The majority of adults in the United States spend at least eight hours per day five days a week working at a job outside the home. Although most employers are safety conscious and want to make the work environment safe, accidents do happen.
The U.S. Department of Labor keeps an eye on workplace safety through a number of its organizations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). When major accidents occur, such as the deaths of twelve miners in a mine explosion in West Virginia in 2006, these organizations may step in to find out what happened. They try to determine if anyone is at fault and whether or not the accident could have been prevented. Sometimes legal action is taken against the employer.
These organizations are also concerned with accident prevention. They watch new production trends and try to anticipate problems that could occur. Nanotechnology—the use of materials built from newly engineered atoms—is one example. Questions are raised about possible dangers to workers from such materials. For example: In what ways might employees be exposed to nanomaterials? In what ways might nanomaterials enter the body during those exposures? Once in the body, where would the nanomaterials travel, and how would they interact with the body's systems? Would those interactions be harmless, or could they cause illness or injury?
Other, private safety organizations, such as the National Safety Council, also work to improve safety conditions nationwide. They develop public service programs and distribute information that promotes safety.
Top
For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate ways in which safety organizations, such as OSHA, promote workplace safety. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.
Top
Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- Which federal act spells out the responsibilities of the Mine Safety and Health Administration?
- How many lives did the Monongah coal mine disaster claim in 1907?
- Coal mine safety has improved greatly. Since 1876, which period produced the most coal mine disasters? Which period produced the least?
- What is OSHA's mission?
- According to OSHA, why are young workers at greater risk of workplace injury than mature workers?
- In what way does OSHA protect workers who complain about workplace safety in its Whistleblower Program?
- NIOSH has issued a statement on the safety of exposure to nanomaterials in the workplace. What approach does it suggest employers take?
- When was the National Safety Council founded?
Top
Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
Top
Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you've gained by going on this WebQuest.
- Take part in a panel discussion on the use of toxic materials in the workplace. Why are toxic materials still used in some products? Should some or all toxic materials be banned? Why or why not?
- The home is also a workplace for those responsible for its operation and upkeep. Review the cleaning aids used in your own home. Make a chart showing those that include warnings on the labels. Include the warnings and recommendations in your chart and identify any toxic materials named.
- Do some research to determine the three most dangerous professions in the U.S. Write a brief report on what makes them so dangerous.
Top
