Occupational Health and Safety Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)?

To promote overall well-being and reduce risks (correct)

To increase workplace productivity

To enforce strict discipline among workers

To enhance employee career growth

Which of the following describes an occupational illness?

Fractures due to workplace accidents

Burn injuries from hot surfaces

Allergies resulting from workplace exposure (correct)

Cuts from sharp equipment

What are the financial implications associated with occupational injuries and illnesses?

Reduced travel expenses for employees

Increased costs in medical expenses and lost productivity (correct)

Payment of bonuses for safety measures

Higher employee wages due to compensation

Which of the following is NOT a major stakeholder in OH&S?

Marketing teams Signup and view all the answers

How does human resource management contribute to OH&S?

By implementing training and safety compliance policies Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between human resource practices and workplace safety?

Effective practices enhance safety and reduce injuries Signup and view all the answers

What did the case of Eric Donovan emphasize about employer responsibilities?

Employers must ensure protection against harassment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an occupational injury?

Fractured wrist from a fall Signup and view all the answers

What are psychological hazards in the workplace?

Factors associated with mental health issues Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Occupational Health and Safety, what defines a hazard?

A source of potential adverse health effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of Occupational Health and Safety Programs?

To reduce occupational injury and illness Signup and view all the answers

What event was described as resulting in 47 deaths and destruction in Lac-Mégantic?

A railway car derailment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT identified as a contributing factor to the Lac-Mégantic disaster?

Weather-related conditions Signup and view all the answers

How many workers die each year in Canada due to workplace incidents?

Around 1000–1100 Signup and view all the answers

What defines a lost-time injury in the workplace?

Injury resulting in an employee missing work time Signup and view all the answers

What health issue was notably caused by excessive inhalation of dust during the Industrial Revolution?

Brown lung disease Signup and view all the answers

What does accident proneness refer to in the context of workplace safety?

A belief that certain workers are more likely to have accidents. Signup and view all the answers

Which safety standard was implemented in Ontario during the late 19th century?

Requirements for machine guards in workplaces. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the interpretation of workplace fatality and injury data complex?

Consideration of the number of workers in each industry and the reporting requirements. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Canadian jurisdictions in regulating factories in the early 20th century?

To regulate heating, lighting, ventilation, hygiene, fire safety, and accident reporting. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the key recommendations made by the Royal Commission on Relations of Capital and Labour in Canada in 1889?

Creating regular health inspections, victim compensation systems, and a labour bureau. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Royal Commission on the Health and Safety of Workers in Mines in 1974 impact workers' rights?

It provided workers the right to refuse dangerous work without penalty. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of accident reporting typically include according to early 20th-century factory laws?

Recording of all workplace accidents regardless of severity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the role of safety standards in the workplace?

Safety standards are optional and not enforceable by law. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental purpose of the WHMIS legislation?

To ensure workers know about workplace hazards Signup and view all the answers

What changes were made to the Criminal Code in 2004 regarding occupational health and safety?

Introduction of criminal charges for health and safety violations Signup and view all the answers

How do economic considerations impact workplace injuries?

They are estimated to be around 4% of world GDP, likely underestimated Signup and view all the answers

What does due diligence require from employers in the context of occupational health and safety?

Ensuring safety by taking every reasonable precaution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following moral considerations relates to health and safety in the workplace?

Management commitment affects employee motivation and safety records Signup and view all the answers

What role does the government play in occupational health and safety?

It provides resources like the CCOHS for health and safety information Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of inaccurate reporting of workplace injuries?

Underestimation of injury costs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of workplace safety ethics?

To prioritize safety as a primary concern Signup and view all the answers

What is one key responsibility of employers regarding OH&S?

Maintaining equipment and protective devices Signup and view all the answers

In what way do employees contribute to workplace safety?

By wearing protective equipment as required Signup and view all the answers

What role does organized labour play in occupational health and safety?

They raise health and safety issues with employers and government Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental aspect of the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) in Canadian OH&S legislation?

It assigns primary responsibility to the workplace itself Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a barrier to effective OH&S programs?

Employers being uninformed about safety concerns Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is NOT a responsibility of employers in OH&S?

Promoting healthy work-life balance Signup and view all the answers

How do safety professionals contribute to workplace safety?

By reporting defective equipment and workplace hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which is a potential reason for employers prioritizing production over safety?

To meet tight deadlines and achieve profitability Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

OH&S is the identification, evaluation, and control of hazards associated with the work environment.
The goal of OH&S programs is to reduce occupational injury and illness.

Impact of OH&S on Individuals

OH&S affects individuals by ensuring a safer work environment, reducing the risk of injuries and illnesses, and promoting overall well-being.

