Occupational Health Nursing Safety Management Examination Handbook

Transcription

1 Occupational Health Nursing Safety Management Examination Handbook American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. 201 East Ogden, Suite 114 Hinsdale, IL Phone: Fax: Web:

2 ABOHN Vision Statement ABOHN Certification is recognized and valued as the standard to maximize the health and safety of workers worldwide. At no time shall any demographic information, expiration dates, pass/fail information or other identifying information be given to the calling or requesting party, unless authorized in writing by the individual whose certification status is being questioned Board of Certified Safety Professionals, (BCSP) Published by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (ABOHN) All rights reserved. This publication may be freely copied and distributed as long as credit is given to BCSP and ABOHN.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Definition of Safety Management 1 Eligibility Requirements 2 Overview of the Safety Management Examination 2 Computer Based Testing 3 Domains of Practice 3 The Safety Management Examination Blueprint 4 Sample Safety Management Examination Questions 11 Answers to Sample Examination Questions 17 Solutions to Sample Safety Management Examination Questions 17 Preparing for the Safety Management Examination 19 Examination Security 22 Review and Study Sources 24 Published References Presenting Coverage of Subject Matter 25 Self-Evaluation Worksheet 31 Completing the Application 33 Locate a Pearson Vue Testing Center 34 When You Take the Examination 35 Calculator Rules and Acceptable Models 36 Accommodations 39 Maintaining the ABOHN Safety Management Credential 40 Code Sheet 41 Application 42 Examination Reference 48

4 Revised 05/10/2007 Introduction It is the policy of The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (ABOHN) that no individual shall be excluded from the opportunity to participate in the ABOHN examination program on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability. The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (ABOHN) is the sole certifier of occupational health nurses in the United States and was established as an independent nursing specialty certification board in The purpose of ABOHN is to develop and conduct a program of certification for qualified occupational health nurses (OHNs) and to promote excellence in the specialty. ABOHN is a charter member of and the core credentials are accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS), the only accrediting body for nursing specialty certification programs in the US. ABOHN is also an active member of and all examinations are accredited by the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). National accreditation is demonstration that ABOHN has met rigorous standards for insuring the protection of the public and quality in the processes and programs leading to awarding of credentials. ABOHN is governed by a ten member Board of Directors composed of certified OHNs selected to be representative of the community of certified OHNs, and one non-nursing public member. The responsibilities of the Board include establishing criteria for certification and setting policies to maintain a valid certification program. Certification is a process by which a non-governmental agency or association validates, based on predetermined standards of nursing practice, an individual registered nurse's qualifications, knowledge and practice in a defined functional or clinical area of nursing. ABOHN's certification is a voluntary program designed to inform and protect consumers by recognizing those nurses who have demonstrated mastery in occupational health nursing through education, experience and knowledge. Specialty certifications such as the Safety Management credential have been developed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of occupational health nurses in expanded roles and to provide career opportunities for individuals aspiring to progress from traditional settings into more challenging areas of health and safety. This Handbook provides an overview of the Safety Management examination as well as the detailed examination blueprint. Sample questions typical of the Safety Management examination are presented in subsequent sections with solutions and explanations. A section of this publication explains how to effectively prepare for the examination and lists materials and organizations offering preparation documents and courses. There is a section describing computer-delivered examinations and the procedures used at the testing centers where the Safety Management examination is delivered. A copy of the ABOHN Examination Reference Handout is also provided. The ABOHN Examination Reference Handout contained in this publication is the same as the formula and equation reference document provided to candidates online at testing centers during examinations. This entire handbook may be downloaded from Definition of Occupational Health Nursing Safety Management ABOHN has defined a certified Occupational Health Nurse Safety Manager as an individual who "plans, organizes, implements and evaluates hazard control activities that meet organizational safety objectives to reduce or eliminate risks to people, property and the environment". 1

