CDMS Ergonomics, Workplace Safety, and Injury Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which OSHA standard requires employers to maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses?
- OSHA 1910.120 (Hazardous Waste Operations)
- OSHA 29 CFR Part 1904 (Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting) (Correct answer)
- OSHA 1910.147 (Lockout/Tagout)
- OSHA 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication)
Correct answer: OSHA 29 CFR Part 1904 (Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting)
OSHA 29 CFR Part 1904 requires covered employers to record and report work-related injuries and illnesses on OSHA 300/301/300A forms.
Question 2: What is a 'near-miss' incident in workplace safety?
- An incident where two workers narrowly avoid a collision
- An unplanned event that did not result in injury but had the potential to do so (Correct answer)
- A minor injury that does not require first aid
- An OSHA recordable incident with no days away from work
Correct answer: An unplanned event that did not result in injury but had the potential to do so
A near-miss is an unplanned event with injury potential that did not result in harm; analyzing near-misses helps prevent future injuries.
Question 3: Which hierarchy of controls is considered the most effective method to eliminate ergonomic hazards?
- Administrative controls (job rotation, rest breaks)
- Personal protective equipment (gloves, wrist splints)
- Engineering controls (tool redesign, workstation modification) (Correct answer)
- Training and education programs
Correct answer: Engineering controls (tool redesign, workstation modification)
Engineering controls are highest in the hierarchy of controls because they eliminate or redesign the hazard at the source rather than relying on human behavior.
Question 4: What is 'contact stress' as an ergonomic risk factor?
- Psychological stress from interpersonal workplace conflicts
- Concentrated pressure on body tissue from hard surfaces or edges during work tasks (Correct answer)
- The cumulative effect of repeated vibration exposure
- The force required to operate hand tools repeatedly
Correct answer: Concentrated pressure on body tissue from hard surfaces or edges during work tasks
Contact stress occurs when hard surfaces or edges press on soft tissue (tendons, nerves, blood vessels), impairing circulation and increasing injury risk.
Question 5: Which occupational health screening tool is commonly used to identify early symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders?
- Functional capacity evaluation (FCE)
- Symptom survey or body discomfort map (Correct answer)
- Audiometric testing
- Spirometry (pulmonary function test)
Correct answer: Symptom survey or body discomfort map
Symptom surveys and body discomfort maps identify early musculoskeletal symptoms in worker populations to prioritize ergonomic interventions before injuries become disabling.
Question 6: Under OSHA's General Duty Clause, employers are required to:
- Develop written ergonomics programs for all industries
- Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm (Correct answer)
- Post OSHA inspection results in employee break areas
- Conduct annual safety audits with third-party consultants
Correct answer: Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm
OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) requires employers to provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards, including ergonomic hazards.
CDMS Ergonomics, Workplace Safety, and Injury Prevention 2
Which OSHA standard requires employers to maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses?