Certified Safety Professional Exam Ergonomics and Human Factors 3

Question 1

Which cognitive human factors concept explains why workers make errors even when they know the correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Skill-based behavior slips and lapses

Answer

Reason's GEMS model identifies slips and lapses as automatic, skill-based errors where the correct intention exists but execution fails due to distraction or habit.

Question 2

What is the recommended maximum sustained force for a pushing or pulling task to stay within acceptable ergonomic limits for most workers?

Accepted Answer

50 lbs initial/35 lbs sustained

Answer

NIOSH guidelines suggest push/pull initial forces up to 50 lbs and sustained forces up to 35 lbs for most workers performing occasional material handling tasks.

Question 3

In ergonomic risk assessment, what does the Strain Index (SI) specifically evaluate?

Accepted Answer

Distal upper extremity disorders associated with hand-intensive jobs

Answer

The Strain Index assesses risk for distal upper extremity (hand, wrist, forearm) musculoskeletal disorders by evaluating intensity of exertion, duration, frequency, posture, pace, and duration per day.

Question 4

What is the relationship between keyboard height and carpal tunnel syndrome prevention?

Accepted Answer

Keyboards at or slightly below elbow height promote neutral wrist posture

Answer

Placing the keyboard at or slightly below elbow height allows the wrist to remain in a neutral, straight position, reducing stress on the carpal tunnel structures.

Question 5

Which ergonomic intervention is most appropriate when the weight of parts in an assembly task exceeds safe manual handling limits?

Accepted Answer

Installation of mechanical assists such as balancers, hoists, or lift tables

Answer

Engineering controls such as mechanical assists eliminate or reduce the manual handling load, addressing the root cause rather than relying on administrative or PPE controls.

Certified Safety Professional Exam Practice Test

Certified Safety Professional Exam Practice Test

Certified Safety Professional Exam Ergonomics and Human Factors 3