Occupational Health — MCQs

Occupational Health Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 221: Most common cancer found in coal mine workers

A. Lung cancer (Correct Answer)
B. Anal cancer
C. Testicular cancer
D. Liver cancer

Explanation: ***Lung cancer*** - **Coal mine workers** are exposed to **coal dust** and other carcinogens, significantly increasing their risk of developing **lung cancer**. - **Pneumoconiosis**, or 'black lung disease,' is a common finding in coal miners, which can progress to or coexist with lung cancer. *Anal cancer* - This type of cancer is associated with **human papillomavirus (HPV) infection** and specific risk factors like receptive anal intercourse or immunosuppression, not typically coal dust exposure. - There is no direct occupational link between coal mining and an increased incidence of anal cancer. *Testicular cancer* - Risk factors for **testicular cancer** include undescended testes, a family history of the disease, and certain genetic conditions. - No demonstrable link exists between occupational exposure in coal mining and an elevated risk of testicular cancer. *Liver cancer* - **Liver cancer** is primarily associated with **chronic hepatitis B or C infection**, alcohol abuse, and certain metabolic diseases. - Coal mine workers do not have a higher prevalence of these risk factors compared to the general population.

Question 222: A construction worker came to the OPD complaining of white fingers. He has been working in the cement and concrete industry and has been working on heavy machinery drills, wood, and furniture polishing for 20 years. What is the most likely etiology for this condition?

A. Candidal infection of the fingers due to continuous exposure to water
B. Exposure to thinners and paints
C. Continuous exposure to cement and concrete
D. Continuous exposure to drills and machines (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Continuous exposure to drills and machines*** - The use of **heavy machinery drills** subjects the hands to **vibration**, which is a well-known cause of **Raynaud's phenomenon**, presenting as "white fingers" due to **vasospasm**. - This condition, often referred to as **vibration white finger**, is a common occupational hazard for workers using vibratory tools over long periods. *Candidal infection of the fingers due to continuous exposure to water* - While prolonged exposure to moisture can cause **Candidal infections** (e.g., paronychia), this typically presents as **redness, swelling, and pain** around the nails or skin, not the characteristic "white fingers" of Raynaud's. - White fingers due to candidiasis are not a primary manifestation and lack the **vasospastic component** seen with vibration exposure. *Exposure to thinners and paints* - Exposure to chemicals like **thinners and paints** can cause **irritant or allergic contact dermatitis**, leading to redness, itching, and skin lesions. - However, direct exposure to these substances is not typically associated with the sudden, episodic **blanching of fingers** characteristic of Raynaud's phenomenon. *Continuous exposure to cement and concrete* - **Cement and concrete** exposure often leads to **irritant or allergic contact dermatitis** due to the alkaline nature of cement, causing dryness, cracking, and eczema. - This type of exposure does not directly cause the **vasospastic episodes** that result in "white fingers."

Question 223: Which of the following is not considered personal protective equipment (PPE)?

A. Goggles
B. Gloves
C. Lab coat
D. Radiation detection badges (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Radiation detection badges*** - **Radiation detection badges** are used to monitor individual exposure to radiation but do not provide physical protection against hazards. - They serve as a **dosimeter** for measuring accumulated radiation dose, rather than a barrier. *Goggles* - **Goggles** are a form of eye protection designed to shield against splashes, mists, vapors, and projectiles. - They are essential PPE in environments where eye hazards are present, such as in laboratories or during certain medical procedures. *Gloves* - **Gloves** are used to protect hands from chemical, biological, and physical hazards by creating a barrier. - They are a fundamental type of PPE for preventing contamination and ensuring hygiene in healthcare and laboratory settings. *Lab coat* - A **lab coat** protects the wearer's personal clothing and skin from splashes, spills, and chemical contact. - It also helps to prevent the spread of contamination from the wearer to the environment or vice versa, acting as a protective barrier.

