promoting safety and health

Which of these is true of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)?

• OSHA has specific regulations on distracted driving.

• It does not cover public employees in state and local governments.

• It does not cover self-employed workers.

• OSHA requirements mandate that employers with 25 or more employees maintain records of work-related occupational injuries and illnesses.

Answer explanation

OSHA does not cover self-employed workers. OSHA covers all private sector employees and public employees in state and local governments. It does not have specific regulations on distracted driving. Its requirements mandate that employers with 11 or more employees maintain records of work-related occupational injuries and illnesses.

Which of these statements is true of responsibilities and rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)?

• Employers must provide any needed protective equipment to employees and ensure that it is used.

• Employers use their records of injuries and illnesses to compute incidence rates per 1,000 employees during a given year.

• Legislation is pending regarding employees’ rights to know when they are handling hazardous chemicals.

• Employees have no responsibilities under OSHA, but employers do.

Answer explanation

It is the employer’s responsibility to provide employees with protective equipment when necessary and ensure it is used. Other options are false. Both employers and employees have responsibilities and rights under OSHA. Employers use their records of injuries and illnesses to compute incidence rates per 100 employees during a given year. Right-to-know laws require employers and manufacturers to give employees information about hazardous substances they handle on the job.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), workplace injuries involving _____ do not have to be recorded.

• a job transfer

• first aid

• loss of consciousness

• restricted work

Answer explanation

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), a recordable case is any injury or illness that results in any of the following: death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, or medical treatment beyond first aid.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) has NO established specific regulations for dealing with fatigue?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

Although OSHA currently has no fatigue standard, it is seeking to establish one, and unions are increasingly negotiating fatigue contracts.

Burnout is an adjustment demand that accompanies achievement and exhilaration.

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

Eustress is positive stress that accompanies achievement and exhilaration. Distress is harmful stress characterized by a loss of feelings of security and adequacy. Burnout is a severe stage of distress, manifesting itself in depression, frustration, and loss of productivity. Ergonomics focuses on ensuring that jobs are designed for safe and efficient work while improving the safety, comfort, and performance of users.