CIEE CIEE Psychosocial & Organizational Ergonomics

Question 1

Which psychosocial work factor is most consistently linked to increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in occupational research?

Accepted Answer

High job demands combined with low decision-making authority (job strain)

Answer

The Karasek job strain model demonstrates that the combination of high psychological demands and low job control (decision latitude) significantly increases MSD risk beyond purely physical exposures.

Question 2

How does 'work pace control' function as a psychosocial ergonomic factor in manufacturing environments?

Accepted Answer

Machine-paced work removes a worker's ability to vary pace, rest micro-muscles, or adjust technique, increasing cumulative load

Answer

When machines or conveyor systems dictate work pace, workers lose the ability to take brief micro-pauses or vary their technique, leading to higher cumulative physical and psychological strain.

Question 3

In the context of organizational ergonomics, what does 'job enlargement' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Adding more tasks of similar complexity to a job to reduce repetition and exposure to a single set of movements

Answer

Job enlargement increases task variety by adding horizontally similar tasks, which distributes physical exposure across more muscle groups and reduces repetitive strain on any single body region.

Question 4

What is the relationship between 'social support at work' and musculoskeletal disorder outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Higher supervisor and coworker social support is associated with lower MSD rates and faster recovery from injuries

Answer

Research consistently shows that strong social support from supervisors and peers is associated with reduced MSD incidence, lower pain severity, and faster return-to-work outcomes.

Question 5

Which organizational strategy is most effective at reducing ergonomic risk at the system level rather than the individual level?

Accepted Answer

Establishing a joint labor-management ergonomics committee with authority to drive workstation changes

Answer

A joint labor-management ergonomics committee with actual decision-making authority creates systemic, sustained ergonomic improvement by addressing root causes in the work system rather than relying on individual behavior change.

(CIEE) Certified Industrial Ergonomic Evaluator Practice Test

(CIEE) Certified Industrial Ergonomic Evaluator Practice Test

CIEE CIEE Psychosocial & Organizational Ergonomics