Theme 4

Question 1

Which trends in industry / society have led to growth of shift work? (3)

Answer 1

1. Process industries: industries such as power plants cannot close at night
2. Economic pressures
3. Service sector demands: service sector jobs such as nurses are needed around the clock

Question 2

How does the body regulate bodily activities according to its biological clock? (5)

Answer 2

1. Physiological variables: during day alertness, heart rate, neurotransmitter activity is higher
2. Body temp.: rises during day and drops at night
3. Biochemical effects: melatonin rises at night and drops in day
4. Urine production: increases at night and falls by day
5. Appetite sensation: low during sleep time.

Question 3

How can shift work be improved? (3)

Answer 3

1. Length of shift: should be related to type of work
2. Scheduling: direction (forwards / backwards) + frequency
3. Selection of individuals

Question 4

What are the factors that cause accidents? (6)

Answer 4

1. Employee characteristics
2. Job characteristics
3. Equipment and tools
4. Physical environment
5. Psycho-social environment
6. Human error

Question 5

What are the different types of violations? (3)

Answer 5

1. Routine: normalized non-compliance
2. Situational
3. Exceptional: attempting to solve problems in highly unusual circumstances

Question 6

How can errors can be classified? (3)

Answer 6

1. Omission: resulting from failing to do something
2. Commission: resulting from doing something
3. Intended (mistake) vs. unintended

Question 7

What are the types of mistakes? (2)

Answer 7

1. Knowledge based

2. Rule-based

Question 8

What are the main acts? (3)

Answer 8

1. Occupational health and safety act (OHSA)
2. Basic Conditions of Employment act
3. Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)