CIEE Workstation Design & Optimization 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When evaluating seated workstation height for keyboard use, the primary goal is to position the keyboard so that the worker's elbows are at approximately what angle?
- 70–80 degrees flexion
- 90–110 degrees flexion with neutral wrists (Correct answer)
- 120–135 degrees flexion
- 45–60 degrees flexion
Correct answer: 90–110 degrees flexion with neutral wrists
Elbow angles of 90–110° with neutral wrists minimize forearm muscle loading and reduce risk of cumulative trauma at a keyboard workstation.
Question 2: A sit-stand workstation is being designed for a worker who is 5'2" tall. Which adjustment range for work surface height is most appropriate?
- 24–40 in (61–102 cm)
- 27–47 in (69–119 cm) (Correct answer)
- 30–50 in (76–127 cm)
- 33–54 in (84–137 cm)
Correct answer: 27–47 in (69–119 cm)
A range of approximately 27–47 inches accommodates shorter-statured users in both seated and standing postures.
Question 3: Which document is the primary ANSI/HFES standard used to guide the ergonomic design of computer workstations in the United States?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132
- ANSI/HFES 100-2007 (Correct answer)
- ISO 9241-5
- NIOSH Technical Report 94-110
Correct answer: ANSI/HFES 100-2007
ANSI/HFES 100-2007 provides human factors engineering requirements specifically for computer workstations.
Question 4: When using a fixed-height workbench for precision assembly, an ergonomist determines the work surface is 4 inches too high for most workers. The best immediate control is to:
- Issue anti-fatigue mats to all workers
- Lower the work surface or raise the workers using adjustable platforms (Correct answer)
- Require workers to widen their stance
- Instruct workers to bend at the waist to reach the work
Correct answer: Lower the work surface or raise the workers using adjustable platforms
Engineering controls that adjust the workstation to fit the worker (lowering surface or raising worker) are preferred over administrative or PPE solutions.
Question 5: In a standing workstation used for light assembly work, the recommended work surface height relative to elbow height is:
- 5–10 cm above elbow height
- At elbow height or 0–5 cm below (Correct answer)
- 10–15 cm below elbow height
- 15–25 cm below elbow height
Correct answer: At elbow height or 0–5 cm below
Light assembly work requires the hands to be at or just below elbow height to maintain neutral shoulder and wrist postures.
Question 6: Which monitor placement parameter has the greatest effect on reducing neck flexion at a computer workstation?
- Screen brightness and contrast ratio
- Horizontal distance from the worker
- Vertical height of the top of the screen relative to eye level (Correct answer)
- Screen tilt angle (forward/backward)
Correct answer: Vertical height of the top of the screen relative to eye level
Positioning the top of the monitor at or just below eye level minimizes downward neck flexion, the primary cervical loading factor.
Question 7: A worker using a dual-monitor setup reports neck pain from turning to view the secondary screen. The best corrective layout is to:
- Place both monitors side by side at equal distances with the primary centered (Correct answer)
- Stack the secondary monitor directly above the primary monitor
- Angle the secondary monitor at 90° to the right to reduce glare
- Move the secondary monitor further away to widen the viewing angle
Correct answer: Place both monitors side by side at equal distances with the primary centered
Placing both monitors side by side with the primary centered and the secondary immediately adjacent minimizes rotational neck loading.
CIEE Workstation Design & Optimization 2
When evaluating seated workstation height for keyboard use, the primary goal is to position the keyboard so that the worker's elbows are at approximately what angle?