5 The ABOHN Safety Management Credential Qualified candidates who are successful on the ABOHN Safety Management examination will be awarded either a COHN/SM or COHN-S/SM credential, depending on the base credential held. In the case where the certified occupational health nurse also holds the ABOHN Case Management certification, the credentials will be COHN/CM/SM or COHN-S/CM/SM. Holding the ABOHN Safety Management credential will allow the certified occupational health nurse to obtain a waiver of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Safety Fundamentals examination if the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential is sought and if other BCSP requirements are met. Eligibility Requirements The following are the requirements to qualify to take the ABOHN Safety Management examination: Certification as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) or Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist (COHN-S); At least 25% safety activities in current position; 50 contact hours of safety-related* continuing education in the most recent 5 years; 1000 hours of safety-related* experience in the most recent 5 years. *Safety-related is defined as being contained in the Knowledge and Skills areas listed in the Safety Management examination blueprint. Overview of the Safety Management Examination In general, the Safety Management examination measures a range of basic knowledge required in professional safety practice. The examination is oriented toward knowledge typical of the academically trained, entry-level safety professional. Most questions are likely to focus on facts, definitions, terminology, methods and similar forms of basic knowledge. While some questions test applied knowledge, the applications rely on basic experience. Questions typically deal with simple problems, calculations and situations. The Safety Management examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions with four possible answers. Only one answer is correct. Each question is independent and does not rely on the correct answer to any other question. Data necessary to answer questions are included in the question or in a scenario shared by several questions. The score is based on the number of scored questions correctly answered. The Safety Management examination is updated on a regular basis. Most questions come from safety professionals in practice. Before questions are accepted into item banks, they go through rigorous technical, psychometric, and grammatical editing. In addition, practicing safety professionals with expertise in the subject area of the item review, edit questions on several criteria, including importance in and relevance to professional safety. Also, 10 15% of the questions on ABOHN examinations are experimental, and do not contribute to a candidate's pass/fail decision. ABOHN analyzes the performance of these experimental questions before deciding to include them in the official item bank. Questions that successfully complete this quality process are placed in the item bank for potential use in examinations. Throughout question development, examination development, examination revision, and examination administration, ABOHN consults with experienced testing specialists (psychometricians) to ensure that ABOHN examinations and the entire testing and certification process conform to acceptable practices and accreditation standards. A criterion-referenced procedure (the modified Angoff method) is performed to establish minimum passing scores for 2

6 examinations. This procedure ensures that each score is independent of scores for other candidates sitting for the examination and involves having a panel of experts rate each examination question with respect to a candidate who would just meet the minimum requirements to sit for the examination and should know the correct answer. The minimum passing score is calculated from results across all raters and across all examination questions. The ratings reflect such things as the difficulty of questions and the degree to which questions are common for all areas of professional practice. As examinations are modified on a regular basis, the minimum passing score is adjusted for the difficulty of questions on the examination. Item performance is also evaluated regularly to ensure that ABOHN examinations maintain the highest testing standards. Five hours are allowed to complete the Safety Management examination. Examinations are closed book, and accessing external reference materials during the examination is not permitted. Scratch paper is provided by the testing center. Computer Based Testing The ABOHN Safety Management examination is computer-based, with one question appearing on the screen at a time. A mouse is used to point to and select the desired answer. Answers can be changed the same way. Questions can be skipped for later review by simply clicking on the next question. At the end of the examination, there is a table of questions and answers selected. The table also shows skipped and marked questions. To return to a question, select it by clicking on the question number. Prior to beginning the actual examination, there is a tutorial. Logging off after completing the examination formally submits the examination for scoring. The examination is scored immediately and provisional pass-fail determination is made at the time of testing with a detailed score report to follow from the ABOHN office within 4 weeks. Domains of Practice The ABOHN Safety Management examination blueprint is based on practice analysis surveys to determine current functions of occupational health nurses with responsibility for safety. Practice analysis studies also identify the percent of time spent in specific areas of practice described here as domains. Based on the percentages of time, an examination blueprint is developed that indicates the number of examination questions that will pertain to each domain. The table below provides the distribution of questions for each domain on the Safety Management examination. Domain Domain 1 Safety, Health and Environmental Management Percent of Questions on Examination 37% Domain 2 Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering 25% Domain 3 Safety, Health and Environmental Information Management and Communications 33% Domain 4 Professional Conduct and Ethics 5% 3

7 The Safety Management Examination Blueprint The examination outline or blueprint is an expansion of the percentages of domains represented on the examination. It includes the supporting elements of responsibilities and the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the responsibility. Safety Management examination questions are written to reflect the knowledge and skills detailed in the blueprint and can be expected to appear on the examination in the percentages detailed in the blueprint that follows. Responsibility 1 DOMAIN 1 Safety, Health and Environmental Management (Safety Management Examination- 37%) Design comprehensive management systems by defining requirements and developing policies, procedures, and programs to protect people, property and the environment. Knowledge 1. Statutory and case law regulating safety, health and the environment 2. Operational process to design/develop safe work practices 3. Material process flow 4. Safety, health and environmental sciences 5. Design of hazard control systems (i.e., fall protection, scaffolding) 6. Design of recordkeeping systems that allow for collection, storage, interpretation and dissemination 7. Mathematics and statistics 8. Methods and techniques for achieving safety through design 9. Methods and techniques for accident investigation 10. Property protection (physical and intellectual) and security 11. Organizational theory and behavioral science Responsibility 2 Implement policies, procedures and programs through management systems to protect people, property and the environment. Knowledge 1. Organization theory and behavioral science 2. Education and training methods 3. Basic sciences: chemistry, biology, physics, physiology and anatomy 4. Safety, health and environmental sciences Responsibility 3 Skills 1. Interpreting and applying regulations 2. Applying inspection and control methods for potentially hazardous exposure 3. Mathematical and statistical analysis 4. Analyzing production process hazards 5. Designing safe work practices for systems, facilities and equipment 6. Interpreting and applying safety, health and environmental science data for process improvement 7. Interpersonal communication 8. Problem solving in incident investigation 9. Integrating safety system into the organizational culture 10. Designing effective training programs with emphasis on employee behavior Skills 1. Interpersonal communication 2. Teaching and training in safety, health and environmental science areas and how they apply to the management system 3. Using basic science to explain safety, health and environmental issues 4. Developing systems to track implementation 5. Ensuring that delegation of authority and responsibility are in compliance with the management system design Determine the effectiveness of management systems by measuring and evaluating performance indicators to ensure continuous improvement in the protection of people, property and the environment. Knowledge 1. Quantitative and qualitative performance indicators 2. Mathematics and statistics 3. Basic sciences: chemistry, biology, physics, physiology and anatomy 4. Safety, health and environmental issues 5. Management and behavioral sciences 6. Laws, standards and regulations 7. Safety management systems 8. Education and training methods 9. Auditing techniques and management systems reviews Skills 1. Applying safety, health and environmental knowledge to determine system effectiveness 2. Mathematical and statistical analysis 3. Applying management and behavioral science to determine system effectiveness 4. Interpreting regulations to ensure a compliant and effective system 5. Using interpersonal communication 6. Using accepted system safety techniques to compare system to industry/consensus systems 7. Sampling and making observations 8. Improving policies and procedures 4

