CEA Workplace Assessment Methods 3

Question 1

Which ergonomic assessment method uses a checklist of upper-limb posture, force, and repetition to generate a numeric risk score for each task?

Accepted Answer

Occupational Repetitive Actions (OCRA) index

Answer

The OCRA Index quantifies upper-limb disorder risk by scoring repetition, force, posture, additional factors, and recovery time across a work shift.

Question 2

An ergonomist using electromyography (EMG) during a workplace assessment is primarily measuring:

Accepted Answer

Electrical activity of muscles as an indicator of exertion level

Answer

Surface EMG electrodes detect electrical signals generated by muscle fibers, allowing the ergonomist to quantify muscle activation and relative effort.

Question 3

The Psychophysical approach to manual handling assessment, as developed by Snook and Ciriello, defines maximum acceptable weight based on:

Accepted Answer

Worker self-selected loads that are acceptable for a full shift without undue fatigue

Answer

The psychophysical method uses worker perception of effort to set the maximum weight or force that 75–90% of the population can perform across a full shift.

Question 4

During a lighting assessment for a visual display terminal (VDT) workstation, the ergonomist should prioritize measuring:

Accepted Answer

Luminance ratio between the screen and surrounding surfaces

Answer

Luminance ratios between the VDT screen and surrounding task and background areas directly affect visual fatigue and glare discomfort.

Question 5

Which component of the NIOSH Lifting Equation accounts for asymmetric trunk rotation during a lift?

Accepted Answer

Asymmetry Multiplier (AM)

Answer

The Asymmetry Multiplier (AM) penalizes lifts where the load is displaced from the worker's sagittal plane, reflecting increased spinal stress from trunk rotation.

(CEA) Certified Ergonomics Associate Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Ergonomics Associate Practice Test

CEA Workplace Assessment Methods 3