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An occupational health nurse has conducted a walk-through assessment and has identified potential hazards in the workplace. The nurse recognizes that it will be easiest to modify exposure to which hazard?

a.Bacteria
b.Aerosols
c.Noise
d.Burnout

User Pouria
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Noise is typically the easiest workplace hazard to modify exposure to, through the use of sound barriers, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Noise is often the easiest hazard to control in a workplace.The noise exposure can be readily reduced through a variety of methods including implementation of engineering controls like sound barriers and absorptive materials, administrative controls such as shifting work schedules, and personal protective equipment like earplugs and earmuffs. Compared to hazards such as bacteria, aerosols, and burnout, noise control provides a more immediate and often quantifiable means to modify exposure levels. Engineering controls can be instated to isolate people from the noise, such as soundproofing rooms or enclosing noisy machinery. Administrative controls include implementing quiet work practices or reducing time spent in noisy areas. Lastly, providing workers with personal protective equipment like earplugs can significantly reduce their exposure to harmful noise levels.

Managing biological hazards like bacteria involves complex safety protocols and measures for sterilization and disinfection which can be more challenging to implement efficiently. Similarly, aerosols require specialized ventilation systems and workplace practices to lower exposure risks. Burnout is a psychological hazard; its mitigation often involves comprehensive organizational change and personal intervention strategies that can be more difficult to successfully implement and measure. In essence, while the control of noise doesn't eliminate the risk, it reduces it quickly and effectively.

User Tryman
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