8 Responsibility 4 Implement risk management strategies by using the results of hazard identification and risk analyses to eliminate and/or reduce harmful exposures to people, property and the environment. Knowledge 1. Laws, standards and regulations 2. Processing operations (e.g., critical inputs, assessment and inventory) 3. Mathematics and statistics 4. Insurance practices (types and premium calculations) 5. Industrial hygiene, including chemical, physical and biological agents 6. Safety engineering 7. Safety management 8. Fire prevention and protection including life safety 9. Construction safety 10. Education and training methods 11. Ergonomics program management 12. Transportation/fleet safety management 13. Workers compensation and case management 14. Risk management concepts 15. Crisis management 16. Post-incident and loss mitigation 17. Behavior modification 18. Safety through design process Responsibility 5 Skills 1. Interpreting laws, standards, and regulations 2. Mathematical and statistical analysis 3. Analyzing process flow, management of critical paths/systems 4. Quantifying loss data and trends 5. Analyzing sampling results and other data to support decision making and prioritizing control recommendations 6. Organizing the results and recommendations into an effective training program 7. Managing safety through the design processes Apply sound business practices and economic principles for efficient use of resources to increase the value of the safety processes. Knowledge 1. Business regulations and laws 2. Economics, accounting and statistics 3. Process management, material flow and procurement 4. Personnel development techniques 5. Insurance practices (types and premium calculations) 6. Drug/alcohol programs, including employee assistance programs 7. Capital budgeting and long-range planning Responsibility 6 Skills 1. Writing job descriptions that include safety accountability as a line item 2. Quantifying the economic value of the safety process 3. Determining the most appropriate drug and alcohol testing programs 4. Acquiring, allocating and controlling human and material resources 5. Using performance evaluations to quantify the effectiveness of employee programs 6. Applying project controls (budgeting, scheduling, estimating) to maximize system efficiency 7. Using capital budgeting techniques, activity-based cost accounting and costbenefit analysis Encourage participation through communication and other methods to ensure that all stakeholders (e.g., employees, managers, vendors, contractors) have an understanding and an active role in the formulation and implementation of safety processes. Knowledge 1. Communication and presentation techniques 2. Organizational theory and behavioral science 3. Laws, standards, and regulations that require employee participation 4. Economics and budgeting 5. Management principles 6. Employee participation committees 7. Labor relations, including union/management committees Skills 1. Communication and presentation 2. Organizational development 3. Interpreting and applying laws, standards and regulations 4. Problem solving 5. Behavior modification techniques 6. Using capital budgeting techniques, activity-based cost accounting and costbenefit analysis 7. Implementing employee participation committees 8. Working with unions and management 5

