Ergonomics, Workplace Safety, and Injury Prevention Flashcards

What is the primary goal of workplace ergonomics in disability management?

Answer: Fitting the job to the worker to reduce physical strain and prevent musculoskeletal injuries

Ergonomics adapts work tasks, tools, and environments to human physical and cognitive capabilities to reduce injury risk and enhance performance.

Which category of musculoskeletal disorders is most commonly associated with repetitive work tasks?

Answer: Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) or repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)

CTDs/RSIs develop from repeated microtrauma to muscles, tendons, and nerves over time from repetitive motions, forceful exertions, and awkward postures.

Which ergonomic risk factor involves working with body parts held in non-neutral positions?

Answer: Awkward posture

Awkward posture refers to working with joints in bent, twisted, or extended positions that increase muscle and tendon strain.

What is a 'worksite analysis' in the context of ergonomics?

Answer: A systematic evaluation of workplace tasks and conditions to identify ergonomic risk factors

A worksite analysis assesses job tasks, tools, workstations, and work methods to identify ergonomic hazards and prioritize intervention.

Which administrative control reduces exposure to ergonomic risk factors by changing work schedules?

Answer: Job rotation to distribute physical load across different muscle groups

Job rotation is an administrative control that varies which muscle groups are stressed by rotating workers through tasks with different physical demands.

What does the NIOSH Lifting Equation calculate?

Answer: A recommended weight limit (RWL) and lifting index for two-handed manual lifting tasks

The NIOSH Lifting Equation calculates a recommended weight limit and lifting index to assess the risk of low back injury from manual lifting.