Chapter 12 Practice Test

Harry Davis has been found guilty of smoking around a volatile substance in his workplace. It is his first offence after 25 years. The employer, ABC Inc., has a progressive disciplinary system, where employees are first given a written warning, then suspended for repeated violations, and dismissed as a last resort. What action should ABC Inc take?

ABC Inc. may choose to terminate Harry, even though it is his first offence.

Tom Jones was recently injured on the job at ABC Steel Factory. Whose responsibility is it to report the accident to the Workers' Compensation Board?

ABC steel factory

Compare and contrast the two general types of stress. Include an example of each.

Distress is a negative type of stress characterized by feelings of inadequacy, overwork, desperation, lack of control, fear, depression, and so forth. If left unchecked, distress may eventually result in fatigue, exhaustion, or burnout. Example: John Jones has been working overtime on a major project for his boss. He learns that the due date for his project has been changed from next Friday to tomorrow. Because John has strong doubts that he will be able to complete his assignment on time, he feels his annual raise may be in jeopardy. John is likely experiencing distress at this time. Eustress is a situation where an individual feels challenged and energized by the environment. Eustress is characterized by feelings of achievement, accomplishment, and/or exhilaration. Without a minimal level of eustress, life would likely be considered boring. Too much eustress, however, may develop into the more destructive distress. Example: Sue Smith just received a major promotion. While the new job will require a much longer workweek as well as a higher level of professional risk, Sue feels "charged up" to assume her new responsibilities.

Which of the following best describes drug testing in the workplace?

Employees may use or abuse legal prescription drugs that affect their behaviour

A supervisor's primary obligation to employee safety is to communicate safety standards and train employees in safe practices. :T/F

F

Alcoholism primarily affects blue-collar workers. :T/F

F

Although there are over 70,000 chemicals used in the workplace, nearly all of these chemicals are safe and do not pose any concerns to workers. :T/F

F

Burnout is an early stage of distress. :T/F

F

Employees do not have any specific duties related to their safety.:T/F

F

Employees who work alone are at a lower risk of encountering workplace assaults. :T/F

F

Eustress is the feeling of euphoria one gets after a strenuous workout. :T/F

F

Health and safety committees in the workplace are comprised only of management representatives. :T/F

F

If an injured employee has been off work for six months, that person has only a 20 percent chance of returning. :T/F

F

If at all possible, one should avoid eustress. :T/F

F

It is generally recognized that there is little that management can do to prevent cumulative trauma disorders (repetitive motion injuries). :T/F

F

Most employers are implementing extensive drug testing and immediately terminating employees that are found to be using illegal drugs. :T/F

F

Occupational health and safety are regulated solely by the federal government. :T/F

F

Once informed by the employer of safety hazards or health regulations, it is the employee's responsibility to comply with occupational health and safety legislation. :T/F

F

Safety incentive programs are only effective when they are based on monetary rewards. :T/F

F

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) was developed to provide a common information system for labelling dangerous work activities. :T/F

F

The members of the safety committee should investigate only accidents resulting in serious injuries. :T/F

F

The success of a safety program depends largely on the HR department. :T/F

F

To minimize the negative effects of computer use, the monitor should be placed at an angle view, above the user's line of sight. :T/F

F

Very few Canadian employers have a formal safety program. :T/F

F

List and describe techniques for coping with stress.

In recognizing the need for reducing stress, employers can develop stress management programs that assist employees in acquiring techniques for coping with stress. In addition, organizations need to take action to redesign and enrich jobs, to clarify the employee's work role, to correct physical factors in the environment, and other actions to reduce stress on the job. Helpful tips for reducing stress include: • Build rewarding relationships with co-workers. • Prepare for changes in job demands by keeping up-to-date on new information. • Do not exceed your skill level. • Set realistic goals and deadlines. • Do not put off work, problems, or concerns. • Reduce or eliminate interruptions. • Take breaks and practise relaxation techniques.

In 2002, there were 900 workplace-related deaths—an average of four Canadian workers dying every working day. Given that there were 366 days in 2002, should this figure be lower?

No; you have to subtract weekends, statutory holidays, and so forth, to get working days

Which of the following best describes employees who smoke?

Non-smoking employees have lower levels of absenteeism than employees who smoke.

Which of the following statements about penalties for violations of safety rules is NOT true?

Penalties are generally more harsh than those for other types of offences.

Which of the following best describes job-related stress?