9 DOMAIN 2 Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering (Safety Management Examination 25 % ) Responsibility 1 Evaluate facilities, products, systems, equipment, workstations and processes by applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to identify the hazards and assess the associated risks. Knowledge 1. Methods and techniques for evaluation of facilities, products, systems, equipment, workstations and processes 2. Methods and techniques for measurement, sampling and analysis 3. Specifications and drawings 4. Laws, standards and regulations 5. Risk assessment techniques 6. Characteristics and hazards of materials 7. Basic sciences: chemistry, biology, physics, physiology and anatomy 8. Applied engineering sciences: electronics, mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, structures, plant layout, etc. 9. Industrial hygiene, including chemical, physical and agents 10. Fire protection and prevention, including life safety 11. Environmental protection and pollution prevention 12. Construction safety 13. System safety 14. Product safety 15. Behavioral sciences 16. Education and training methods 17. Ergonomics and human factors 18. Process safety 19. Physical and chemical characteristics of hazardous materials 20. Equipment and facility safety requirements Responsibility 2 Skills 1. Applying methods and techniques for hazard identification, hazard evaluation, risk assessment and control 2. Using analytical equipment: monitoring and sampling equipment 3. Interpreting plans, specifications and drawings 4. Interpreting laws, standards and regulations 5. Consulting with subject matter experts 6. Consulting with equipment manufacturers/suppliers and construction contractors to ensure safety control compliance 7. Benchmarking with other companies in same industry for safety equipment/facility design, engineering and controls Recommend controls through design, engineering and specification to eliminate or reduce the risks posed by safety, health and environmental hazards. Knowledge 1. Laws, standards and regulations 2. Risk management 3. Recordkeeping, data collection and retrieval systems 4. Materials 5. Basic sciences: chemistry, biology, physics, physiology and anatomy 6. Applied engineering sciences: electronics, mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, structures, plant layout, etc. 7. Industrial hygiene, including chemical, physical and biological agents 8. Fire prevention and protection, including life safety 9. Environmental protection and pollution prevention 10. Construction safety 11. System safety 12. Product safety 13. Behavioral sciences 14. Education and training methods 15. Ergonomics and human factors 16. Process safety 17. Ventilation system 18. Procurement Skills 1. Interpreting laws, standards and regulations 2. Applying methods and techniques for hazard identification, hazard evaluation, risk assessment and control 3. Using data collection, retrieval and analysis systems 4. Eliminating or controlling exposure to identified hazards by substitution, engineering, or using personal protective equipment 5. Consulting with subject matter experts 6. Communicating risks that are present and appropriate control measures to management 6

10 Responsibility 3 Evaluate controls by analyzing feasibility, effectiveness, reliability and cost to achieve the optimal solution. Knowledge 1. Laws, standards and regulations 2. Methods and techniques for evaluating feasibility, effectiveness, reliability and cost-benefit 3. Risk assessment 4. Specifications and drawings 5. Data management 6. Industrial hygiene, including chemical, physical, and biological agents 7. Fire protection and protection, including life safety 8. Environmental protection and pollution prevention 9. Construction technology 10. Inspection and auditing techniques 11. System and occupational safety Responsibility 4 Skills 1. Interpreting laws, standards and regulations 2. Applying methods and techniques for evaluating feasibility, effectiveness, reliability and cost-benefit 3. Applying economics analysis 4. Interpreting plans, specifications and drawings 5. Performing compliance and conformance inspections and audits 6. Consulting with subject matter experts 7. Using data collection and retrieval systems 8. Interpreting analytical results 9. Testing and maintaining fire detection and suppression systems Obtain compliance certifications, listings, approvals or authorizations by identifying and meeting applicable national and international laws, regulations and standards in order to ensure product, process and facility safety. Knowledge 1. Laws, standards and regulations 2. Data management 3. Quality assurance and control 4. Documentation protocol 5. Certification requirements 6. Appropriate entities to contact for forms, approval and certifications Skills 1. Interpreting data 2. Interpreting laws, standards and regulations 3. Performing quality assurance audits and inspections 4. Using document processing protocols 5. Managing the approval process 6. Consulting with subject matter experts 7. Meeting with federal, state and local officials DOMAIN 3 Safety, Health and Environmental Information Management and Communications (Safety Management Examination- 33%) Responsibility 1 Develop effective training programs by establishing learning objectives to impart knowledge and facilitate an understanding of hazards and controls. Knowledge 1. Adult learning 2. Group dynamics 3. Technical content 4. Needs analysis 5. Testing and measurement 6. Presentation media and technologies 7. Graphic design Responsibility 2 Skills 1. Applying appropriate lesson plans that include interactive learning (e.g., small exchange, case studies, experience sharing) 2. Item/question writing and test construction 3. Using presentation technology: hardware and software 4. Conducting audience needs assessments 5. Facilitating group interactions to maximize learning 6. Making effective graphics 7. Providing an effective learning environment (e.g., classroom layout, lighting, minimal distraction) 8. Organizing presentations Deliver effective training programs by using media and methods appropriate to the audience to maximize understanding of the subject matter. Knowledge 1. Presentation media 2. Adult learning 3. Target audience background and informational needs 4. Group dynamics 5. Active learning techniques 6. Conflict resolution techniques Skills 1. Using presentation technology: hardware and software 2. Using lesson plans 3. Soliciting audience feedback 4. Resolving conflicts 5. Encouraging participation 6. Communicating effectively using verbal and nonverbal skills 7. Integrating critical thinking processing into presentations 7

