Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Flashcards

Long-term use of jackhammers and chipping guns is most closely associated with which disorder?

Answer: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (vibration white finger)

Hand-arm vibration from percussive tools damages blood vessels and nerves in the fingers, causing vibration white finger.

For a pair of gloves to be marketed as "anti-vibration," what should they be certified to?

Answer: ANSI S2.73 / ISO 10819

ANSI S2.73/ISO 10819 sets the test method for measuring how much vibration a glove transmits to the palm.

Which nerve is compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome, which can come from repetitive gripping with bent wrists?

Answer: Median nerve

Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist.

Whole-body vibration exposure on a construction site is most commonly linked to which equipment operators?

Answer: Heavy equipment operators such as excavator, loader, and compactor drivers

Seated operators of mobile equipment get whole-body vibration through the seat, which is linked to low back disorders.

Which control most effectively reduces whole-body vibration for a loader operator?

Answer: Keeping a suspension seat adjusted for the operator's weight and keeping haul roads smooth

Suspension seats and well-maintained travel surfaces cut the vibration that reaches the operator's spine.

Why does cold weather raise MSD risk for workers using hand tools?

Answer: Cold reduces dexterity and blood flow, so workers grip harder

Cold hands lose sensation and dexterity, so workers use more grip force, and cold also worsens vibration effects.

In which order should the hierarchy of controls be applied to a vibration hazard from a concrete breaker?

Answer: Eliminate/substitute (e.g., remote demolition robot), engineering (low-vibration tool), administrative (limit exposure time), PPE

Controls are ranked from most to least effective, starting with elimination and substitution and ending with PPE.