CPE Ergonomic Interventions & Solutions 3

Question 1

A vibration-dampening glove is selected as a control for hand-arm vibration. According to the hierarchy of controls, this solution is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Personal protective equipment

Answer

Gloves are personal protective equipment (PPE), which sits at the lowest tier of the hierarchy of controls and should supplement, not replace, higher-level interventions.

Question 2

A task requires workers to exert 18 lbs of push force on a cart. NIOSH guidelines suggest acceptable initial forces for pushing are closest to which value for a mixed-gender workforce?

Accepted Answer

15 lbs initial force

Answer

Liberty Mutual / Snook tables indicate that for mixed-gender populations, acceptable initial push forces are approximately 15–18 lbs depending on frequency and distance, placing 18 lbs at or near the acceptable limit.

Question 3

An ergonomist is evaluating seating for a call center. Which seat pan feature is most critical for workers with varying thigh lengths?

Accepted Answer

Seat pan depth adjustability

Answer

Adjustable seat pan depth ensures proper thigh support without popliteal pressure for workers of different leg proportions.

Question 4

After installing a height-adjustable workstation, productivity drops because workers rarely use the adjustment. What is the most likely root cause and best corrective action?

Accepted Answer

Workers were not adequately trained on the benefits and mechanics of adjustment; provide training and reminders

Answer

Lack of training and organizational prompts is the most common reason adjustable furniture goes unused; targeted training and cues significantly increase utilization rates.

Question 5

Which intervention most effectively reduces contact stress on the palmar surface of the hand during a gripping task?

Accepted Answer

Using a tool handle with a larger diameter and rounded, padded grip

Answer

A larger-diameter, padded, and rounded handle distributes contact forces over a greater surface area, reducing pressure concentration on palmar tissues.

(CPE) Certified Professional Ergonomist Practice Test

(CPE) Certified Professional Ergonomist Practice Test

CPE Ergonomic Interventions & Solutions 3