11 Responsibility 3 Evaluate training programs through performance assessments and various forms of feedback in order to assure that training is effective. Knowledge 1. Testing and measurement 2. Sampling techniques 3. Statistical analysis 4. Item writing and test construction 5. Methods for obtaining feedback Responsibility 4 Skills 1. Item/question writing and test construction 2. Using sampling techniques to assess performance 3. Mathematical and statistical analysis 4. Gathering feedback Present technical information, both verbally and in writing, to effectively communicate with employees, management, customers, contractors, public relations officials, vendors and the public. Knowledge 1. Graphic design 2. Group dynamics 3. English and grammar 4. Format for various types of media 5. Protocols for public announcements 6. Risk assessment techniques 7. Legal aspects of communication Responsibility 5 Skills 1. Using graphics, illustrations, and other media 2. Audience dynamics 3. Communicating effectively using verbal and nonverbal skills 4. Formatting technical papers and other media 5. Writing and delivering public announcements 6. Applying risk communication strategies 7. Writing procedures, policies, standard operating procedures, etc. Communicate hazards, risks and control measures to employees, management, customers, contractors, vendors and the public by preparing and delivering appropriate information to educate an organization or the community. Knowledge 1. Legal aspects of communication 2. Labeling requirement for products, materials, and equipment 3. International symbols 4. Symbology (colors, wording, format, presentation) 5. Cultural norms and their relationship to communication Responsibility 6 Skills 1. Creating labels and warnings 2. Applying international warnings and symbols 3. Applying proper format: color, lighting, placement, etc. 4. Integrating cultural norms into communications 5. Delivering the information in the language and media appropriate for the audience Develop ongoing relationships with the community by interacting with outside organizations to foster a mutual understanding of the profession and community needs with regard to safety issues. Knowledge 1. Governmental entities and responsibilities 2. Mutual aid agreements 3. Emergency response planning and communication 4. Standards development 5. Sphere of influence Responsibility 7 Skills 1. Establishing and working within mutual aid agreements 2. Planning and implementing emergency response activities 3. Providing input during standards development 4. Negotiating with political entities Maintain a recordkeeping and data capture and retrieval system by using appropriate data management systems to acquire, analyze and distribute accurate data. Knowledge 1. Recordkeeping and recording requirements (e.g., OSHA, EPA, workers compensation, hazardous waste permitting and manifesting requirements, DOT) 2. Statistical analysis 3. Computers, data transfer and storage hardware options 4. Data logging and monitoring equipment 5. Business software (e.g., database software) 6. Report development (e.g., training records, accident report forms, inspection forms) 7. Record retention requirements and management protocols (confidentiality, etc.) 8. Data analysis and presentation 9. Chain of custody regarding incident investigation Skills 1. Managing recordkeeping (e.g., OSHA, EPA, workers compensation, hazardous waste permitting and manifesting requirements, DOT) 2. Mathematical and statistical analysis 3. Using computers, data transfer and storage hardware 4. Using data loggers and monitoring equipment 5. Construction reports and data collection forms 6. Complying with confidentiality requirements 7. Complying with record retention protocols 8. Maintaining data integrity 9. Preserving chain of custody for evidence in incident investigation 10. Calculating accident and incident rates 8

12 Responsibility 8 Develop and maintain proficiency in professional communication through continuing personal education in the use of business technology. Knowledge 1. Computer software concepts (databases, spreadsheets, word processing) 2. Internet resources 3. Information transfer and storage technologies 4. Information acquisition (data logging) technologies 5. Telecommunications technology Skills 1. Using standard business software 2. Exchanging information via the Internet 3. Using information transfer and storage techniques 4. Using data acquisition equipment 5. Using teleconferencing, and other electronic media DOMAIN 4 Professional Conduct and Ethics (Safety Management Examination 5 %) Responsibility 1 Hold paramount the protection of people, property, and the environment by persistently working with management and governmental agencies until the identified hazard has been eliminated or minimized. Knowledge 1. AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Organizational protocol 3. Conflict resolution techniques 4. Formal and informal presentation techniques 5. Negotiation procedures 6. Laws, standards, and regulations Responsibility 2 Skills 1. Applying AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Following organizational protocol 3. Resolving conflict 4. Communicating effectively using verbal and nonverbal skills 5. Negotiating compliance issues with government and other entities or affected parties 6. Using laws, standards and regulations as benchmarks Adhere to standards of professional conduct by limiting practice to areas of competence and avoiding conflicts of interest to minimize the potential for harm. Knowledge 1. AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. General business ethics 3. Conflict resolution techniques 4. Personal and professional limitations 5. Methods of facilitating teamwork 6. Competencies of other technical professionals with whom the safety professional interacts 7. Consequences of professional errors or omissions 8. Elements of a conflict of interest policy 9. Laws relating to conflict of interest Responsibility 3 Skills 1. Applying AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Applying team building and interpersonal techniques 3. Resolving conflicts through negotiation 4. Selecting consultants and outside resources and providing adequate support Accept responsibility to promote safety by providing technical counsel and advice on issues related to the safety profession to protect people, property and the environment. Knowledge 1. AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Sources safety, health, and environmental literature and other information 3. Job authority, responsibility and accountability 4. Professional liability issues 5. Conflict resolution Responsibility 4 Skills 1. Applying AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Avoiding errors and omissions 3. Resolving conflict Conduct professional activities by following organizational protocol to assist in making positive, balanced and effective decisions. Knowledge 1. AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. General business ethics 3. Organizational protocol 4. Management principles of accountability and responsibility Skills 1. Applying AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Following organizational protocol 3. Applying management principles of authority, responsibility and accountability 9

