Workplace Ergonomics Flashcards
7 cards from real ASP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Workplace Ergonomics flashcards as text
Which anthropometric measurement is most critical when designing a fixed-height workstation for a standing worker population?
Answer: 5th percentile elbow height to accommodate shorter workers
Fixed-height standing workstations should be designed to accommodate shorter workers (5th percentile elbow height) since taller workers can more easily adapt than shorter workers who must overreach.
A worker assembling small electronic components reports discomfort after 2 hours. Which ergonomic principle is MOST likely being violated?
Answer: Adequate lighting for visual task demands
Fine assembly tasks require high visual acuity, and insufficient lighting forces workers into awkward forward-leaning postures and increases eye strain, causing early fatigue.
The NIOSH Lifting Equation recommends a maximum Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) under ideal conditions. What is the load constant (LC) used in the equation?
Answer: 51 lbs (23 kg)
The NIOSH Lifting Equation uses a load constant of 51 lbs (23 kg) under ideal conditions, which is then multiplied by various task multipliers to yield the RWL.
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'static loading' in ergonomics?
Answer: Maintaining a body position or exerting force for prolonged periods without movement
Static loading occurs when muscles contract continuously without movement, reducing blood flow and accelerating fatigue—a major ergonomic risk factor.
Under OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)), employers can be cited for ergonomic hazards when which condition is met?
Answer: The hazard is recognized and causing or likely to cause serious harm, and a feasible abatement exists
The General Duty Clause applies when a recognized hazard causes or is likely to cause serious harm and a feasible means to abate it exists, even without a specific standard.
A sit-stand workstation is being evaluated. Which adjustment parameter is MOST important to verify for each individual user?
Answer: Work surface height relative to the user's elbow when standing and seated
Work surface height relative to elbow height (approximately elbow level) in both sitting and standing positions is the primary adjustment to ensure neutral shoulder and wrist postures.
Which of the following is an example of an administrative control for reducing ergonomic risk in a high-repetition assembly job?
Answer: Implementing mandatory job rotation every 2 hours
Job rotation is an administrative control that reduces exposure time to repetitive stress by distributing the ergonomic risk across multiple workers and tasks.