The nurse visits the company warehouse and notices that the majority of the forklift operators appear to be between the ages of 18 and 21. For which issue should the nurse assess?

Question

1. The younger forklift operators have better control of the machine.
2. The younger forklift operators should wear their helmets.
3. The younger forklift operators may be more likely to be injured.
4. Older forklift operators are not as capable of maneuvering the machines as the younger operators.

Answer 1

Answer: 3
Explanation: 3. Age is a consideration that must be addressed in operating some types of machinery, as well as the maturity to operate the machinery. Younger workers are more likely to be injured on the job than older workers, so the nurse should be alert that the younger forklift operators could be at risk. Older workers are at greater risk for occupational death. Age does not impair the ability to operate the forklift, so older operators remain capable of doing this. While the reflexes of the younger operators may be sharper than those of the older operators, it does not mean that they have better control of the machine. There is no indication that the younger operators are not wearing their helmets.