CIEE Repetitive Motion & CTD Prevention 4

Question 1

A meatpacking plant ergonomist wants to prioritize workstations for CTD intervention. Which tool is MOST appropriate for a rapid, systematic screening across 50 jobs?

Accepted Answer

OSHA 300 log review combined with BRIEF survey

Answer

The BRIEF (Baseline Risk Identification of Ergonomic Factors) survey is designed for rapid workplace screening and pairs well with injury records to prioritize high-risk jobs efficiently.

Question 2

Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) risk increases when work pace is externally controlled (machine-paced). The MAIN ergonomic concern is:

Accepted Answer

Workers have no opportunity to self-regulate recovery and rest

Answer

Machine-paced work removes the worker's ability to insert self-determined micro-pauses, eliminating spontaneous recovery periods that reduce cumulative tissue load.

Question 3

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in overhead workers primarily involves compression of which structures?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus and subclavian vessels between the clavicle and first rib

Answer

TOS results from compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian neurovascular bundle in the thoracic outlet space between the clavicle, first rib, and scalene muscles.

Question 4

Which ergonomic principle explains why tool handles should be designed for a grip span of approximately 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm)?

Accepted Answer

This span allows maximum grip force generation with minimal tendon strain

Answer

A grip span of 6–9 cm aligns the finger flexors near their optimal length-tension relationship, generating maximum grip force while minimizing internal tendon stress.

Question 5

A worker's symptoms improve on weekends but return each Monday. This symptom pattern is MOST diagnostic of:

Accepted Answer

A work-related CTD with insufficient recovery between exposures

Answer

Weekend relief followed by Monday recurrence is a classic sign of work-related cumulative trauma where two days of rest allow partial recovery, confirming occupational causation.

(CIEE) Certified Industrial Ergonomic Evaluator Practice Test

(CIEE) Certified Industrial Ergonomic Evaluator Practice Test

CIEE Repetitive Motion & CTD Prevention 4