Certified Safety Professional Exam Ergonomics and Human Factors 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ergonomic assessment tool is designed specifically for upper-limb posture analysis and scores body segments on a scale of 1–7?
- REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment)
- RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) (Correct answer)
- OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis System)
- NIOSH Lifting Equation
Correct answer: RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)
RULA evaluates upper extremity postures including upper arm, lower arm, wrist, neck, trunk, and legs, generating an action score to guide intervention urgency.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a job rotation program in ergonomics?
- To assign workers to higher-paying jobs
- To reduce cumulative exposure to a single ergonomic risk factor by alternating tasks (Correct answer)
- To cross-train workers for management positions
- To document worker productivity rates
Correct answer: To reduce cumulative exposure to a single ergonomic risk factor by alternating tasks
Job rotation reduces cumulative musculoskeletal loading on specific body parts by rotating workers through tasks that use different muscle groups.
Question 3: In human factors engineering, what is a 'forcing function'?
- A mathematical formula for calculating workload
- A physical or design constraint that prevents incorrect actions (Correct answer)
- A training method using pressure to improve performance
- A metric for measuring worker efficiency
Correct answer: A physical or design constraint that prevents incorrect actions
A forcing function is an intentional design feature that physically prevents incorrect actions, such as a car that won't start without the seatbelt buckled.
Question 4: What is the primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in occupational settings?
- Excessive whole-body vibration
- Compression of the median nerve due to repetitive wrist flexion/extension and force (Correct answer)
- Prolonged standing on concrete floors
- Exposure to solvents causing nerve degeneration
Correct answer: Compression of the median nerve due to repetitive wrist flexion/extension and force
CTS results from compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, commonly caused by repetitive wrist movements, awkward postures, and forceful gripping.
Question 5: Which standard provides OSHA's general guidelines for ergonomics programs, though it was withdrawn in 2001?
- 29 CFR 1910.900
- OSHA Ergonomics Program Standard (2000) (Correct answer)
- ANSI Z-365
- NIOSH Publication 97-141
Correct answer: OSHA Ergonomics Program Standard (2000)
OSHA's Ergonomics Program Standard was published in 2000 and provided comprehensive ergonomics program requirements, but Congress voted to withdraw it in March 2001.
Question 6: What anthropometric measurement principle ensures a workstation can be used by the broadest range of workers?
- Designing for the 50th percentile (average) worker
- Designing for the 5th to 95th percentile range of the user population (Correct answer)
- Designing only for the tallest (95th percentile) worker
- Using fixed, non-adjustable furniture for consistency
Correct answer: Designing for the 5th to 95th percentile range of the user population
Workstations should accommodate the 5th through 95th percentile range to fit most workers, while adjustability can extend accommodation further.
Certified Safety Professional Exam Ergonomics and Human Factors 2
Which ergonomic assessment tool is designed specifically for upper-limb posture analysis and scores body segments on a scale of 1–7?