CIH - Certified Industrial Hygienist Ergonomics and Biomechanics Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is the BEST example of an engineering control implemented to mitigate ergonomic risk factors for an assembly line worker?

Accepted Answer

Installing an articulating arm to hold a heavy power tool.

Answer

Providing annual training on proper lifting techniques.

Answer

Supplying workers with anti-vibration gloves.

Answer

Implementing a job rotation schedule to vary tasks.

Question 2

A data entry clerk reports numbness and tingling in their thumb, index, and middle finger after several months of working with their wrists bent upwards in extension. This symptomology is most characteristic of which of the following nerve-related cumulative trauma disorders?

Accepted Answer

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Answer

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Answer

Raynaud's Syndrome

Answer

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

Question 3

In a biomechanical analysis of the arm, the elbow acts as the fulcrum. A worker holds a 15 lb tool in their hand, which is 14 inches from the elbow. If the biceps muscle, providing the effort, inserts 2 inches from the elbow, what is the approximate force the biceps must exert to hold the tool steady?

Accepted Answer

105 lbs

Answer

30 lbs

Answer

15 lbs

Answer

210 lbs

Question 4

The Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation is a primary tool used by industrial hygienists to assess the risk of injury for specific tasks. Its application is MOST appropriate for which of the following scenarios?

Accepted Answer

Calculating the risk for a worker lifting a crate from the floor to a shelf with both hands.

Answer

Evaluating a worker pushing a heavy cart up a ramp.

Answer

Assessing a seated worker repetitively assembling small parts.

Answer

Analyzing a warehouse worker carrying a box from one pallet to another.

Question 5

An industrial hygienist is helping design a new workstation console for a control room that must accommodate a wide range of employees. To ensure all operators can reach a critical emergency shutoff button, the maximum allowable reach distance should be based on which anthropometric value?

Accepted Answer

5th percentile female forward reach

Answer

95th percentile male forward reach

Answer

50th percentile (average) male forward reach

Answer

Average of 5th percentile female and 95th percentile male reach

Question 6

The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is an ergonomic assessment tool used to screen for risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The primary focus of the RULA tool is evaluating:

Accepted Answer

Postural stress on the neck, trunk, and upper extremities.

Answer

The metabolic load and heat stress of a task.

Answer

Whole-body exposure to vibration.

Answer

Lower back stress during two-handed manual lifting.