Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) Practice Exam

Which factor is considered a human factor in workplace accidents?

1. Equipment failure

2. Environmental condition

3. Worker's actions

4. Organizational culture

The correct answer is: Worker's actions

Worker's actions are considered a human factor in workplace accidents because they directly relate to how individuals behave and make decisions in a work environment. Human factors encompass the physical and psychological aspects of human behavior, which can significantly influence the likelihood of accidents occurring. This includes how employees perform their tasks, their adherence to safety protocols, their level of training and experience, and even their physical and mental state while at work. For instance, a moment of distraction or fatigue can lead a worker to overlook critical safety procedures, increasing the risk of an accident. Understanding and addressing these human behaviors through training, awareness programs, and ergonomic improvements can help reduce workplace incidents and improve overall safety. In contrast, the other options, while relevant to safety, do not directly stem from human behavior. Equipment failure relates to mechanical issues, environmental conditions pertain to external factors such as weather or workplace design, and organizational culture refers more to the collective values and beliefs within a workplace rather than individual actions. Hence, the focus on worker's actions highlights the critical role human factors play in workplace safety dynamics.