CIEE Workplace Analysis & Risk Identification 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An evaluator assesses a call center workstation where the monitor top is at eye level and the worker's chair back provides no lumbar support. Which combination of problems exists?
- Monitor too high and absent lumbar support
- Monitor at appropriate height but absent lumbar support (Correct answer)
- Monitor too low and appropriate lumbar support
- No ergonomic problems are present
Correct answer: Monitor at appropriate height but absent lumbar support
The monitor top at eye level is acceptable for most workers, but absent lumbar support places the lumbar spine at risk for flexion-related low-back pain.
Question 2: Which condition BEST defines 'cumulative trauma disorder' (CTD) in an occupational ergonomics context?
- A single traumatic injury to the musculoskeletal system
- A soft tissue disorder resulting from repeated exposure to biomechanical stressors over time (Correct answer)
- An acute fracture caused by a one-time overexertion
- A chronic disease unrelated to occupational activity
Correct answer: A soft tissue disorder resulting from repeated exposure to biomechanical stressors over time
CTDs develop from repeated, cumulative exposure to ergonomic stressors such as force, repetition, and awkward posture, differentiating them from acute injuries.
Question 3: A CIEE evaluator performs a grip strength measurement on a worker and finds it has decreased by 20% compared to baseline. In a workplace analysis context, what does this finding MOST likely suggest?
- Normal age-related variation
- Possible upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorder affecting grip function (Correct answer)
- Need for ergonomic keyboard replacement
- Adequate recovery from previous workload
Correct answer: Possible upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorder affecting grip function
A 20% decrease in grip strength from baseline can indicate fatigue or pathology in the forearm/hand muscles, suggesting an evolving musculoskeletal disorder.
Question 4: In a risk matrix used during workplace analysis, a hazard rated as 'high likelihood' and 'severe consequence' falls into which priority category?
- Low priority — monitor annually
- Medium priority — address within 90 days
- Critical priority — immediate corrective action required (Correct answer)
- Acceptable risk — no action needed
Correct answer: Critical priority — immediate corrective action required
A combination of high likelihood and severe consequence places a hazard in the critical (highest) risk category, requiring immediate corrective action.
Question 5: Which of the following scenarios demonstrates the concept of 'task rotation' as an ergonomic control strategy?
- Replacing a manual assembly tool with a powered torque wrench
- Moving workers between high-force and low-force tasks every two hours (Correct answer)
- Raising a conveyor belt to elbow height
- Providing anti-fatigue matting on a concrete floor
Correct answer: Moving workers between high-force and low-force tasks every two hours
Task rotation distributes ergonomic exposure across different muscle groups by having workers alternate between tasks with different physical demands.
Question 6: An ergonomics evaluator is analyzing a cold-storage warehouse where workers handle frozen goods at -10°F. Which additional risk does cold temperature introduce beyond musculoskeletal strain?
- Increased grip force required due to reduced hand dexterity and sensation (Correct answer)
- Reduced need for personal protective equipment
- Lower repetition risk from slowed task pace
- Decreased cardiovascular demand from the cold environment
Correct answer: Increased grip force required due to reduced hand dexterity and sensation
Cold reduces hand dexterity and tactile sensation, requiring workers to exert greater grip force to control objects, amplifying musculoskeletal risk.
Question 7: When validating the findings of a workplace ergonomic analysis, which approach provides the STRONGEST evidence that a hazard is real?
- Agreement between direct observation, worker symptom survey, and injury records (Correct answer)
- A single supervisor interview confirming the hazard
- One checklist showing a positive flag for a risk factor
- A literature review citing similar industries
Correct answer: Agreement between direct observation, worker symptom survey, and injury records
Triangulating findings across direct observation, worker-reported symptoms, and injury/illness records provides converging evidence that strengthens the validity of hazard identification.
CIEE Workplace Analysis & Risk Identification 5
An evaluator assesses a call center workstation where the monitor top is at eye level and the worker's chair back provides no lumbar support.
Which combination of problems exists?