Mixed Deck — All EMPCO Topics Flashcards

How does health surveillance benefit employers?

Answer: By improving employee safety, reducing absenteeism, and minimizing legal risks

Health surveillance offers multiple benefits to employers. It improves employee safety by identifying and mitigating health risks early, which in turn reduces work-related illnesses and injuries. This leads to decreased absenteeism, higher productivity, and significantly minimizes the company's legal risks from non-compliance or employee claims.

What is the fire triangle?

Answer: Heat, fuel, and oxygen — the three elements needed for fire

The fire triangle illustrates the three elements required for combustion: heat (ignition source), fuel (combustible material), and oxygen. Removing any one element extinguishes the fire.

What does informed consent require?

Answer: Explaining the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient

Informed consent requires that patients understand the proposed procedure, its risks and benefits, alternatives, and have the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing.

What does PPE stand for?

Answer: Personal Protective Equipment

PPE refers to equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards, including helmets, gloves, eye protection, and safety boots.

What is the purpose of an emergency action plan?

Answer: To establish procedures for responding to various emergencies

Emergency action plans outline specific procedures for different emergency scenarios, ensuring organized, efficient response that protects personnel.

What is the purpose of an emergency action plan?

Answer: To establish procedures for responding to various emergencies

Emergency action plans outline specific procedures for different emergency scenarios, ensuring organized, efficient response that protects personnel.

Under the ADA, what must an employer do with medical documentation obtained during a post-offer employment examination?

Answer: Store it in a separate, confidential medical file

The ADA requires that medical information collected during employment examinations be maintained in separate confidential medical files, apart from general personnel records.

Under HIPAA's Minimum Necessary standard, when sharing occupational health records with an employer, which practice should be followed?

Answer: Disclose only the information necessary for the specific employment purpose

HIPAA's Minimum Necessary standard requires that only the information directly relevant to the specific, stated purpose be disclosed, not the entire medical record.

What is dead reckoning in navigation?

Answer: Estimating current position based on a known past position and course/speed

Dead reckoning calculates the current position by applying known speed, time elapsed, and course steered from the last known position.

Which body part is most commonly injured due to whole-body vibration in occupational settings?

Answer: Lower back and lumbar spine

Whole-body vibration, common among vehicle operators and heavy equipment workers, is strongly associated with lower back pain and lumbar spine disorders.

What is a key indicator that an ergonomics program is effective?

Answer: Reduction in musculoskeletal disorder incidence rates and lost workdays

A reduction in musculoskeletal disorder incidence and lost workdays is the primary outcome measure demonstrating an ergonomics program's effectiveness.

What is the most effective study technique according to research?

Answer: Active recall with spaced repetition

Active recall (testing yourself) combined with spaced repetition (reviewing at intervals) is the most effective study method per cognitive science research.

What is a SITREP?

Answer: A situation report providing current status to command

SITREP (Situation Report) provides commanders with timely information about the current operational situation.

What is the primary goal of an employee wellness program?

Answer: To increase employee productivity and morale

Employee wellness programs are designed to promote the physical and mental well-being of employees, which in turn can improve overall productivity and morale at the workplace. By supporting employees' health, companies can foster a more motivated and effective workforce.

What is the first priority in any emergency situation?

Answer: Ensure the safety of all personnel

In any emergency, the first priority is always the safety and well-being of all personnel. Equipment and materials can be replaced; lives cannot.

What are the principles of mission command?

Answer: Competence, mutual trust, shared understanding, commander's intent

Mission command empowers subordinates through trust, shared understanding of the commander's intent, and disciplined initiative.

What is the most effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections?

Answer: Proper hand hygiene

Hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub) is the single most effective measure for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Which component is mandatory in a chain-of-custody document for occupational drug testing?

Answer: Specimen ID number, collection date/time, and signatures at each transfer point

Chain-of-custody documentation must track the specimen through every transfer using a unique ID, timestamps, and signatures to ensure integrity and legal defensibility.

Which mental health condition is most commonly associated with workplace injury claims according to occupational health research?

Answer: Depression and anxiety disorders

Depression and anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions linked to workplace injury claims, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.

What is the primary purpose of health surveillance in the workplace?

Answer: To detect early signs of work-related illnesses and prevent long-term health issues

Health surveillance in the workplace is a systematic process of monitoring employees' health to identify potential adverse effects from exposure to workplace hazards. Its primary goal is early detection of work-related illnesses or health changes, allowing for timely intervention and preventive measures. This helps protect employees from developing chronic conditions and ensures their long-term well-being.