Professional Ethics and Legal Responsibilities of Safety Professionals Flashcards

Under the multi-employer citation policy, the subcontractor whose crew removed guardrails and left them off is considered which type of employer?

Answer: Creating employer

The creating employer is the one that caused the hazardous condition and can be cited even if its own employees are not exposed.

The legal doctrine that holds an employer liable for negligent acts of its employees committed within the scope of employment is called what?

Answer: Respondeat superior

Respondeat superior ('let the master answer') makes employers vicariously liable for employees' acts within the scope of their job.

An OSHA citation lists an abatement date. If the employer fails to correct the violation by that date, what may OSHA assess?

Answer: Failure-to-abate penalties for each day the violation continues

Failure-to-abate penalties can be assessed for each calendar day the violation remains uncorrected beyond the abatement date.

Under the OSH Act, which section allows states to operate their own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health programs?

Answer: Section 18

Section 18 permits State Plans that must be at least as effective as federal OSHA.

A CHST learns confidential information about a former client's pending litigation while working on a new project with a competitor. What does professional ethics require?

Answer: Keep the information confidential unless disclosure is required by law or to prevent imminent harm

Safety professionals must protect confidential client information except where law or imminent danger to people requires disclosure.

An employer wants to use a protective method that differs from an OSHA standard but provides equal protection. What formal mechanism should it pursue?

Answer: Apply for a variance

A permanent variance allows an alternative method if the employer demonstrates it provides protection at least as effective as the standard.

How often must a BCSP credential holder such as a CHST complete a recertification cycle to maintain the credential?

Answer: Every 5 years

BCSP credentials are maintained through a five-year recertification cycle plus payment of annual renewal fees.