CES Ergonomic Standards & Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the Lifting Index (LI) threshold in the NIOSH Lifting Equation that indicates a significant risk of low back injury?
- LI greater than 1.0 (Correct answer)
- LI greater than 3.0
- LI less than 0.5
- LI equal to exactly 2.0
Correct answer: LI greater than 1.0
An LI greater than 1.0 indicates the lifting task exceeds the recommended weight limit and poses increased risk of low back disorders, requiring ergonomic intervention.
Question 2: Which regulation requires employers to maintain an OSHA 300 log for recording work-related musculoskeletal disorders?
- 29 CFR 1904 (OSHA Recordkeeping Rule) (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.900
- 29 CFR 1926.500
- 29 CFR 1910.1000
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1904 (OSHA Recordkeeping Rule)
29 CFR 1904 requires employers to record work-related injuries and illnesses including musculoskeletal disorders on OSHA Form 300 logs.
Question 3: Which ergonomic assessment tool was developed partly in response to European Directive 90/270/EEC on display screen equipment?
- RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) (Correct answer)
- NIOSH Lifting Equation
- REBA
- Liberty Mutual Tables
Correct answer: RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)
RULA was developed by McAtamney and Corlett in 1993 partly in response to European Directive 90/270/EEC requiring systematic assessment of display screen equipment workstations.
Question 4: Under OSHA's recordkeeping rules, which criterion must be met for an MSD to be recorded on the OSHA 300 log?
- It must be work-related and result in days away, restricted duty, medical treatment beyond first aid, or a healthcare professional diagnosis (Correct answer)
- Any employee complaint of pain must be recorded
- Only injuries requiring surgery are recordable
- MSDs are recorded only if the worker files a workers' compensation claim
Correct answer: It must be work-related and result in days away, restricted duty, medical treatment beyond first aid, or a healthcare professional diagnosis
OSHA 300 recordability for MSDs requires work-relatedness plus at least one qualifying outcome: days away from work, restricted work, medical treatment beyond first aid, or a healthcare professional diagnosis.
Question 5: What does ANSI Z10 address in relation to ergonomics?
- Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems that include ergonomics as a hazard category (Correct answer)
- Computer monitor display specifications
- Noise exposure limits in industrial settings
- Personal protective equipment standards
Correct answer: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems that include ergonomics as a hazard category
ANSI Z10 is a voluntary Occupational Health and Safety Management System standard that incorporates ergonomic hazard identification and control within a systematic safety program framework.
Question 6: Which federal agency conducts research on ergonomic hazards but does NOT have regulatory enforcement authority?
- NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) (Correct answer)
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Correct answer: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
NIOSH is the research arm of CDC, conducting studies and making recommendations on occupational hazards including ergonomics, but enforcement authority rests with OSHA.
CES Ergonomic Standards & Regulations 2
What is the Lifting Index (LI) threshold in the NIOSH Lifting Equation that indicates a significant risk of low back injury?