COHN Ergonomics and Physical Hazards 5

Question 1

A COHN is conducting a walkthrough of a cold storage facility (-10°F). Which physiological response to cold stress should be monitored as an early warning sign?

Accepted Answer

Cessation of shivering with declining core temperature

Answer

When shivering stops in a cold environment, it signals that the body can no longer maintain heat production and core temperature is falling — a sign of impending hypothermia.

Question 2

Which ergonomic principle does a footrest under a desk primarily address?

Accepted Answer

Providing lower extremity support to reduce pressure on the thighs and improve seated posture

Answer

A footrest supports workers whose feet do not reach the floor, relieving thigh pressure from the seat edge and reducing lower back fatigue in seated tasks.

Question 3

OSHA's Noise standard (29 CFR 1910.95) requires a hearing conservation program when TWA noise exposure equals or exceeds:

Accepted Answer

85 dBA

Answer

The OSHA action level triggering a mandatory hearing conservation program (audiometric testing, training, and hearing protectors) is an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA.

Question 4

A supermarket cashier scans items using a wrist-flexed, ulnar-deviated grip. This wrist posture primarily increases risk for:

Accepted Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome due to increased carpal tunnel pressure

Answer

Wrist flexion and ulnar deviation elevate pressure within the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve and increasing risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Question 5

When evaluating ergonomic interventions, which metric is MOST meaningful for demonstrating program effectiveness to management?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) incidence rates and lost workday cases

Answer

Reduction in MSD incidence rates and lost workday cases directly demonstrates health outcomes and business value, making them the most compelling metrics for management reporting.

COHN Exam Practice Test

COHN Exam Practice Test

COHN Ergonomics and Physical Hazards 5