AEP AEP Musculoskeletal Disorders and Prevention 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is classified as a Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD)?
- Pneumoconiosis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (Correct answer)
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Contact dermatitis
Correct answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve in the wrist and is a classic WMSD linked to repetitive hand and wrist tasks.
Question 2: The primary ergonomic risk factor associated with the development of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is:
- Whole-body vibration
- Repetitive forceful gripping and forearm rotation (Correct answer)
- Prolonged sitting
- High ambient temperature
Correct answer: Repetitive forceful gripping and forearm rotation
Lateral epicondylitis results from repeated strain on the extensor tendons at the elbow, commonly caused by forceful gripping and forearm rotation at work.
Question 3: Which NIOSH equation variable accounts for the horizontal distance between the worker's hands and the midpoint of the ankles during a lift?
- Vertical multiplier (VM)
- Frequency multiplier (FM)
- Horizontal multiplier (HM) (Correct answer)
- Asymmetric multiplier (AM)
Correct answer: Horizontal multiplier (HM)
The horizontal multiplier (HM) decreases the recommended weight limit as horizontal distance increases, reflecting increased biomechanical stress.
Question 4: De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendons of which anatomical region?
- Shoulder rotator cuff
- Thumb side of the wrist (radial styloid) (Correct answer)
- Knee patella tendon
- Ankle Achilles tendon
Correct answer: Thumb side of the wrist (radial styloid)
De Quervain's tenosynovitis affects the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons at the radial side of the wrist and is linked to repetitive pinching and radial/ulnar deviation.
Question 5: Which ergonomic risk factor is described by the term 'contact stress'?
- Vibration transmitted through tools
- Hard surfaces pressing against soft tissues of the body (Correct answer)
- Sudden impact loads from material drops
- High ambient temperature affecting muscle performance
Correct answer: Hard surfaces pressing against soft tissues of the body
Contact stress occurs when body parts (wrists, forearms, knees) rest against hard or sharp edges, compressing soft tissues and restricting blood flow.
Question 6: According to NIOSH, which combination of risk factors MOST significantly increases the probability of low back disorder?
- Low force + high frequency
- Heavy load + awkward posture + high frequency (Correct answer)
- Light load + neutral posture + moderate frequency
- Heavy load + neutral posture + low frequency
Correct answer: Heavy load + awkward posture + high frequency
NIOSH research identifies the combination of heavy loads, awkward postures, and high repetition as multiplicatively increasing low back disorder risk.
AEP AEP Musculoskeletal Disorders and Prevention 1
Which of the following is classified as a Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD)?