AEP AEP Workplace Design and Intervention 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which workstation height range is generally recommended for seated computer work to minimize shoulder and neck strain?
- 18–22 inches from the floor
- 23–28 inches from the floor (Correct answer)
- 29–34 inches from the floor
- 35–40 inches from the floor
Correct answer: 23–28 inches from the floor
A seated desk height of roughly 23–28 inches from the floor supports neutral elbow and shoulder posture for most adults.
Question 2: When designing a workstation for a standing worker performing precision assembly, the work surface should ideally be positioned at what height relative to the elbow?
- 10–15 cm below elbow height
- At or slightly below elbow height
- 5–10 cm above elbow height (Correct answer)
- 20 cm above elbow height
Correct answer: 5–10 cm above elbow height
For precision tasks requiring fine motor control, the work surface is placed slightly above elbow height to allow visual access without excessive neck flexion.
Question 3: Which engineering control is the HIGHEST priority in the hierarchy of ergonomic interventions?
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
- Elimination or substitution (Correct answer)
- Training programs
Correct answer: Elimination or substitution
Elimination or substitution removes the hazard at the source and is always preferred over lower-hierarchy controls like training or PPE.
Question 4: A neutral wrist posture during keyboard use is best described as:
- Wrist extended at 30°
- Wrist flexed at 15°
- Wrist in a straight, flat position (Correct answer)
- Wrist ulnar-deviated to reach keys
Correct answer: Wrist in a straight, flat position
A straight, flat wrist alignment minimizes tendon compression and carpal tunnel pressure during prolonged keyboard work.
Question 5: Which type of chair adjustment is MOST critical for supporting proper lumbar lordosis in prolonged seated work?
- Armrest width
- Seat pan tilt
- Lumbar support height (Correct answer)
- Headrest angle
Correct answer: Lumbar support height
Lumbar support height adjustment ensures the support aligns with the natural inward curve of the lower back, reducing disc pressure.
Question 6: Which reach zone principle should guide placement of most-frequently used tools at a workstation?
- Secondary reach zone
- Extended reach zone
- Primary (normal) reach zone (Correct answer)
- Overhead reach zone
Correct answer: Primary (normal) reach zone
Frequently used items should be placed in the primary reach zone — the area swept by forearms with elbows close to the body — to minimize awkward postures.
AEP AEP Workplace Design and Intervention 1
Which workstation height range is generally recommended for seated computer work to minimize shoulder and neck strain?