Chapter 13: Managing Health and Safety Risks
Reviewing Important Concepts
1. Explain the purpose of OSHA and the employer record-keeping requirements. (LO
1)
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) outlines comprehensive and specific
safety and health standards. Its objectives are to ensure that the workplace is free from
unnecessary hazards, and to enforce sanctions and penalties for violators. The General
employers have the responsibility of providing employees with access to medical records
and records of employee exposure to toxic substances in the workplace, providing
Employers in industries where a high percentage of accidents and injuries occur must
maintain safety and health records. Some organizations such as universities and retail
establishments are exempt from record keeping because of the low incidence of injury.
2. Discuss how OSHA prioritizes investigation and enforcement of standards. (LO 2)
OSHA has a five-step priority enforcement process consisting of imminent danger,
serious accidents, employee complaints, inspection of targeted industries, and random
inspections. Imminent danger refers to a situation in which an accident is about to occur.
Serious accidents mean that when death or serious injury occurs, an organization has 8
hours to report the incident to OSHA. Employee complaints are used when a worker sees
3. Outline ways employers can create safer workplaces. (LO 3)
Management commitment and employee involvement.
Worksite analysis of possible hazards.
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4. Compare bullying in the workplace and employee violence. (LO 4)
Workplace violence includes bullying, horseplay, fighting, harassment, threats, and actual
Bullying is mistreatment of one or more employees including verbal abuse, behavior that
is threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, sabotage or other work interference, gossip,
5. List sources of stress in the workplace. (LO 5)
Organizational sources of stress include: task demands, role demands, interpersonal
Personal Stressors include family issues, personal economic problems, personality
6. What must an organization do differently with respect to health and safety when
operating in another country? (LO 6)
Learn regulations and expectations, have up-to-date vaccinations, first aid kits,
Evaluating Alternatives
7. Review the chapter opener about “industrial athletes” on page 285. Prepare a list of
reasons that employers should take responsibility (and the expense) for making sure
that employees whose jobs require physical activity keep fit. Also prepare a list of
reasons that responsibility ultimately falls on the employee. Which list seems to be
the most convincing? What are your conclusions? (LO 1, 3, 4)
Employers: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for over 30 percent of worker
injury and illness. The cost to employers includes lost work days, reduced productivity,
Employees: Job descriptions specify physical abilities such as the ability to climb in and
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Chapter 13: Managing Health and Safety Risks
8. After a local workplace was the site of a brutal employee attack on a supervisor, the
V.P of HR told local media, “This was completely unexpected. Nobody saw this
coming. There were no obvious signs of trouble before the employee snapped and
attacked the supervisor. This is a safe place to work and we don’t expect any further
incidents.” What steps should be taken in this workplace to make sure he is correct
in his assertion that there will be no further incidents? (LO 3, 4, 5)
The employer should determine if any conditions exist that put employees at greater risk
A plan of action should be established that includes a plan of how to deal with violence,
review policies, examine how employees are treated. Supervisors should be trained in
The workplace should also be examined for evidence of stress, burnout and bullying
9. A colleague makes the suggestion that the company should invest in a new safety training
program that consists of online videos, tutorials, and quizzes. Another colleague
disagrees, stating “We developed ‘Safety is No Accident’ training program specifically for
our company’s needs and it’s been very effective for the last ten years.” She went on to
explain “No packaged software program knows our employees and issues like we do. It’s
a waste of money.” Make a list of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. (LO 2,
3, 4)
New safety training: Much can change in ten years. The workplace culture, working
conditions, stressors and technology to name a few. Training technology and safety
procedures have also changed. A new training program could be developed with
Research and Communication Skills
These activities require students to research a topic and report the findings to the instructor or the
class. They can be assigned to either individuals or groups and are designed to develop critical
thinking, research and presentation skills necessary for HR. Grading can be simplified by using
the grading rubric above.
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Chapter 13: Managing Health and Safety Risks
Activity Summaries
10. OSHA violations of serious, willful and repeated categories are researched and explained.
11. Students search for videos on any of the top ten OSHA violations. OSHA standards
(LO 5)
Making a Difference: Service Learning Projects
Overview: Service Learning Projects provide students with opportunities to develop and
demonstrate HR skills and build a professional network that will assist in getting a job in HR.
The activities that relate to this chapter on safety and health involve helping people whose safety
and health is at risk. A sample assignment with requirements and grading materials is available at
the front of the Instructor’s Manual and as a download from the text website.
Case Application 13 – A: How Bad Is It?
After ignoring several signs that an employee is under stress, a supervisor is faced with handling
an outburst from the troubled employee that may qualify for one of several serious disciplinary
actions. He heads to HR for advice on how to handle the behavior of a machinist with serious
personal problems whose work has been deteriorating, who has shown several signs of stress,
and who threatens a co-worker.
Questions:
1. Is this a discipline problem, bullying, or workplace violence policy? Explain your
reasoning.
Discipline: Joaquin probably was under the influence at work, damaged equipment
intentionally and threatened an co-worker.
2. What should be included in Linco’s workplace violence policy?
It should explain:
Behaviors that are prohibited such as bullying, horseplay, fighting, harassment,
Procedures for reporting and investigating prohibited behaviors.
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3. Explain several different possible actions that Jonas and the HR department can
take regarding Joaquin. Explain the action you believe is the best choice.
Nothing: Joaquin is clearly under stress. He could be referred to an EAP for counseling.
Disciplinary actions range from warning to dismissal depending on what the students
4. Research: Find examples of workplace violence policies and list the common
elements of the policies you find.
Students will find a variety of examples. Encourage them to compare the size and
Case Application 13 – B: What Does It Take to Get Some Respect?
OSHA inspectors see their role as contributing to employee safety, not just as regulations and
bureaucratic red tape. Death and injury are the two most serious consequences to companies and
Questions:
1. What roles do OSHA inspections play in preserving safe and healthy work
environments? Discuss. (LO 1, 2, 3)
2. “OSHA shouldn’t have to inspect every worksite. Employers should act as their
own safety inspectors and take action that is warranted.” Build an argument
supporting this statement, and one opposing this statement. (LO 2, 3)
Student answers will vary. Focus on critical thinking. Some suggestions:
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Chapter 13: Managing Health and Safety Risks
3. Had any of the five events listed above led to serious injury or death, do you believe
the employer was liable? Why or why not? If you believe the employer is liable, do
you believe any of these could be construed as willful and severe? Defend your
position. (LO 2, 3)
Student answers will vary. Arguments for and against employer liability may cover
whether or not employees are at fault, or even government rules and regulations. Focus
4. Research: Go to the OSHA web page at www.osha.gov. Visit the Safety and Health
Topics page and explain the current issues listed there. (LO 3, 4)
Online Case Application 13 – C: TEAM FUN
Questions:
1. Do you agree with Tony’s statement about workplace violence? Should TEAM FUN! take
further action to prevent workplace violence? Identify the preventive measures already in
place. (LO 4, 5)
2. Is Tony too complacent about stress and burnout? Outline for Kenny and Norton any
symptoms of stress and burnout that merit notice. (LO 5)
3. What benefits would wellness programs and an employee assistance plan provide TEAM
FUN!? (LO 4, 5)
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