CIEE Workstation Design & Optimization 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a workstation assessment, an ergonomist observes that a cashier's point-of-sale terminal requires sustained lateral neck rotation of 45°. The most effective long-term solution is to:
- Recommend the cashier perform neck stretching exercises
- Reposition the terminal in front of the worker to eliminate neck rotation (Correct answer)
- Issue a cervical collar for shift use
- Rotate the cashier to a bagging position every 30 minutes
Correct answer: Reposition the terminal in front of the worker to eliminate neck rotation
Repositioning the terminal eliminates the source of the awkward posture, making it the preferred engineering control over administrative or PPE measures.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a document holder in a computer workstation setup?
- Reduce keyboard reflection off paper
- Position reference documents at monitor distance and height to minimize head movement and eye refocusing (Correct answer)
- Provide a stable surface for a mouse pad
- Support heavy binders to reduce desk clutter
Correct answer: Position reference documents at monitor distance and height to minimize head movement and eye refocusing
A document holder placed adjacent to the monitor reduces repetitive neck rotation and accommodation (refocusing) demands when alternating gaze between paper and screen.
Question 3: In workstation design for a standing assembly line, anti-fatigue mats are most effective at reducing worker discomfort when they provide:
- A rigid surface with high friction coefficient
- Compliant cushioning of 9–19 mm thickness that allows subtle muscle movement (Correct answer)
- A sloped surface to encourage weight shifting
- Cooling properties to reduce heat from concrete floors
Correct answer: Compliant cushioning of 9–19 mm thickness that allows subtle muscle movement
Anti-fatigue mats work by inducing subtle postural micro-movements through compliant foam, improving venous return and reducing static muscle loading.
Question 4: Which ergonomic principle supports placing controls and displays in order of frequency of use, importance, and functional grouping at a workstation?
- Principle of minimal reach
- Principle of importance and frequency of use (Correct answer)
- Principle of stereotypic compatibility
- Principle of population-based design
Correct answer: Principle of importance and frequency of use
The principle of importance and frequency of use dictates that controls and displays accessed most often or most critically should be in the primary work zone.
Question 5: A CIEE evaluator is designing an overhead shelf at a seated workstation. To avoid shoulder elevation above 60°, items stored on the shelf should not require reach higher than approximately:
- Shoulder height (Correct answer)
- Eye level
- Top of the head
- Maximum arm reach overhead
Correct answer: Shoulder height
Shoulder height is the upper bound for frequently accessed items; reaching beyond shoulder height elevates the humerus above 60°, increasing supraspinatus impingement risk.
Question 6: When evaluating a VDT (video display terminal) workstation for viewing distance, the recommended range for most computer monitors is:
- 30–40 cm (12–16 in)
- 45–75 cm (18–30 in) (Correct answer)
- 80–100 cm (31–39 in)
- Over 100 cm (39+ in)
Correct answer: 45–75 cm (18–30 in)
A viewing distance of 45–75 cm maintains comfortable visual accommodation while keeping the user in a neutral posture without forward trunk lean.
Question 7: Which condition is most likely to result from a workstation where the worker must maintain the shoulder in 45° abduction for the majority of the shift?
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy or supraspinatus impingement (Correct answer)
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
Correct answer: Rotator cuff tendinopathy or supraspinatus impingement
Sustained shoulder abduction above 30° compresses supraspinatus tendons under the acromion, leading to rotator cuff tendinopathy or impingement syndrome.
CIEE Workstation Design & Optimization 5
During a workstation assessment, an ergonomist observes that a cashier's point-of-sale terminal requires sustained lateral neck rotation of 45°.
The most effective long-term solution is to: