Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Practice Test

Which statement accurately describes the difference between an injury and an illness?

1. An injury results from a physical event; an illness may develop over time

2. An injury requires hospitalization; an illness does not

3. An injury is reported immediately; an illness is reported after a diagnosis

4. There is no difference between injury and illness

The correct answer is: An injury results from a physical event; an illness may develop over time

The statement that accurately describes the difference between an injury and an illness is that an injury results from a physical event, while an illness may develop over time. Injuries are typically abrupt and occur due to specific incidents such as falls, cuts, or accidents. These are usually visible events with immediate physical consequences. In contrast, illnesses often arise from prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions, such as toxic substances or repetitive strain, and can develop gradually, sometimes without immediate symptoms or visible signs. Other statements do not accurately capture the fundamental distinction. For example, the idea that an injury requires hospitalization while an illness does not is misleading, as both injuries and illnesses can range in severity and may or may not necessitate hospitalization based on their nature. Similarly, while injuries may often be reported immediately and illnesses following a diagnosis is a common practice, this does not define their inherent characteristics. Lastly, stating there is no difference between an injury and an illness overlooks the fundamental classifications of health conditions, which is important in the context of health and safety in construction.