RSP case studies
RSP · Put your knowledge to work in context.
This page supports candidates preparing for the RSP examination. Before you build a study plan, one limitation must be stated plainly: the official source retrieved for this profile (2026-10-31) documents only the NASP/IASP, Inc. The RSP case studies are 5 cases and about 2,507 words.
1Near-Miss Reporting Collapse Despite Falling TRIR
You are the newly hired EHS manager at a 420-employee food packaging manufacturer with three facilities. Over 18 months, the total recordable incident rate fell from 4.8 to 3.1, but near-miss reports dropped from 62 per quarter to 36.
440 words, about 2 min2Ammonia Refrigeration: PSM, RMP, and Contractual Pressure
A cold-storage warehouse in a State Plan state has an anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system with a maximum charge of 14,500 lb. The facility has 85 employees, a 30-year-old relief valve manifold, and no written PSM program, though it has an emergency action plan.
437 words, about 2 min3JSA Risk Scores Diverge Across Shifts
A general contractor uses job safety analysis worksheets for 14 task categories across two shifts. The risk matrix has likelihood 1–5 and severity 1–5, with risk score = likelihood × severity.
561 words, about 3 min4Back Injury, Prescription Medication, and Late Surgery
At a 250-employee distribution center, a worker reports low back pain after lifting totes. The clinic notes: “lumbar strain; prescribe prescription-strength ibuprofen; return to work with a 10-lb lifting restriction for 7 days.” The supervisor keeps the employee on normal duties because “she said she felt fine,” and does not report the case.
558 words, about 3 min5Toluene Exposures Below the PEL but Above the TLV
A metal parts painting operation has 12 painters in a similar exposure group. Full-shift personal samples for toluene are 38, 52, 61, 44, 70, 49, 58, 66, 47, 55, 63, and 72 ppm as 8-hour TWA.
511 words, about 3 min