Question 224: Extended sickness benefit for tuberculosis under the ESI Act is:

A. 91 days
B. 2 years (Correct Answer)
C. 4 years
D. 1 year

Explanation: ***2 years*** - Under the **ESI Act 1948**, individuals suffering from **tuberculosis** are eligible for an **extended sickness benefit** period of up to **2 years (730 days)**. - This extended period recognizes the prolonged nature of tuberculosis treatment and recovery, providing financial support beyond the standard sickness benefit. - Other conditions eligible for extended sickness benefit include **leprosy, mental illness, and malignant diseases**. *91 days* - This refers to the **standard sickness benefit** period under the ESI Act, which applies to general illnesses. - **Tuberculosis** is a chronic disease requiring longer treatment duration, thus qualifying for extended benefits, not the standard 91-day period. *1 year* - While longer than the standard sickness benefit, **1 year** is not the specified duration for **extended sickness benefit** for tuberculosis under the ESI Act. - The ESI Act provides a more prolonged period of **2 years** for specific chronic diseases like tuberculosis. *4 years* - **4 years** is an incorrect duration for the **extended sickness benefit** for **tuberculosis** under the ESI Act. - The maximum extended sickness benefit period specified for tuberculosis is **2 years**, not 4 years.

Question 225: Maximum work hours for a person including overtime under the Factories Act:

A. 48 hours
B. 50 hours
C. 60 hours (Correct Answer)
D. 100 hours

Explanation: ***60 hours*** - Under the **Factories Act**, the total number of hours worked by an adult in any week, including **overtime**, shall not exceed **sixty hours**. - This limit is crucial for ensuring workers' health and safety, preventing **over-fatigue**, and promoting a reasonable work-life balance. *48 hours* - The **Factories Act** stipulates that no adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for more than **forty-eight hours in any week**. - However, this limit refers to the standard work week and **does not include overtime**, which is allowed within an additional limit. *50 hours* - This option is incorrect as it does not align with the maximum weekly work hours, including overtime, stipulated by the **Factories Act**. - There is no specific provision in the **Factories Act** that sets a combined standard and overtime work limit at exactly 50 hours per week. *100 hours* - This option is significantly higher than the maximum work hours allowed by the **Factories Act**, including overtime. - Working 100 hours per week would be a serious violation of labor laws, as it would expose workers to **severe health risks** and **occupational hazards**.

Question 226: Which of the following statements regarding the Factory Act is correct?

A. Workers can work more than 72 hours per week in factories
B. The Factory Act allows workers to work more than 82 hours per week
C. Children under 14 years are not allowed to work in factories (Correct Answer)
D. Children under 14 years can work in factories if they earn more money

Explanation: ***Children under 14 years are not allowed to work in factories.*** - The Factory Act specifically prohibits the employment of **children below a certain age** to protect them from hazardous working conditions and ensure their development. - This provision is crucial for preventing **child labor** and enforcing fundamental labor rights. *Workers can work more than 72 hours per week in factories* - The Factory Act generally sets limits on working hours, typically around **48 hours per week** with provisions for overtime, but rarely allowing for more than 72 hours under ordinary circumstances. - Excessive working hours without proper rest periods would violate **worker safety** and health regulations. *The Factory Act allows workers to work more than 82 hours per week* - This statement is incorrect as the Factory Act aims to protect workers from **exploitation** and ensure humane working conditions, which includes strict limits on working hours. - Working 82 hours per week would be far beyond the legal limits, leading to **fatigue** and increased risk of accidents. *Children under 14 years can work in factories if they earn more money* - The Factory Act establishes a **minimum age for employment** regardless of potential earnings, prioritizing the child's well-being over financial incentives. - Allowing children under 14 to work, even for higher wages, would undermine **child protection laws** and encourage child labor.

Question 227: Caisson's disease is primarily associated with which of the following?

A. None of the options
B. Underwater construction workers (Correct Answer)
C. Rapid ascent in aircraft
D. Rapid ascent of deep sea divers

Explanation: ***Underwater construction workers*** - Caisson's disease, also known as **decompression sickness (DCS)**, is historically linked to workers in **caissons**, which are watertight structures used for underwater construction. - These workers experience changes in pressure that can lead to nitrogen bubbles forming in their tissues upon surfacing, causing the characteristic symptoms of DCS. *Rapid ascent in aircraft* - While rapid ascent in aircraft can cause **decompression sickness**, especially in unpressurized cabins, it is not the primary association for the historical term "Caisson's disease." - The term "Caisson's disease" specifically refers to the condition in workers exposed to **high atmospheric pressure** during underwater construction. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **underwater construction workers** are directly associated with Caisson's disease. - The question has a correct and specific answer. *Rapid ascent of deep sea divers* - **Deep-sea divers** are susceptible to decompression sickness due to rapid ascent, which is physiologically similar to Caisson's disease. - However, the specific term "Caisson's disease" most directly refers to the historical experience of **underwater construction workers** in caissons.

