Final answer:
Workers are struck by forklifts primarily due to poor visibility and reversing blindly, not because of wearing reflective clothing or carrying tools, which are safety measures. Historical industrial conditions show a lack of safety that modern occupational health and safety standards aim to address.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary reasons workers are struck by forklifts are C) Poor visibility and reversing blindly and potential hazards like loud engine noises. However, wearing reflective clothing and carrying tools in the work area are generally considered safety measures and not causes of accidents.
In historical context, industrial workplaces exposed workers to various health and safety hazards due to inadequate safety measures. Occupational health and safety have been compromised in the past, with workers suffering from injuries, exposure to toxic chemicals, and other dangerous conditions, such as those caused by loud machinery leading to hearing loss or factory settings prone to fires. Today, it is understood that safety equipment like helmets and reflective clothing, proper training, and adherence to safety protocols are essential to prevent workplace accidents, including those involving forklifts.