Stress that is harmful to some employees may be healthy for others and improve their performance

A consequence of sealing windows, reducing outside air, and "buttoning up" buildings is the "sick building syndrome." :T/F

T

A serious violation of a safety rule may be grounds for employee termination, even for a first offence. :T/F

T

An employee's supervisor is the primary source of safety-related information. :T/F

T

An individual who suffers clinical depression after a serious accident is eligible for workers' compensation while receiving treatment for the accident. :T/F

T

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

T

Crisis management teams are composed of both hourly and managerial employees who develop action plans to respond to violent situations. :T/F

T

Employers have many responsibilities in providing safe workplaces for employees. :T/F

T

Health and safety procedures should be an important part of new employee orientation. :T/F

T

Improved employee health is associated with lower levels of absenteeism and increased efficiency. :T/F

T

In 2002, there were 900 Canadian workplace-related deaths.:T/F

T

In addition to rewards for safe behaviour, it is equally important that organizations enforce safety rules through penalties such as discipline. :T/F

T

Inadequate recognition for a job well done can be a major stressor. :T/F

T

It is the supervisor's duty to ensure that workers use or wear safety equipment, devices, or clothing. :T/F

T

Nurses are victims of violence at a rate that is 16 times higher than other service workers.:T/F

T

Penalties for violations of health and safety regulations include substantial fines, as well as jail terms. :T/F

T

Personal crises involving marital, family, financial, or legal matters are the most prevalent employee problems. :T/F

T

Sick building syndrome can result in employee complaints such as dizziness, disorientation, and fatigue.:T/F

T

Stress is any demand on the individual that requires coping behaviour. :T/F

T

Stress that is harmful to some employees may be healthy for others. :T/F

T

The Internet and other forms of information technology can play a key role in health and safety programs. :T/F

T

The definitions of accidents and injuries have expanded to include stress. :T/F

T

The emphasis in workers' compensation has been shifting to creating safer workplaces. :T/F

T

The goal of workers' compensation is to return the employee to work as soon as possible. :T/F

T

The rising use of video display terminals at work has led to the proliferation of visual difficulties, radiation hazards, muscular aches and pains, and increased job stress for employees using personal computers or network work stations on the job. :T/F

T

The size of the organization usually determines the kinds of health services provided to employees. :T/F

T

There is legislation pertaining to occupational health and safety in every province and territory in Canada.:T/F

T

Under workers' compensation, injured workers are entitled to a cash payout in the case of permanent disability. :T/F

T

Video display terminals (VDTs) have become a major safety concern within the office environment. :T/F

T

Wellness programs are particularly effective when organizations target their wellness initiatives at specific health risks such as high cholesterol or blood pressure counts. :T/F

T

Workplace signs of depression include decreased energy, irritability, and memory problems. :T/F

T

Which of the following is NOT true of workers' compensation?

The emphasis of workers' compensation is primarily on assessment, payments, and rehabilitation.

Briefly describe the duties of employers, supervisors, and workers with respect to health and safety legislation.

The fundamental duty of every employer is to take every reasonable precaution to ensure employee safety. In addition to providing a hazard-free workplace and complying with the applicable statutes and regulations, employers must inform their employees about safety and health requirements. Employers are also required to keep certain records, compile an annual summary of work-related injuries and illnesses, and ensure that supervisors are familiar with the work and its associated hazards. Employers in all jurisdictions are required to report accidents that cause injuries and diseases to the Workers' Compensation Board. Accidents resulting in death or critical injuries must be reported immediately; the accident must then be investigated and a written report submitted. Finally, employers must provide safety training and be prepared to discipline employees for failing to comply with safety rules. Supervisors are required to advise employees of potential workplace hazards; ensure that workers use or wear safety equipment, devices, or clothing; provide written instructions where applicable; and take every reasonable precaution to guarantee the safety of workers. Workers are required to comply with all applicable acts and regulations; report hazardous conditions or defective equipment; and follow all employer safety and health rules and regulations, including those prescribing the use of protective equipment.

You have just been asked by your department manager to write a violence prevention policy for your department. What areas should be covered in the policy?

To develop a policy on violence prevention, it would be wise to draw upon the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety prevention measures. These guidelines include holding managers responsible for commitment to and employee involvement in preventing acts of violence, analyzing the workplace to uncover areas of potential violence, preventing violence by designing safe workplaces and work practices, and providing violence prevention training, and conducting evaluations of violence program effectiveness. Managers must effectively communicate a zero-tolerance policy for violence and encourage employees to report any possible or observed incidents. Finally, there is a need to ensure a meaningful reporting procedure with clear lines of responsibility is implemented to ensure that management is promptly notified of potential security risks in order to take immediate steps to resolve issues that may arise.

