considered vulnerable workers EXCEPT .A) young workersB) male workersC) immigrant workersD) aging workersAnswer: BExplanation: B) In designing safe and healthy environments, employers need to pay specialattention to vulnerable workers, those who are "unprepared to deal with hazards in theworkplace," either due to lack of education, ill-fitting personal protective equipment, physicallimitations, or cultural reasons. Among others, these may include young workers, immigrantworkers, aging workers, and women workers.Difficulty: EasyChapter: 16Objective: 4AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.4 List and explain five ways to prevent accidents at work.17Copyright 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.

45) Which of the following should be the first method used to reduce workplace accidents?A) enforcing job rotationB) screening job applicantsC) removing physical hazardsD) requiring employees to use PPEAnswer: CExplanation: C) Reducing unsafe conditions by removing physical hazards is always the firstline of defense against accidents. Then use administrative controls (such as job rotation to reducelong-term exposure to the hazard). Only then, turn to PPE. Reducing unsafe acts—byemphasizing safety and through screening, training, or incentive programs, for example—is thesecond basic way to reduce accidents.Difficulty: ModerateChapter: 16Objective: 4AACSB: Analytical ThinkingLearning Outcome: 16.4 List and explain five ways to prevent accidents at work.46) Thermo is a plastic supply and custom fabrication company. Thermo serves clients in themedical, 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 toppriority 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. Theworkers 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 whatchanges need to be made.Which of the following, if true, supports the argument that T

Human Resource Management, 15e (Dessler) Chapter 16 Safety, Health, and Risk Management 1) While accident rates are falling, in one recent year _ U.S. workers died in workplace incidents. A) 2369 B) 4405 C) 6278 D) 8100 Answer: B Explanation: B) In one recent year, 4,405 U.S. workers died in workplace events, and workplace