Chapter 16: Safety and Health in the Workplace

occupational disease

an abnormal condition, other than an occupational injury, caused by an exposure to environmental factors associated with employment

occupational injury

an injury that results from exposure to a single incident in the work environment

worker's compensation laws

a set of federal laws designed to compensate those workers and their families who suffer injuries, disease, or death from workplace exposure

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act)

comprehensive federal legislation aimed at ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

a research body within the U.S. department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for developing and recommending occupational safety and health standards

rollover protective structure (ROPS)

factory-installed or retrofitted reinforced framework on a cab to protect the operator of a tractor in case of a rollover

pneumoconiosis

a fibrotic lung disease caused by the inhalation of dusts, especially mineral dusts

coal worker's pneumoconiosis

an acute and chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of coal dust (black lung disease)

absestosis

an acute or chronic lung disease caused by the deposition of asbestos fibers on lungs

silicosis

an acute or chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of free crystalline silica

byssinosis

an acute or chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of cotton, flax, or hemp dusts (brown lung disease)

safety engineer

a safety professional employed by a company for the purpose of reducing unintentional injuries in the workplace

certified safety professional (CSP)

a health and safety professional, trained in industrial and workplace safety, who has met specific requirements for board certification

health phsicist

safety professional with responsibility for developing plans for coping with radiation accidents

industrial hygienist

health professional concerned with health hazards in the workplace and with recommending plans for improving the healthiness of workplace environments

occupational physician

a practitioner whose primary concern is preventative medicine in the workplace

occupational health nurse

a registered nurse whose primary responsibilities include prevention of illness and promotion of health in the workplace

preplacement examination

a physical examination of a newly hired or transferred worker to determine medical suitability for placement in a specific position

safety programs

those parts of the workplace safety and health program aimed at reducing unintentional injuries on the job

worksite health and wellness promotion programs

workplace-based programs aimed at improving the health and wellness of employees by identifying and acting on existing health conditions and by encouraging to optimize their health by improving health behaviors and lifestyle choices

Total Worker Health

policies, programs, and practices that integrate protection from work-related safety and health hazards with promotion of injury and illness prevention efforts to advance worker well-being

employee assistance program (EAP)

workplace-based program that assists employees who have substance abuse, domestic, psychological, or social problems that interfere with their work performance