HOSA Occupational Safety and Health Study Set

One way of reducing fall hazards is to keep floors clean and dry. What else can be done to reduce the hazard?

Use non-slip material on floors

Daydreaming while driving is an example of which type of distraction?

Cognitive

How frequently should you take breaks when driving long distances?

Every 2 hours

Employers covered by OSHA's regulations must record work-related injuries and illnesses which result in what?

Death, days away from work, restricted work, job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, or significant injury.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections developing during hospitalization, neither present nor incubating upon admission.

When do HAIs generally occur?

More than 48 to 72 hours after admission, and within 10 days after discharge.

Microorganisms

Typically single-celled organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

What does the chain of infection consist of?

Infectious disease, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

How are microorganisms spread?

Direct/indirect contact, respiratory droplets, or airborne methods.

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices used for all patients at all times to reduce transmission.

Which is more effective in killing biological agents: handwashing or alcohol-based rubs?

Alcohol-based hand rubs are more effective and quicker than handwashing.

What are the four types of workplace violence?

Criminal intent, client-on-worker, worker-on-worker, and personal relationship.

A patient has been verbally abusive towards the nurses. What type of violence does this depict?

Client-on-Worker

What is the most commonly cited single cause of occupational injuries in healthcare today?

Pushing and pulling action regularly performed during the re-positioning of patients.

What does patient handling ergonomics seek to do?

Maximize safety and comfort of patients during handling using proper equipment and techniques.

What are the four steps to safely lift patients?

1. Assess patient 2. Assess environment 3. Get equipment 4. Perform task safely.

What can be done to reduce patient handling injuries?

Purchase safe patient handling equipment, implement policies, and train employees.

What can poor ergonomics lead to?

Musculoskeletal disorders affecting muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons.

What physical factors cause ergonomic injuries?

Exerting excessive force, awkward positions, repetitive tasks, localized pressure, cold temperatures, and vibration.

A good posture is one that places the least amount of ______ on your muscles and joints.

Stress

What legal protections against bloodborne pathogens must employers provide?

PPE, engineering controls, correct labeling, Hepatitis B vaccines, and free post-exposure medical evaluations.

How can exposure to bloodborne pathogens occur?

Infection from injections, skin abrasions, mucous membranes, and sexual contact.

For healthcare workers, what is the most common risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

Needlestick injury

What are the most common bloodborne pathogens?

HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

True or False: Once used, a needle, syringe, IV tube, and medication bags are all considered contaminated.

True

What should you do immediately if exposed to blood or bodily fluids?

Wash/flush the area immediately, report to employer, and receive a free medical evaluation.

Which vaccine must employers make available to employees exposed to bloodborne pathogens?

Hepatitis B vaccine

How can a chemical in the workplace potentially enter your body?

Inhalation, ingestion, injection, or absorption.

The Right to Know Law

Requires chemical producers/users to provide info on hazards and protective measures.

What are Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?

Documents provided by manufacturers/distributors detailing chemical properties, hazards, and safety precautions.

What is a written hazard communication program?

A workplace chemical list, accessible SDSs, labeled containers, and employee training.

Who is responsible for providing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) under Hazard Communication?

Manufacturers, distributors, and importers.

What type of exposure occurs when low levels of a chemical cause health issues over a long period?

Chronic exposure

What is the correct order for donning PPE?

Gown first, then mask, then goggles, then gloves.

What is the correct order for doffing PPE?

Gloves first, then eye protection, then gown, and finally mask or respirator.

The OSH Act

1970 legislation requiring employers to provide safe, healthy workplaces; created OSHA and NIOSH.

What are the three sets of duties established by the OSH Act?

Provide hazard-free workplaces, comply with standards, and ensure employee compliance with actions.

What are an employer's primary responsibilities under OSHA?

Provide training, keep a hazard-free workplace, provide free PPE, and record injuries.

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Researches and evaluates workplace hazards, makes recommendations, and develops educational materials.

MSH Act (Mine Safety and Health Act)

Established MSHA to ensure the safety of mine workers.

Drug-Free Workplace Act requirements

Applies to federal contracts of $100k+; requires written policy, awareness program, and penalties.

FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) safety impact

Restricts minors from being employed in jobs considered hazardous to them.

SBREFA (Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act)

Ensures the Small Business Administration provides regulatory compliance consulting to small businesses.

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act

Requires recording all sharps injuries and involving front-line employees in selecting safer devices.

What are the three historical common law doctrines that favored employers in worker injuries?

Fellow servant rule, doctrine of contributory negligence, and voluntary assumption of risk.

Fellow Servant Rule

Absolved employers of responsibility if a co-worker's actions caused the injury.

Doctrine of Contributory Negligence

Mitigated employer liability if the worker's actions contributed in any way to the injury.

Voluntary Assumption of Risk

Held that workers who knew job dangers upfront assumed all associated risks.

FECA (Federal Employees' Compensation Act)

The federal employee equivalent of workers' compensation, providing similar medical and wage benefits.

LHWCA (Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act)

Provides workers' compensation for maritime workers injured on navigable waters, docks, or piers.

BLBA (Black Lung Benefits Act)

Provides compensation benefits for coal miners suffering from pneumoconiosis due to mine work.

EEOICPA (Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act)

Compensates employees exposed to toxic radiation during nuclear weapons production and testing.

The General Duty Standard

OSHA clause requiring employers to provide work environments free from recognized hazards.

What must an Emergency Action Plan include?

Evacuation procedures, employee accounting methods, rescue/medical duties, and designated critical staff.

Fire Prevention Plans

Describe major fire hazards, safe storage of flammables, and maintenance of heat-producing machinery.

Occupational Noise Exposure standard

Permissible limit is 85 dB; levels above require hearing conservation programs and audiometric testing.

What is the threshold for reporting occupational hearing loss to OSHA?

A permanent hearing loss of greater than 10 dB.

Who is responsible for the cost and maintenance of PPE?

Employers must provide, pay for, and maintain PPE, including ensuring employee-owned gear is safe.

OSHA Warning Sign Colors

Red = Danger; Yellow = Caution; Orange = Warning; Fluorescent Orange/Orange-Red = Biohazard.

Permit-Required Confined Spaces

Spaces that require testing and entry permits due to potential hazards or toxic atmospheres.

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

Disabling machinery during maintenance to prevent unexpected startup or release of stored energy.

What does OSHA require regarding medical services and first aid?

Employers must provide adequate first aid supplies and trained personnel to assist in emergencies.

Machine Guarding

General requirement that physical guards must protect operators from moving machine parts.

OSHA Willful Violation

An intentional violation of safety standards or conscious indifference to employee safety.

OSHA Serious Violation

A hazard with a high probability of causing death or serious physical harm.

OSHA De-Minimis Violation

A minor infraction with no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health.

What are the record-keeping posting dates for employers with 11+ employees?

Must post the summary of injuries (OSHA Form 300A) from February 1 through April 30.

What is the reporting timeframe for a workplace fatality or multi-hospitalization event?

The employer must report the incident to OSHA within 8 hours.

OSHA Form 300

Log of work-related injuries and illnesses; must be retained for 5 years.

OSHA Form 300A

Annual summary of work-related injuries and illnesses; must be retained for 5 years.

OSHA Form 301

Injury and illness incident report detailing specific cases; must be retained for 5 years.

Are business owners and partners counted as employees under OSHA regulations?

No, owners and partners are not considered employees by OSHA.

OSHA Privacy Concern Cases

Incidents where the employee's name is substituted with a case number on Form 300.

What is the deadline for providing requested OSHA Form 300 logs to employees?

By the end of the next business day.

Who conducts OSHA inspections?

Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs).

What is the highest priority category for OSHA inspections?

Imminent danger situations.

What are the four main steps of an OSHA inspection?

1. Present credentials 2. Opening conference 3. Facility tour 4. Closing conference.

Where must OSHA citations be posted at a facility?

At or near the location of the violation for 3 working days or until abated.

SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program)

Recognizes small, high-hazard employers who operate exemplary safety and health programs.

OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)

Recognizes outstanding safety programs; participating worksites are removed from scheduled inspection lists.