CEAS CEAS Ergonomic Interventions & Solutions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the hierarchy of ergonomic controls, which type of intervention is considered most effective?
- Engineering controls (redesigning the task or workspace) (Correct answer)
- Administrative controls (job rotation, rest breaks)
- Personal protective equipment
- Training and education programs
Correct answer: Engineering controls (redesigning the task or workspace)
Engineering controls are most effective because they eliminate or reduce the hazard at the source rather than relying on worker behavior.
Question 2: What is the primary ergonomic benefit of a height-adjustable (sit-stand) workstation?
- Allows posture variation, reducing static load on the spine and lower extremities (Correct answer)
- Increases keyboard typing speed
- Eliminates the need for a monitor arm
- Reduces glare on the screen
Correct answer: Allows posture variation, reducing static load on the spine and lower extremities
Sit-stand desks reduce prolonged static posture by enabling workers to alternate positions, distributing musculoskeletal load across different body regions.
Question 3: Which keyboard design feature most directly reduces ulnar deviation of the wrists?
- Split or contoured keyboard design (Correct answer)
- Extended numeric keypad on the right side
- Higher keyboard profile with positive tilt
- Wireless connectivity
Correct answer: Split or contoured keyboard design
Split and contoured keyboards position the hands in a more neutral orientation, reducing the inward bending (ulnar deviation) common with standard flat keyboards.
Question 4: What does an anti-fatigue mat primarily address in a standing workstation ergonomic intervention?
- Reduces lower-limb fatigue and discomfort from prolonged static standing (Correct answer)
- Prevents slipping and falling hazards only
- Absorbs vibration from industrial machinery
- Corrects foot pronation and arch alignment
Correct answer: Reduces lower-limb fatigue and discomfort from prolonged static standing
Anti-fatigue mats encourage subtle micro-movements of the leg muscles, improving circulation and reducing fatigue during prolonged standing work.
Question 5: Which administrative ergonomic control is most commonly recommended to reduce repetitive strain exposure?
- Task rotation among workers to vary muscle groups used (Correct answer)
- Requiring workers to wear wrist braces at all times
- Reducing the total workforce to decrease overall task volume
- Installing security cameras to monitor posture
Correct answer: Task rotation among workers to vary muscle groups used
Task rotation distributes repetitive motion exposure across different muscle groups, reducing cumulative strain on any single body region.
Question 6: When a CEAS specialist recommends a document holder, what is the primary purpose?
- Position source documents at the same height and distance as the monitor to reduce neck rotation and flexion (Correct answer)
- Hold papers away from the keyboard to prevent spills
- Store reference manuals within reach
- Reduce desk clutter and improve workspace organization
Correct answer: Position source documents at the same height and distance as the monitor to reduce neck rotation and flexion
A document holder aligned with the monitor eliminates repeated neck rotation and vertical gaze shift between desk and screen, reducing cervical strain.
CEAS CEAS Ergonomic Interventions & Solutions 1
In the hierarchy of ergonomic controls, which type of intervention is considered most effective?