Chapter Fifteen – FALLING, IMPACT, ACCELERATION, LIFTING, AND VISION
HAZARDS
TRUE OR FALSE: Place T or F in the space provided.
_____1. A foreign object is any object that is out of place or in position to trip
someone or to cause a slip.
_____2. Injuries from a fall are likely to be minimal if the victim strikes a bony
body part.
_____3. The use of hard hats in industrial settings that might have falling
objects has been mandated by federal law since 1981.
_____4. Approximately 40% of the population will experience lower back pain
at some point in their lives.
_____5. Surface falls are divided into four categories: trip and fall, stump and
fall, step and fall, and slip and fall.
_____6. A stable platform for walking has a high degree of traction and is free
from obstructions.
_____7. Inspecting ladders before every use may prevent a fall.
_____8. In a slip-and-fall prevention program, the policy statement serves the
purpose of conveying the employees’ commitment to safety.
_____9. It is important to provide employees with training in the proper use of
the eye protection devices.
_____10. Even the best vision protection program is not perfect.
_____11. It is important to apply practical measures that can reduce slip and
fall hazards in the workplace.
_____12. OSHA’s fall protection regulations now apply to residential
contractors.
_____13. OSHA requires employers to guard every 4oor hole into which a
worker might accidently fall.
_____14. OSHA requires employers to provide a guardrail around all open-
sided platforms that are two feet or more above the ground or next level.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: Circle the letter before the correct answer.
1. Which of the following is not one of the primary causes of falls?
A. A foreign object on the walking surface
B. Slippery surfaces
C. Fall prevention component
D. An individual’s impaired physical condition
2. 40% of injuries occur in the first year of employment, which of the
following areas do most of these injuries occur?
A. Eye-related
B. Foot-related
C. Ear-related
D. Back-related
3. Hard hats are tested to withstand how many foot-pounds of impact?
A. 10
B. 40
C. 20
D. 15
4. The National Safety Council recommends all the following do’s when using
a ladder except:
A. Do set the ladder’s base on a firm, level surface
B. Do limit a ladder to one person at a time
C. Do lean the ladder against a fragile, slippery, or unstable surface
D. Do face the ladder when climbing up or down
5. A slip and fall prevention component should have which of the following
elements?
A. Employee footwear program
B. Review and acceptance of walkways
C. A policy statement
D. All of the above
6. Which of the following is a practical measure that can be applied to reduce
slip and fall hazards in the workplace?
A. Updating the organization’s safety plan annually.
B. Conducting an annual review of OSHA standards.
C. Locating absorbents strategically.
D. Maintaining a comprehensive slip and fall prevention program.
7. To prevent workers from falling onto or into machines, OSHA requires
employers to provide what type of protection as a minimum?
A. Six-foot chain link fences
B. Rope barriers
C. Guardrails and toeboards
D. Yellow or orange barrier tape
8. OSHA requires employers to deal with the problem of training workers who
do not speak English by:
A. Providing English as a Second Language classes on site
B. Providing training in a language they understand
C. Requiring closer supervision
D. None of the above
9.Which of the following is a non-mandatory test manufacturers of hard hats
(work helmets) may use to rate their products?
A. Reverse donning
B. Beta testing
C. Object drop test
D. Low visibility test
13. T
14, F
9. A
Chapter Fifteen – Falling, Impact, Acceleration, Lifting, and Vision
1. List the primary causes of falls.
2. Explain brie4y the most common kinds of falls.
3. Explain how surface traction is measured.
4. List and brie4y explain ;ve strategies for preventing slips.
5. Describe the various components of a slip and fall prevention program.
6. Explain the “trigger height” controversy over OSHA’s Fall Protection
Standard for construction.
7. What are the requirements for personal fall arrest systems in OSHA
1926.451(d)(16)?
Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds when
used with a body belt
Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds
when used with a body harness
Be rigged such that an employee can neither free-fall more than 6
feet; nor contact any lower level
Bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum
deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet
Have suGcient strength to withstand twice the potential impact
energy of an employee free-falling a distance of 6 feet, or the free fall
distance permitted by the system, whichever is less
8. What is a lanyard?
A 4exible line of rope, wire rope, or strap that generally has a
connector at each end for connecting the body belt or body harness to a
deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.
9. Explain OSHA’s recommendations for eFective fall protection.
Have a plan.
Establish proper fall protection requirements.
Provide proper fall protection equipment and procedures and require
their use.
Ensure proper use and type of equipment.
Provide training.
10. Explain how to assess the workplace for eye hazards.
OSHA recommends using the following questions in making a
workplace assessment:
Do employees perform tasks that may produce airborne dust or
4ying particles?
Do employees work near others who perform tasks that may
produce airborne dust or 4ying particles?
Do employees handle hazardous liquid chemicals or blood?
Do employees work near others who handle hazardous liquid
chemicals or blood?
Do employees work in situations that may expose their eyes to
chemical or physical irritants?
Do employees work in situations that may expose their eyes to
intense light or lasers?
11. What topics should be covered in eye protection training?
OSHA recommends training that covers the following topics:
Why it is important to use the eye-protection devices
How the devices protect the eyes
Limitations of the devices
When the devices should be used
How the devices are properly worn
How straps are adjusted for both eFectiveness and comfort
How the employee can identify signs of wear that may lessen the
eFectiveness of the devices
How the devices are cleaned and disinfected and how often
12. What should an employee look for when inspecting a ladder?
Is the ladder strong enough?
What do the labels say about weight capacity and applications?
Look for the following conditions: cracks on side rails; loose rungs,
rails, or braces; damaged connections between rungs and rails.
Check for heat damage and corrosion.
Check wooden ladders for moisture that might cause them to
conduct electricity.
Check metal ladders for burns and sharp edges.
Check ;berglass for signs of blooming (deterioration of exposed
;berglass).
13. Brie4y summarize the evolution of hard hats in this country.
Originally introduced in 1919, the hard hats first used in an industrial
setting were inspired by the helmets worn by soldiers in World War I.
Such early versions were made of varnished resin-impregnated canvas. As
material technology evolved hardhats were made of vulcanized
;ber, then aluminum, then ;berglass. Today’s hard hats are typically
made from the thermoplastic material polyethylene, using the
injection-molding process.
14. List six major kinds of injuries to the foot and toes that occur in the
workplace each year.
Falls/impact from sharp and/or heavy objects
Compression when rolled over by or pressed between heavy objects
Punctures through the sole of the foot
Conductivity of electricity or heat
Electrocution from contact with an energized, conducting material
Slips on unstable walking surfaces
Hot liquid or metal splashed into shoes or boots
Temperature extremes
15. What are the typical causes of back injuries in the United States?
Back injuries in the workplace are typically caused by improper lifting,
reaching, sitting, and bending. Poor posture, ergonomic factors, and
personal lifestyles also contribute to back problems.
16. Describe the six-step back safety/lifting program.
Display poster illustrations
Pre-employment screening
Regular safety-inspections
Education and training
Use external services
Map out the prevention program
17. List four ways to minimize standing hazards.
Anti-fatigue mats
Shoe inserts
Foot rails
Workplace design
Set/stand chairs
Proper footwear
18. Explain the strategies for proper lifting that should be taught as part of
the safety program.
Plan ahead
Determine if you can lift the load
Decide if you need assistance
Check your route to see whether it has obstructions and slippery
surfaces
Lift with your legs, not your back
Bend at your knees, keeping your back straight
Position your feet close to the object
Center your body over the load
Lift straight up smoothly; don’t jerk
Keep your torso straight, don’t twist while lifting or after the load is
lifted
Set the load down slowly and smoothly with a straight back and
bent knees; don’t let go until the object is on the 4oor
Pushing puts less strain on your back; don’t pull objects
Use rollers under the object whenever possible
19. What are the critical factors to consider when selecting gloves?
