CEA Workplace Ergonomic 3

Question 1

Which anthropometric measure is most critical when setting seated workstation height for a diverse workforce?

Accepted Answer

Popliteal height

Answer

Popliteal height (back of knee to floor) determines optimal seat height to allow feet to rest flat and thighs to be roughly horizontal.

Question 2

A warehouse employee frequently lifts boxes from floor level. Which NIOSH lifting equation multiplier is MOST penalizing in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Vertical Multiplier (VM)

Answer

Lifting from floor level places the origin below knuckle height, significantly reducing the Vertical Multiplier and thus the RWL.

Question 3

What is the recommended maximum sustained pushing force for an average adult worker on a level surface according to ergonomic guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Under 20 lbs (89 N)

Answer

Ergonomic guidelines generally recommend sustained horizontal push/pull forces not exceed approximately 20 lbs (89 N) to minimize injury risk.

Question 4

Which type of chair adjustment is most important for preventing pressure on the back of the thighs?

Accepted Answer

Seat pan depth (fore-aft)

Answer

Seat pan depth must leave 2–4 finger widths between the seat edge and the back of the knees to avoid popliteal pressure.

Question 5

A worker develops lateral epicondylitis ('tennis elbow'). Which workstation condition is the most likely ergonomic contributor?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive forearm pronation/supination with high grip force

Answer

Lateral epicondylitis is associated with repetitive wrist extension and forearm rotation combined with forceful gripping, overloading the common extensor tendon.

(CEA) Certified Ergonomics Associate Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Ergonomics Associate Practice Test

CEA Workplace Ergonomic 3