Workplace Design & Modifications Flashcards
7 cards from real CPE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Workplace Design & Modifications flashcards as text
When designing for whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure in vehicle operators, which axis of vibration is weighted most heavily in ISO 2631-1 because of its greatest health risk?
Answer: Vertical (z-axis)
ISO 2631-1 applies the highest weighting factor to the vertical (z-axis) because the spine is most susceptible to compressive and shear forces in that direction.
An ergonomics team is redesigning a checkout lane to reduce cashier injuries. Which workstation feature MOST directly reduces trunk twisting during item scanning?
Answer: Placing the scanner centrally between the conveyor and bagging area
Centering the scanner between the conveyor and bagging area reduces the rotational arc the cashier must perform during each scanning cycle.
Which of the following best describes macroergonomics as applied to workplace design?
Answer: A sociotechnical approach that considers organizational systems, work processes, and culture alongside physical workstation design
Macroergonomics addresses the organizational and sociotechnical system level, integrating work processes, management structures, and culture with physical design.
A factory installs a new overhead conveyor that causes workers to sustain shoulder abduction above 60° for extended periods. Which health outcome is MOST associated with this exposure?
Answer: Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Sustained shoulder abduction above 60° compresses the supraspinatus tendon under the acromion, leading to rotator cuff tendinopathy over time.
When evaluating the ergonomic impact of a newly modified workstation, which method provides the MOST objective measure of physical workload change?
Answer: Surface electromyography (sEMG) comparing muscle activation before and after the modification
Surface EMG directly quantifies muscle activation levels, providing an objective physiological measure of physical workload changes attributable to the workstation modification.
An ergonomist recommends replacing a two-handed pinch-grip task with a power-grip tool modification. What is the primary biomechanical rationale?
Answer: Power grip engages larger proximal muscles, reducing distal joint stress
Power grip engages larger forearm and shoulder muscles rather than the small intrinsic hand muscles, distributing force over a larger muscle mass and reducing stress on finger and wrist joints.
During a participatory ergonomics (PE) program, what distinguishes it from a traditional expert-driven ergonomics intervention?
Answer: Workers actively identify hazards and co-design solutions alongside ergonomists
Participatory ergonomics involves workers as active partners in hazard identification and solution design, improving both the relevance of solutions and worker acceptance.