Manual Material Handling & Industrial Ergonomics Flashcards

Which grip type places the most stress on the tendons of the forearm?

Answer: Pinch grip

Pinch grip requires the finger flexors to generate high force across a small contact area, producing greater tendon load per unit of force than a power grip.

Anti-fatigue mats are most beneficial for workers who:

Answer: Stand on hard floors for prolonged periods

Anti-fatigue mats encourage subtle leg muscle activity that maintains blood circulation, reducing lower limb fatigue and discomfort during prolonged standing on hard floors.

The Liberty Mutual Manual Material Handling Tables (Snook Tables) provide limits based on which key variable?

Answer: Percentage of the industrial population who can perform the task without excessive strain

Snook Tables give acceptable force/weight limits for various MMH tasks at population percentile levels (e.g., 75th, 90th percentile of workers).

What is the correct sequence of controls when reducing manual lifting hazards (hierarchy of controls)?

Answer: Elimination → Substitution → Engineering → Administrative → PPE

The hierarchy of controls prioritizes elimination or substitution of the hazard first, then engineering controls, followed by administrative controls, and lastly PPE.

Which material handling aid most effectively reduces lower back injury risk when moving pallets?

Answer: Powered pallet jack or forklift

Powered pallet jacks and forklifts eliminate manual lifting entirely, which is the most effective control versus administrative measures like back belts.

Which OSHA standard most directly addresses ergonomic hazards in general industry?

Answer: OSHA General Duty Clause Section 5(a)(1)

The US currently has no specific federal ergonomics standard for general industry; OSHA uses the General Duty Clause to cite ergonomic hazards where a recognized hazard exists.