13 Responsibility 5 Improve technical competency through continuing professional and self-development in order to increase knowledge and skills. Knowledge 1. AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Recent technical issues and advances in the safety, health and environmental profession 3. Continuing education sources in the safety, health and environmental profession (e.g., conferences, professional seminars, networking, textbooks, magazines, professional journals) 4. Specialty certification opportunities Responsibility 6 Skills 1. Applying AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Selecting appropriate professional development opportunities Foster accurate accountability for injuries/illnesses and other types of occurrences by identifying root and contributing causes in order to assure that proper controls are implemented. Knowledge 1. AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Conflict resolution techniques 3. Methods of identifying accident causation 4. Management principles of authority, responsibility and accountability Skills 1. Applying AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2. Performing incident investigations, including root cause analysis 3. Interviewing people 4. Negotiating acceptance and/or ultimately assigning responsibility 5. Applying management principles of authority, responsibility and accountability 10

14 SAMPLE SAFETY MANAGEMENT EXAMINATION QUESTIONS A few sample questions are included in this section. The questions illustrate the style and format typical of questions on the Safety Management examination. Domain 1: Safety, Health and Environmental Management Responsibility 1. Design comprehensive management systems by defining requirements and developing policies, procedures and programs to protect people, property and the environment. 1. Of the following, which is not a defense against a consumer pleading negligence on the part of the manufacturer? 1. Disclaimer 2. Contributory negligence 3. State of the art in design 4. Undetectable defect Responsibility 2. Implement policies, procedures and programs through management systems to protect people, property and the environment. 2. The principal function of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission is to: 1. Adjudicate contested enforcement actions of federal OSHA 2. Review federal OSHA standards for technical accuracy 3. Oversee research in occupational safety and health 4. Advise the U.S. Secretary of Labor on occupational safety and health issues Responsibility 3. Determine the effectiveness of management systems by measuring and evaluating the performance indicators to ensure continuous improvement in the protection of people, property and the environment. 3. What is the standard deviation of the following data? 3.0, 7.0, 1.0, 6.0, 5.0, 7.0, 4.0, 7.0, 2.0, Responsibility 4. Implement risk management strategies by using the results of hazard identification and risk analyses to eliminate and/or reduce harmful exposures to people, property and the environment. 4. Siderosis is a pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of: 1. Beryllium 2. Iron oxide 3. Lead oxide 4. Free silica 11

15 Responsibility 5. Apply sound business practices and economic principles for efficient use of resources to increase the value of the safety processes. 5. The annual losses from accidents in a small construction firm are expected to be $25,000 per year. These estimates only include direct losses. An investment of $35,000 in safety countermeasures will reduce these direct annual loss values to $10,000 per year. The projected life for this investment is five years at an estimated annual interest rate of 15%. The present worth of the annual savings from the safety countermeasures is: 1. $101, $75, $50, $7,500 Responsibility 6. Encourage participation through communication and other methods to ensure that all stakeholders (e.g., employees, managers, vendors, contractors) have an understanding and an active role in the formulation and implementation of safety processes. 6. A Safety Manager is communicating with a group of workers on improving their safety performance. Which communication method is most effective for developing a list of concerns to address with the group when solving this problem? 1. Survey questionnaire 2. Brainstorming session 3. Letter from top management 4. Individual meetings with the supervisors Domain 2: Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering Responsibility 1. Evaluate facilities, products, systems, equipment, workstations and processes by applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to identify the hazards and assess the associated risks. 7. A block and tackle is arranged as shown to lift weight (W). What vertical force (F) is required to maintain the system in equilibrium, neglecting friction and the weight of the block and tackle? 1. F = W/2 2. F = 2W 3. F = 2W/3 4. F = W/3 12

