CEA Office Ergonomics & Computer Use 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A worker reports neck pain after switching to a dual-monitor setup. Which adjustment should be made first?
- Lower both monitors below eye level
- Position the primary monitor directly in front and center both monitors symmetrically (Correct answer)
- Tilt the monitors upward to reduce glare
- Move both monitors to the side of the dominant eye
Correct answer: Position the primary monitor directly in front and center both monitors symmetrically
The primary monitor should be centered in front of the user, with secondary monitors arranged symmetrically to minimize neck rotation.
Question 2: Which keyboard tray feature most directly reduces ulnar deviation during typing?
- Adjustable height
- Negative tilt (front edge higher than rear) (Correct answer)
- Palm rest padding
- Extended width for numeric keypad
Correct answer: Negative tilt (front edge higher than rear)
A negative tilt positions the keyboard so wrists remain straighter, reducing ulnar deviation and flexion.
Question 3: Under ANSI/HFES 100 guidelines, the recommended luminance ratio between a computer screen and the immediately surrounding area should not exceed:
- 1:1
- 3:1 (Correct answer)
- 10:1
- 20:1
Correct answer: 3:1
ANSI/HFES 100 recommends a maximum luminance ratio of 3:1 between the screen and immediately adjacent surfaces to prevent eye strain.
Question 4: A data-entry operator performs highly repetitive keying tasks for 6 hours daily. Which intervention addresses repetitive strain risk most comprehensively?
- Provide a wrist rest to use while typing
- Implement micro-breaks every 20–30 minutes combined with task rotation (Correct answer)
- Install a split keyboard only
- Raise the monitor to eye level
Correct answer: Implement micro-breaks every 20–30 minutes combined with task rotation
Micro-breaks combined with task rotation reduce cumulative loading on tendons and muscles more effectively than a single equipment change.
Question 5: When using a laptop as the sole workstation for extended periods, the highest-priority ergonomic intervention is:
- Attaching an external numeric keypad
- Using an external keyboard and mouse with the laptop elevated to eye level (Correct answer)
- Increasing display brightness to maximum
- Placing the laptop on a lap desk
Correct answer: Using an external keyboard and mouse with the laptop elevated to eye level
Elevating the laptop screen to eye level and adding external input devices eliminates the forced choice between good posture for the screen or for the hands.
Question 6: Which anthropometric measure is most critical when setting seated keyboard height for a diverse workforce?
- Standing height
- Sitting elbow height (Correct answer)
- Shoulder breadth
- Knee height
Correct answer: Sitting elbow height
Sitting elbow height determines the ideal keyboard placement so forearms are approximately horizontal and wrists are neutral.
Question 7: A worker's chair lacks lumbar support and the employer cannot purchase a new chair. The most cost-effective immediate intervention is:
- Instruct the worker to lean forward slightly
- Provide a portable lumbar roll or rolled towel placed at the lumbar curve (Correct answer)
- Raise the seat height to the maximum
- Have the worker stand for the entire shift
Correct answer: Provide a portable lumbar roll or rolled towel placed at the lumbar curve
A lumbar roll maintains the natural lordotic curve of the lower spine and can be inserted into any chair inexpensively.
CEA Office Ergonomics & Computer Use 2
A worker reports neck pain after switching to a dual-monitor setup.
Which adjustment should be made first?