An employee has been diagnosed with depression and possible mental illness. Her manager has organized professional counselling for her as part of the organizational response to her problems. This counselling is most likely a form of which of the following?

an employee assistance program

What do joint health and safety committees consist of?

both employee (union) and management representatives

Cathy has been experiencing severe stress on the job, including depression, frustration, and a loss of productivity. What is she most likely experiencing?

burnout

Which of the following jobs is LEAST likely to result in a cumulative trauma disorder?

college teacher

Jenny Jones has been working at the same job—typing almost all day—for the past five years. She has now damaged her wrist as a result of the work. What is her problem most likely a form of?

cumulative trauma disorders

What is the best way to proactively manage workplace violence?

develop a zero-tolerance policy for violence

Management is encouraged to involve employees in safety programs. Which of the following is NOT a way that employees should be involved?

developing safety legislation

Omar works as a supervisor with responsibility for discipline in the workplace; Cindy works as an attendant for a parking garage; Devi works as an IT programmer at a bank; and Lee works as a nurse in a hospital. Who is the least likely to be at risk for workplace violence?

devi

Kent Factory Inc. is a sausage plant that has been receiving bad reports in the press related its health and safety problems. The reports are causing a loss in profits. Assume that you are the new HR manager. Which of the following would be one of your first initiatives to deal with the problems?

diagnose the cause of the problems and formulate a plan to deal with them

Under health and safety legislation, which of the following are employers NOT required to perform?

discipline employees who refuse to do work they believe is unsafe

Samantha works as a secretary at Bingo Bank and spends a significant period of her work day in front of a computer. She is at risk of experiencing various problems associated with video display terminal use. Which of the following is Samantha NOT at risk of experiencing?

disorientation

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of workplace stress?

empowerment

Managerial, technical, or public contact jobs may all experience a kind of stress that usually energizes them. What is this positive stress called?

eustress

Which of the following is NOT an initiative that can make health and safety training more effective?

exclude the union in planning

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be promoted through company programs and services?

exemption from safety inspection

If an employee is experiencing personal problems, who is the individual most likely to refer the worker to the company's employee assistance program?

his or her supervisor

Improved individual employee health will have the LEAST impact on which of the following outcomes?

improved compensation and reward systems

Jack Spratt, the HR manager at Risky Bank Inc., has been working on a plan to prevent workplace violence. He has so far redesigned the workplace to include electronic surveillance and implemented new administrative practices, such as background checks. Which of the following would NOT be a good additional measure?

keeping track of immigrants in the workplace

Which of the following is NOT a cause of job-related stress?

learning new coping skills

Robin Hood recently started working in a modern office in the financial district in Toronto. Which of the following health and safety issues is he LEAST likely to face in the workplace?

lung cancer

Which category of service employees is at the highest risk of workplace violence?

nurses

Not so long ago, many workers were seriously affected through contact with asbestos in workplaces. What is this an example of?

occupational illnesses

What is the best method to capitalize on the benefits of video display terminals while safeguarding employee health?

placing the computer screen 10 to 25 cm (4 to 9 inches) below eye level

Employee protections in the workplace with respect to health and safety have improved significantly over the past few decades. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons for this improvement?

pressures from the developing world to match their competitiveness

Assume that you are a new manager at a manufacturing plant. On your first day, you are on the factory floor and notice one employee verbally abusing another; a fight was imminent. Which of the following would NOT be a wise strategy for you to follow?

publicly ask the aggressor to back down, as this would help with developing your authority in the workplace

An employee is showing signs of depression, including decreased energy, irritability, and hostility, in the workplace. What should the HR manager do?

suggest professional help

Most jurisdictions require the establishment of health and safety committees with both union and management representation. Which of the following is one of the expectations of this approach?

that it would help to develop a non-adversarial union-management climate

When individuals experience harmful stress for a long enough period, they often experience physiological changes such as increased heart rate, increased respiration, and increased blood pressure. What is the name of this type of stress?

the alarm reaction

In Alberta, which of the following bodies regulate occupational health and safety?

the federal and Alberta governments

Which of the following subjects are LEAST likely to be included in an employer-sponsored stress-management program?

tips on consuming alcohol usefully

Which of the following is NOT a worker's responsibility related to safety?

to advise on potential workplace hazards

What is the key role for the supervisor with respect to safety?

to communicate to an employee the need to work safely

Why must supervisors observe employees' work safety behaviours?

to reinforce and ensure adherence to safe practices

When should safety training begin?

with new employee orientation

Which of the following is NOT a high-risk work circumstance associated with workplace violence?

working with information technology

What program aims to help employees with nutrition, weight control, and avoidance of substances harmful to health?

workplace fitness and health