Occupational Injury vs. Occupational Illness

Occupational Injury: Physical harm (e.g., cuts, fractures) resulting from workplace incidents.
Occupational Illness: Disorders caused by exposure to environmental factors related to employment.

Costs Associated with Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

Costs include medical expenses, lost productivity, legal fees, and emotional toll on affected individuals and families.

Stakeholders in OH&S

Major stakeholders include employers, employees, health and safety professionals, regulatory agencies, and labor unions.

Human Resource Management and OH&S

Human resource management plays a crucial role in implementing health and safety policies, training employees, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Effective human resource practices, such as training and employee support, contribute to a safer work environment and reduce workplace injuries.

Eric Donovan Case and Workplace Harassment Policies

The case underscored the importance of clear employer responsibilities in protecting employees from harassment and has led to proposed legislation.

Psychological Hazards in the Workplace

Psychological hazards are complex factors that can lead to mental health issues, such as workplace harassment, stress, and bullying.

Hazards in OH&S

A hazard is any source of potential adverse health effect, damage, or harm to someone or something under certain conditions at work.

Lac-Mégantic Rail Disaster

In July 2013, railway cars filled with crude oil derailed and crashed into downtown Lac-Mégantic, resulting in 47 deaths and significant destruction.

Contributing Factors to the Lac-Mégantic Disaster

Poor company safety culture and unresolved mechanical issues identified by Transport Canada were contributing factors.

Workplace Fatality Statistics

Around 1000–1100 workers die yearly in Canada due to workplace incidents.

Lost-Time Injury Definition

A lost-time injury is a workplace injury that results in the employee missing time from work.

Historical Development of OH&S

The development began in Ancient Egypt. It evolved significantly during the Industrial Revolution with new health and safety challenges.

Industrial Revolution and Brown Lung Disease

Brown lung disease was caused by excessive inhalation of dust during the Industrial Revolution.

Shifting Perspectives on Risk and Liability

Perspectives shifted from assuming risk to a more proactive approach to workplace safety in the early 20th century.

Accident Proneness

Accident proneness is the notion that some individuals are inherently more likely to be involved in accidents due to their individual characteristics.

Safety Standards in Ontario

Ontario legislation established safety standards, including the requirement for machine guards during the late 19th century.

Interpreting Workplace Fatality and Injury Data

Interpreting workplace fatality and injury data requires consideration of the number of workers in each industry, region, and specific reporting requirements.

Canadian Jurisdictions and Factory Laws

Canadian jurisdictions passed factory laws to regulate heating, lighting, ventilation, hygiene, fire safety, and accident reporting in the early 20th century.

Royal Commission on Relations of Capital and Labour in Canada (1889)

The commission recommended improving health and safety by establishing standards, mandating regular inspections, compensating victims of industrial accidents, and establishing a labour bureau to oversee these activities.

Royal Commission on the Health and Safety of Workers in Mines (1974)

The commission articulated three principal rights for workers: the right to refuse dangerous work, the right to participate in identifying and correcting health and safety problems, and the right to know about hazards in the workplace.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Legislation (1988)

WHMIS legislation reflects the fundamental right of workers to know about potential workplace hazards.

Changes to the Criminal Code (2004)

Changes to the Criminal Code allowed for criminal charges for some occupational health and safety violations.

Economic Considerations and Workplace Injuries

Economic costs of workplace injuries are estimated at 4% of global GDP.

Due Diligence in OH&S

Due diligence requires employers to take every reasonable precaution to ensure safety in the workplace.

Moral Considerations in Workplace Safety

Safety is a primary focus for employers, workers have a responsibility to learn and enact safety practices, and management commitment impacts employee motivation and safety records.

Government Role in OH&S

The government establishes legislation, provides resources like the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), and supports knowledge sharing and research.

Employer Responsibilities in OH&S

Employers are responsible for preparing a written OH&S policy, maintaining equipment and protective devices, ensuring safe work performance, and keeping the workplace free from hazards.

Employee Contributions to Workplace Safety

Employees contribute by performing their duties safely, wearing protective equipment as required, and reporting defects and hazards to safety professionals or management.

Organized Labour Role in OH&S

Organized labour participates in joint committees, raises health and safety issues with employers and government, pressures stakeholders for corrective actions, and includes health and safety provisions in contracts.

Internal Responsibility System (IRS)

The IRS is a framework of shared responsibility for health and safety.

Barriers to Effective OH&S Programs

Barriers include prioritizing production over safety, focusing only on safety during inspections, and lack of information or confidence about safety concerns.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), including its impact on individuals and differences between occupational injuries and illnesses. It also discusses the costs associated with occupational issues and identifies key stakeholders involved in OH&S. Test your knowledge and understanding of these crucial workplace health concepts.