16 Responsibility 2. Recommend controls through design, engineering and specification to eliminate or reduce the risks posed by safety, health and environmental hazards. 8. A control system contains a subsystem having series elements A and B. The subsystem will perform as intended if both elements A and B function properly. Failures by A and B are mutually exclusive. Failure rates of the two elements are equal at a long-term value of one failure per 10,000 trials. What is the long-term failure rate of the subsystem? 1. One per 5,000 trials 2. One per 10,000 trials 3. One per 20,000 trials 4. One per 100,000 trials Responsibility 3. Evaluate controls by analyzing feasibility, effectiveness, reliability and cost to achieve the optimal solution. 9. A high-pressure compressor supplying a large nitrogen reservoir will be equipped with a new system of controls, sensing devices, automatic shutoff devices and overpressure relief features. There is concern that this new system will not provide adequate control to prevent overpressure and catastrophic rupture of the nitrogen reservoir vessel. Which system safety technique best analyzes the possibility of vessel overpressure and rupture? 1. Criticality analysis 2. Preliminary hazard analysis 3. Fault tree analysis 4. Failure mode and effects analysis Responsibility 4. Obtain compliance certifications, listings, approvals or authorizations by identifying and meeting applicable national and international laws, regulations and standards in order to ensure product, process and facility safety. 10. Effective grounding may be accomplished by using a: 1. Metal framework or metal structures with negligible resistance to ground or grounding electrodes 2. Three-conductor cords with polarized plug-in receptacles 3. Transformer isolation with a low resistance path to ground 4. Ground-fault circuit interrupter for every circuit with a proper cross-connection Domain 3: Safety, Health and Environmental Information Management and Communications Responsibility 1. Develop effective training programs by establishing learning objectives to impart knowledge and facilitate an understanding of hazards and controls. 11. A learning objective is a statement about: 1. What topics will be included in a training session 2. How much training time is needed to cover a topic 3. What trainees will be able to do after the training 4. What training method will be most effective Responsibility 2. Deliver effective training programs by using media and methods appropriate to the audience to maximize understanding of the subject matter. 13

17 12. In developing a safety training program, the most essential consideration is: 1. Training staff 2. Training methods 3. Content of training program 4. Training objectives Responsibility 3. Evaluate training programs through performance assessments and various forms of feedback in order to assure that training is effective. 13. Which method is most effective in evaluating safety knowledge following training? 1. Observing the person on the job 2. Monitoring the accident rate for those who completed training 3. Having trainees participate in a focus group 4. Having trainees complete an objectively scored quiz Responsibility 4. Present technical information, both verbally and in writing, to effectively communicate with employees, management, customers, contractors, public relations officials, vendors and the public. 14. Which software product is most helpful in preparing a presentation for department managers on their safety performance? 1. Microsoft FrontPage 2. Macromedia Dreamweaver 3. Microsoft Access 4. Microsoft PowerPoint Responsibility 5. Communicate hazards, risks and control measures to employees, management, customers, contractors, vendors and the public by preparing and delivering appropriate information to educate an organization or the community. 15. In preparing to discuss risks associated with contractor services, which risk-perception factor is most likely to gain contractor acceptance? 1. High probability compared to low probability 2. Natural compared to human made 3. Involuntary compared to voluntary 4. Affects many compared to affects few Responsibility 6. Develop ongoing relationships with the community by interacting with outside organizations to foster a mutual understanding of the profession and community needs with regard to safety issues. 16. A company is trying to gain community involvement in safety issues created by having the company operate in the community. Which local organization is most likely to have the most interest in working with the company? 1. Better Business Bureau 2. Chamber of Commerce 3. Convention and Visitor s Bureau 4. League of Women Voters 14

18 Responsibility 7. Maintain a recordkeeping and data capture and retrieval system by using appropriate data management systems to acquire, analyze and distribute accurate data. 17. Which software product is best suited to constructing a database for tracking safety complaints about a company s consumer products? 1. Corel Quattro Pro 2. Microsoft Excel 3. IBM Lotus Corel Paradox Responsibility 8. Develop and maintain proficiency in professional communication through continuing personal education in the use of business technology. 18. In the development of an accident data collection system, the most important first step is to: 1. Differentiate between human error and design error 2. Define the subsequent use of the data 3. Establish accident-reporting responsibilities 4. Codify data to conform to existing data sources Domain 4: Professional Conduct and Ethics Responsibility 1. Hold paramount the protection of people, property and the environment by persistently working with management and governmental agencies until the identified hazard has been eliminated or minimized. 19. While reviewing 10-year-old employee exposure records, a Safety Manager notices systemic calculation errors. The errors appear to result from converting personal monitor data to daily exposure values, thus understating actual exposures by 20 to 50%. Once the Safety Manager knows that the data are actually incorrect, the Safety Manager should: 1. Take no action since the data are 10 years old 2. Send a letter to the company detailing these findings 3. Report the errors in writing directly to the nearest federal OSHA Area Office 4. Talk to a company official and recommend that a review of employees exposure records be completed Responsibility 2. Adhere to standards of professional conduct by limiting practice to areas of competence and avoiding conflicts of interest to minimize the potential for harm. 20. According to the AAOHN Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, occupational health nurses are to act in a manner free of bias. Which factor is not included among types of bias? 1. Age 2. Religion 3. Disability 4. Employer 15

