Office & Computer Ergonomics Flashcards
6 cards from real CES practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Office & Computer Ergonomics flashcards as text
For a worker using a laptop as a primary computer, which ergonomic solution best addresses the conflict between keyboard and screen height?
Answer: Use a separate external keyboard and mouse with the laptop on a stand at monitor height
Raising the laptop screen to eye level and using external input devices eliminates the forced choice between proper keyboard height and proper monitor height inherent in laptop design.
What is the ergonomic concern with holding a telephone handset between the ear and shoulder?
Answer: Sustained lateral neck flexion and shoulder elevation causing cervical muscle strain
Cradling a phone handset between the ear and shoulder forces sustained lateral flexion of the cervical spine, creating asymmetric loading on neck and shoulder muscles.
Which workstation adjustment is most important for workers whose feet cannot reach the floor when seated at the correct desk height?
Answer: Provide a footrest to support the feet and reduce lower leg pressure
A footrest provides stable foot support when the chair must be raised to achieve proper keyboard height, preventing the dangling legs that cause popliteal pressure and poor posture.
What is the purpose of wrist rests at a computer workstation, and when should they be used?
Answer: To support the wrists during pauses in typing, not during active keyboard or mouse use
Wrist rests are designed for rest periods between active typing bouts; using them during active typing can cause wrist extension and compression of carpal tunnel structures.
Which factor most determines whether a worker requires a headset rather than a standard telephone handset?
Answer: Duration and frequency of phone use combined with simultaneous keyboard or writing tasks
Workers who use the phone frequently while simultaneously performing keyboard or writing tasks are at high risk for awkward neck postures and should use a headset.
What is the recommended ambient noise level in an office for concentration-intensive computer work?
Answer: Below 55 dBA to avoid interference with cognitive performance and communication
Office environments for concentrated work should aim for below 55 dBA; higher ambient noise impairs speech intelligibility, increases stress, and reduces cognitive performance.