ASP Workplace Ergonomics 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which anthropometric measurement is most critical when designing a fixed-height workstation for a standing worker population?
- Average elbow height of the user population
- Average shoulder height of the user population
- 5th percentile elbow height to accommodate shorter workers (Correct answer)
- 95th percentile eye height to accommodate taller workers
Correct 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.
Question 2: A worker assembling small electronic components reports discomfort after 2 hours. Which ergonomic principle is MOST likely being violated?
- Neutral posture maintenance
- Work-rest cycle scheduling
- Adequate lighting for visual task demands (Correct answer)
- Job rotation frequency
Correct 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.
Question 3: The NIOSH Lifting Equation recommends a maximum Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) under ideal conditions. What is the load constant (LC) used in the equation?
- 35 lbs (16 kg)
- 51 lbs (23 kg) (Correct answer)
- 25 lbs (11 kg)
- 44 lbs (20 kg)
Correct 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.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'static loading' in ergonomics?
- Lifting a fixed load repeatedly over a shift
- Maintaining a body position or exerting force for prolonged periods without movement (Correct answer)
- Loading a pallet using a static friction coefficient
- Applying consistent force to a hand tool throughout a cycle
Correct 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.
Question 5: Under OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)), employers can be cited for ergonomic hazards when which condition is met?
- A specific OSHA ergonomics standard has been violated
- The hazard is recognized and causing or likely to cause serious harm, and a feasible abatement exists (Correct answer)
- More than 3 workers have filed ergonomic-related complaints
- An OSHA 300 log shows 5 or more musculoskeletal disorder entries
Correct 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.
Question 6: A sit-stand workstation is being evaluated. Which adjustment parameter is MOST important to verify for each individual user?
- Monitor refresh rate and screen size
- Keyboard tray angle and lateral position
- Work surface height relative to the user's elbow when standing and seated (Correct answer)
- Chair lumbar support firmness
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of an administrative control for reducing ergonomic risk in a high-repetition assembly job?
- Installing a mechanical lift assist device
- Redesigning the workstation to reduce reach distance
- Implementing mandatory job rotation every 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Providing anti-fatigue matting at standing workstations
Correct 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.
ASP Workplace Ergonomics 4
Which anthropometric measurement is most critical when designing a fixed-height workstation for a standing worker population?