Question 228: Above which level of heat stress index is it not possible to work comfortably?

A. 20 – 40
B. 40 – 60 (Correct Answer)
C. 60 – 80
D. 80 – 100

Explanation: ***40 – 60*** - A heat stress index **above 40** represents the threshold where it becomes **not possible to work comfortably** due to increasing thermal load on the body. - At this level, the thermal environment causes significant discomfort and increases the risk of heat-related illnesses such as **heat exhaustion**. - While work can still be performed with precautions (frequent breaks, hydration, reduced workload), **comfortable working conditions** are no longer sustainable. - This is the recognized threshold in occupational health where workers begin experiencing notable heat stress symptoms. *20 – 40* - A heat stress index between **20 and 40** represents comfortable to moderately warm conditions where normal work activities can be performed comfortably. - This range is generally safe for sustained physical activity without significant risk of heat-related illness. - No special precautions are typically required, though basic hydration remains important. *60 – 80* - A heat stress index of **60 to 80** indicates **dangerous heat stress** where even modified work becomes hazardous. - At this level, the risk of **heat stroke** and **heat exhaustion** is high, requiring immediate protective measures or cessation of work. - This range is well beyond uncomfortable—it represents a serious occupational health hazard. *80 – 100* - An index of **80 to 100** signifies **extreme danger** with imminent risk of **heat stroke** even with minimal exertion. - Work is essentially impossible and potentially life-threatening at this level. - Emergency protocols and complete avoidance of heat exposure are necessary.

Question 229: What is the purpose of work sampling in industrial engineering?

A. None of the options
B. Conducted over a short duration
C. Sampling done for individual tasks
D. Assessment of how workers spend their time on various activities (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Assessment of how workers spend their time on various activities*** - **Work sampling** is a statistical technique used to determine the **proportion of time** that workers spend on different activities. - This method provides insights into **utilization rates**, identifying areas of potential inefficiency or underutilization of resources. *Conducted over a short duration* - While individual observations are brief, **work sampling studies** are typically conducted over an **extended period** to ensure that all variations in work activities and conditions are captured. - A short duration may not provide a **representative sample** of the work activities, leading to inaccurate conclusions. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because there is a valid purpose for work sampling among the given choices. - Work sampling has a specific and well-defined application in **industrial engineering** for performance analysis. *Sampling done for individual tasks* - Work sampling is not limited to individual tasks; it assesses the **overall distribution of time** spent across various tasks and non-work activities. - It provides a **macro-level view** of how time is allocated within a work environment, rather than a detailed breakdown of each individual task's duration.

Question 230: Which occupational exposure may cause sterility in females ?

A. Lead
B. Carbon monoxide
C. Mercury
D. Agricultural insecticides (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Agricultural insecticides*** - Exposure to **organochlorine** and **organophosphate** insecticides can have significant **reproductive toxicity** in females, leading to **infertility** or **sterility**. - These chemicals can disrupt **hormonal balance**, interfere with **ovarian function**, cause **menstrual irregularities**, and lead to **developmental toxicity** in offspring. - Well-documented occupational hazard in agricultural workers with chronic exposure. *Lead* - Lead is a well-established **reproductive toxicant** affecting **both males and females**. - In females, lead causes **menstrual irregularities**, **ovarian dysfunction**, **reduced fertility**, **spontaneous abortions**, and can contribute to sterility. - It disrupts the **hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis** and has direct **gonadotoxic effects**. - While agricultural insecticides are more specifically associated with female sterility in occupational contexts, lead is also a significant reproductive hazard. *Carbon monoxide* - Carbon monoxide poisoning primarily causes **hypoxia** by binding to hemoglobin, forming **carboxyhemoglobin**. - It does not directly cause **sterility** in females; its main reproductive concern relates to **fetal hypoxia** and adverse pregnancy outcomes during exposure. *Mercury* - Mercury exposure, particularly **methylmercury**, is a known **neurotoxin** and can cause **developmental abnormalities**. - While it can affect pregnancy outcomes and cause **menstrual disorders** at high exposures, it is not typically cited as a primary occupational cause of **female sterility** compared to agricultural insecticides.

Practice by Chapter

Occupational Hazards: Classification

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Occupational Diseases

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Ergonomics

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Industrial Toxicology

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Occupational Cancers

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Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Occupational Health Services

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Industrial Hygiene

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Assessment of Work Environment

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Personal Protective Equipment

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Occupational Health Legislation

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Workers' Compensation

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