Safety and Health Management Course

Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference between safety and health hazards?

Health hazards are primarily related to physical injuries.

Health hazards are easily classified, unlike safety hazards.

Safety hazards do not affect health.

Safety hazards have immediate effects while health hazards are long-term. (correct)

What is the primary goal of the safety and health manager?

Reducing the costs associated with safety measures

Training employees on safety protocols

Detecting hazards and determining which to correct (correct)

Detecting and correcting all hazards

Why might statistics on occupational health fatalities differ from safety fatalities?

Occupational health fatalities are more visible than safety fatalities.

Safety fatalities are typically easier to record.

Health fatalities often go undiagnosed and are delayed. (correct)

Health fatalities occur less frequently than safety fatalities.

What common symptom can complicate the identification of health hazards?

Respiratory congestion Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an industrial hygienist from a safety specialist?

Industrial hygienists use sophisticated instruments, while safety specialists have practical experience. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of operator-machine system analysis?

Factors associated with people, machines, and the environment Signup and view all the answers

What factor is NOT a part of the ergonomic problem as defined in the content?

Performance measurement of machinery Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is recommended when handling heavy loads?

Use legs for lifting while keeping the back straight Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before lifting heavy objects?

Label all loads with their weight Signup and view all the answers

Which ergonomic safety tip helps reduce the need for lifting?

Using carts for transporting materials Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Objectives

Assist safety and health managers in detecting hazards and determining which are worth correcting.

Safety vs. Health Hazards

Safety management focuses on acute effects from immediate hazards, while health management deals with chronic effects due to prolonged exposure.
Examples of safety hazards include machine guarding; health hazards include airborne asbestos and chemicals from welding.
Occupational health fatalities are likely underreported as they often manifest as long-term conditions not easily linked to specific jobs.

Ergonomics in the Workplace

Operator-machine system analysis examines the interplay between people, machinery, and the environment to identify ergonomic hazards.
Job demands should align with human capabilities—key factors include anthropometry (body dimensions) and biomechanics (movement).

Identifying and Correcting Ergonomic Hazards

General tips for preventing ergonomic hazards include:
- Use carts for transporting loads to limit lifting.
- Label heavy loads with their weight for awareness.
- Use proper lifting techniques to avoid spine injuries.
- Store materials at waist height to minimize injury risk.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers are obligated to protect workers from hazards using feasible engineering controls and PPE as a last resort.
Initial and ongoing training must be documented for all employees regarding safety procedures and equipment usage.

Hearing Protection

Effectiveness in reducing noise levels is crucial when selecting hearing protection, alongside comfort and cost considerations.
Common materials like cotton balls provide insufficient noise protection, while alternatives like Swedish wool offer better attenuation when sealed properly.

Radiation Safety in Diagnostics

Employers must ensure occupational radiation doses stay within acceptable limits, provide proper safety equipment, and maintain adequate monitoring.
Workers need to adhere to safety regulations and effectively use protective gear.

Dose Limits for Occupational Exposure

Dose limits are established to minimize the risk of radiation-related health issues, particularly cancers and skin damage.
The sievert is the unit used to quantify ionizing radiation exposure affecting human health.

ALARA Principle

ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) emphasizes minimizing radiation exposure risks.
The hands and eyes are most susceptible to radiation burns, which can occur before symptoms become apparent.

Long-term Effects of Radiation

Chronic exposure can lead to severe long-term health effects, including cancer, life shortening, and genetic disorders.
The significance of radiation-induced cancer surpasses that of genetic defects.

Safety Regulations and Practices

Safety devices should never be bypassed without Radiation Safety Officer approval, and equipment must be operated according to established procedures to prevent injury.

Description

This quiz focuses on the principles of safety and health management, emphasizing the identification of hazards and the prioritization of corrections. It highlights the importance of recognizing both safety and health hazards in the workplace, ensuring a holistic approach to safety management.