CEAS CEAS Ergonomic Interventions & Solutions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where should a document holder be positioned to provide optimal ergonomic benefit at a computer workstation?
- At the same height and distance as the monitor, adjacent to the screen (Correct answer)
- Flat on the desk below the keyboard
- Mounted above the monitor at a 45-degree angle
- On the opposite side of the desk from the monitor
Correct answer: At the same height and distance as the monitor, adjacent to the screen
Positioning the document holder at monitor height and distance eliminates the awkward neck movements caused by repeatedly shifting gaze between the screen and a flat desk document.
Question 2: Which monitor adjustment simultaneously reduces screen glare and improves neck posture?
- Tilting the monitor top slightly away from the user and reducing ambient overhead lighting (Correct answer)
- Increasing monitor brightness to maximum
- Rotating the monitor to portrait orientation
- Moving the monitor closer to the window
Correct answer: Tilting the monitor top slightly away from the user and reducing ambient overhead lighting
Tilting the top of the monitor slightly backward reduces glare from overhead lights and encourages a neutral neck position by preventing the worker from looking up.
Question 3: Where should the lumbar support on an ergonomic chair be positioned to provide optimal benefit?
- At the natural inward curve of the lower back, typically between the waist and hips (Correct answer)
- At the mid-thoracic region between the shoulder blades
- As low as possible near the seat pan
- Directly behind the tailbone
Correct answer: At the natural inward curve of the lower back, typically between the waist and hips
Lumbar support positioned at the lumbar lordosis (lower back inward curve, roughly L3–L5) maintains the spine's natural curvature and reduces disc pressure.
Question 4: A wrist rest should be used during which activity at a computer workstation?
- During rest pauses only — not while actively typing or mousing (Correct answer)
- Continuously throughout the work shift
- Only when using a vertical mouse
- Only during data entry tasks exceeding 8 hours
Correct answer: During rest pauses only — not while actively typing or mousing
Wrist rests are designed for brief pauses; using them while actively typing or mousing can increase carpal tunnel pressure and restrict blood flow.
Question 5: What is the primary ergonomic rationale for recommending task rotation as an intervention?
- Distribute cumulative exposure to repetitive motions, reducing overuse of specific muscle groups (Correct answer)
- Increase worker skill diversity and job satisfaction
- Meet OSHA recordkeeping requirements for varied job duties
- Reduce the need for ergonomic equipment purchases
Correct answer: Distribute cumulative exposure to repetitive motions, reducing overuse of specific muscle groups
Task rotation limits cumulative exposure to any single ergonomic risk factor by varying the muscles and joints used throughout the shift.
Question 6: Which ergonomic intervention is classified as a substitution control?
- Replacing a heavy manual tool with a lighter or powered version (Correct answer)
- Requiring workers to take rest breaks every hour
- Installing warning signs near high-risk workstations
- Providing workers with back belts
Correct answer: Replacing a heavy manual tool with a lighter or powered version
Substitution involves replacing a hazardous element (e.g., a heavy tool) with a less hazardous alternative (e.g., a lighter or powered tool), ranking second in the hierarchy of controls.
CEAS CEAS Ergonomic Interventions & Solutions 2
Where should a document holder be positioned to provide optimal ergonomic benefit at a computer workstation?