19 Responsibility 3. Accept responsibility to promote safety by providing technical counsel and advice on issues related to the safety profession to protect people, property and the environment. 21. To help convince a manager of his expertise, a person tells him that he holds the Safety Management credential. The manager accesses the ABOHN web site, but his name is not on the ABOHN Directory. The manager s next course of action should be to: 1. Focus on the safety-related issues and ignore his claim 2. Obtain a document showing that he is using the Safety Management credential and submit it to ABOHN 3. Send a letter directly to his supervisor regarding his claim 4. Send a letter to federal OSHA about his claim Responsibility 4. Conduct professional activities by following organizational protocol to assist in making positive, balanced and effective decisions. 22. A company contracted with a general contractor to complete an addition to the company s office building. The contractor, in turn, hired a subcontractor to perform some trenching for footings. Out an office window, a Safety Manager sees that a worker is in the unprotected trench and that the trench depth violates standards for soil types in the area. After ensuring that the imminently hazardous situation is immediately corrected, the Safety Manager should: 1. Go to the worker in the trench and the backhoe operator and tell them to stop their work 2. Contact the company s contract representative and explain the violation of safety rules and what should be done to achieve safe work 3. Go to the general contractor s safety officer in the onsite trailer, explain what was observed, and suggest what should be done 4. Call the subcontractor s office and explain the danger for its workers and what correction in the operations will meet safety requirements Responsibility 5. Improve technical competency through continuing professional and self-development in order to increase knowledge and skills. 23. Which organization sponsors an annual professional development conference that will permit attending Safety Managers to earn contact hours towards recertification? 1. American Association of Occupational Health Nurses 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3. Department of Regulations and Professional Affairs 4. American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Council Responsibility 6. Foster accurate accountability for injuries/illnesses and other types of occurrences by identifying root and contributing causes in order to assure that proper controls are implemented. 24. Which type of diagram was originated by Kaoru Ishikawa, is known as a cause-and-effect diagram, and is useful for identifying the root causes of the causal factors of accidents? 1. Control chart 2. Flow diagram 3. Histogram 4. Fishbone diagram 16

20 Answers to Sample Safety Management Examination Questions Item No. Correct Answer Item No. Correct Answer Item No. Correct Answer Item No. Correct Answer Item No. Correct Answer Item No Correct Answer Solutions to Sample Safety Management Examination Questions 1. Where a suit is based on negligence of the manufacturer, the issue of a disclaimer by the manufacturer is not a defense. Each of the other possible answers could be used in a defense of a suit based on negligence. 2. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission was established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to review contested cases resulting from federal OSHA enforcement actions. 3. X X x x = = = = = = = = = = 3 9 X = 50.0 x 2 = 52 X = X / n = 50.0 / 10 = 5.0 s = [ x 2 / (n-1) ] 1/2 = [52 / 9] 1/2 = Siderosis results from inhalation of iron oxide in operations such as welding and iron ore mining. 5. Loss savings = $25,000 - $10,000 = $15,000. Present worth factor uniform payment series = P = A {[(1 + i) n - 1] / [i(1 + i) n ]} = (15,000) {[ ] /[0.3017]} = (15,000) (3.353) = $50,284 $50, Brainstorming with a group is most likely to gain buy-in among participants because they can identify with issues they added to the list. A survey gains participation of individuals but does not allow for the group dynamics of a 17

21 brainstorming session. A letter from top management and involvement of only the supervisors result in downward communication only. 7. The mechanical advantage of a pulley is equal to the number of free cords running to the moveable pulley. In this case, the mechanical advantage is 3. Therefore, F = W/3. 8. Since both elements must function for the subsystem to function, the failure of any one element will cause the subsystem to fail (i.e., the subsystem will fail if either A or B fails). Because the failures are also mutually exclusive, the probability of failure of the subsystem is P(A) + P(B). P(A) + P(B) = 1/10, /10,000 = 1/5, Because the system is in the design phase and the concern is with the occurrence of one event rupture resulting from overpressure fault tree analysis is the most appropriate of the techniques listed. 10. Metal framework or metal structures with negligible resistance to ground are acceptable, in addition to grounding electrodes. 11. Learning objectives are usually expressed so that outcomes are defined. 12. Once the need for training has been established, the training program's objectives must be defined before training staff, methods or content can be selected or implemented. 13. Knowledge is best assessed through some type of examination for each individual, while skills can be assessed through observation methods. 14. Microsoft PowerPoint is an application for developing electronic presentations. Microsoft FrontPage and Macromedia Dreamweaver are web development tools. Microsoft Access is a database management system. 15. According to studies of risk acceptance, risks that are driven by nature are more acceptable than risks that are manmade, as are those of very low probability, those that are voluntary or those that affect only a few people. 16. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its chapters promote business and focus on business issues. 17. Corel Paradox is a database management system, while the others are all spreadsheet programs. A database management system is best suited to managing a mix of data. 18. The designer of a safety information (or accident data) system should constantly be cognizant of the function (or subsequent use) that it will serve. 18