Economist: There have been large declines in employment around the globe, so it’s not surprising that the number of workers injured on the job has decreased. What is surprising, however, is that the percentage of workers injured on the job has also decreased.
"Surprising" Phenomenon
There’s a decrease in the percentage of workers injured on the job.
Objective
Since this is an “Except” question, the correct answer will not explain the decrease in the percentage of workers injured on the job. Wrong answers will explain why workers are less likely now than before to be injured on the job. The correct answer will either not address that likelihood or else make it more likely that workers are injured on the job.
A
Overall, people who are employed are working fewer hours each day.
Employed people are working less than before, so there’re less chances for them to be injured while on the job. Less hours means less opportunities for accidents and mishaps.
B
A decrease in the demand for products has reduced the pressure on workers to meet production quotas and deadlines.
Since workers aren’t working as hard to meet deadlines, they’re less likely to rush into accidents. Moreover, they’re more likely to follow time-consuming workplace-safety protocols if time isn’t an issue.
C
Some of the most dangerous industries have had especially big declines in employment.
There are less people working dangerous jobs relative to the working population than before. Therefore, a lower percentage of people are likely to suffer injuries from dangerous work.
D
There has been a general decline in the resources devoted to workplace safety.
A decline workplace-safety resources suggests workers would actually be more likely to be injured on the job than before. This doesn’t explain why the rate of job-related injuries has actually fallen.
E
Inexperienced workers have lost their jobs at higher rates than experienced ones.
Experienced workers who know how to operate equipment safely have retained their jobs, while inexperienced workers who’re prone to injury have been let go. Hence, a reduction in injuries.
A
The university museum should return the ancient artifacts in dispute.
B
Any important ancient artifact belongs by rights to the nation on whose territory it was discovered.
C
The ancient artifacts whose ownership is in dispute were obtained legally by the university museum.
D
The university museum is in possession of several artifacts whose ownership is in dispute.
E
There is an overriding principle that any important ancient artifact belongs by rights to the nation on whose territory it was discovered.
A
Some newspapers do not publish any reviews of live plays.
B
The number of movies released last year was significantly greater than the number of live plays performed locally.
C
The newspaper has five movie critics, but only one theater critic.
D
The newspaper does not have the space in the arts section to publish a review of every movie that is released or every live play that is locally performed.
E
The newspaper published more reviews of live plays in the last year than it did two years ago.