What preventative action should be taken to address adverse health effects in the workplace?

• A. Reporting illness to HR
• B. Educating workers on symptoms and injuries
• C. Conducting chronic health assessments
• D. Immediately implementing new equipment

Answer: (B)

Educating workers on symptoms and injuries is a vital preventative action in addressing adverse health effects in the workplace. By providing education, employees become more aware of how to recognize early signs of health issues related to their work environment. This knowledge empowers them to seek help or take action before minor issues escalate into serious health problems.

Additionally, when workers are informed about specific symptoms related to hazards they might encounter, they can also help in creating a culture of safety where issues are reported and managed promptly. Education is not just about knowledge; it also fosters an environment where communication regarding health and safety is encouraged and prioritized, leading to overall improvements in workplace health standards.

In contrast, while reporting illness to HR, implementing new equipment, or conducting chronic health assessments are important aspects of workplace health management, they do not proactively prevent health issues in the same way that education does. Reporting and assessments often occur after a problem has been identified, and introducing new equipment, while potentially beneficial, may not address immediate awareness or knowledge gaps that lead to health issues in the first place.