BSIE Ergonomics & Human Factors Engineering 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of ergonomics in industrial engineering?
- Maximizing machine utilization
- Fitting the work environment to the capabilities and limitations of the worker (Correct answer)
- Reducing the number of workers on the floor
- Increasing production speed at any cost
Correct answer: Fitting the work environment to the capabilities and limitations of the worker
Ergonomics aims to design work systems, tools, and environments that match human capabilities to reduce injury risk and improve efficiency.
Question 2: Which type of musculoskeletal disorder is most commonly associated with repetitive motions on assembly lines?
- Acute fractures
- Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) (Correct answer)
- Contact dermatitis
- Thermal burns
Correct answer: Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs)
Cumulative trauma disorders develop gradually from repeated micro-injuries caused by repetitive motions, awkward postures, or excessive force.
Question 3: What anthropometric measure is most commonly used to design workstation heights?
- Body mass index
- Elbow height in standing position (Correct answer)
- Head circumference
- Reach envelope
Correct answer: Elbow height in standing position
Elbow height in the standing position is the primary reference for setting work surface heights to minimize shoulder and back strain.
Question 4: The NIOSH lifting equation provides a recommended weight limit (RWL) based on which set of task variables?
- Load weight, travel distance, worker age, and shift length
- Horizontal distance, vertical height, travel distance, asymmetry, frequency, and coupling (Correct answer)
- Team size, floor type, container weight, and worker strength
- Lifting speed, container shape, glove use, and ambient temperature
Correct answer: Horizontal distance, vertical height, travel distance, asymmetry, frequency, and coupling
The NIOSH equation uses six task factors—horizontal distance, vertical height, vertical travel, asymmetry angle, lift frequency, and hand-to-object coupling—to calculate the RWL.
Question 5: What does a 5th percentile design approach mean in ergonomics?
- Only 5% of the workforce can use the design
- The design accommodates users from the 5th to the 95th percentile
- The design is based on the smallest 5% of the target population to ensure reach requirements are met (Correct answer)
- The design exceeds the average by 5%
Correct answer: The design is based on the smallest 5% of the target population to ensure reach requirements are met
Designing to the 5th percentile for reach-critical dimensions ensures that even the smallest users can access controls or reach work objects.
Question 6: Which ergonomic analysis tool uses a checklist to score posture risk based on neck, trunk, arm, and wrist positions?
- FMEA
- RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) (Correct answer)
- Value Stream Mapping
- SMED
Correct answer: RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)
RULA assigns scores to upper body postures and generates an action level indicating the urgency of ergonomic intervention.
BSIE Ergonomics & Human Factors Engineering 1
What is the primary goal of ergonomics in industrial engineering?