CPE Ergonomics Assessment & Analysis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An ergonomist is evaluating a call center and finds workers report eye strain and headaches. Which assessment approach is MOST appropriate as a first step?
- Visual comfort survey combined with workstation lighting measurement (Correct answer)
- Electromyography of cervical muscles
- NIOSH Lifting Equation application
- Hand-arm vibration dosimetry
Correct answer: Visual comfort survey combined with workstation lighting measurement
Combining subjective symptom surveys with objective illuminance and luminance measurements addresses likely visual ergonomic stressors in office environments.
Question 2: Which anthropometric design principle ensures that a workspace dimension (e.g., reach distance) accommodates the widest range of users?
- Designing for the range (5th to 95th percentile) (Correct answer)
- Designing for the average (50th percentile)
- Designing for the extreme minimum (1st percentile)
- Designing for the extreme maximum (99th percentile)
Correct answer: Designing for the range (5th to 95th percentile)
Designing for the 5th-to-95th-percentile range accommodates 90% of the target population while remaining practical to implement.
Question 3: In a process plant, an ergonomist uses link analysis to redesign a control panel. What does a 'link' represent in this context?
- A functional relationship or movement between two elements such as controls and displays (Correct answer)
- A structural connection between machine parts
- A communication pathway between supervisors
- A cable connecting sensors to monitors
Correct answer: A functional relationship or movement between two elements such as controls and displays
In link analysis, links represent operator movements, eye glances, or functional relationships between workspace elements to optimize layout.
Question 4: A push/pull force assessment finds a worker must exert 85 lbs initial force to move a loaded cart. According to Liberty Mutual Psychophysical Tables, this force level is acceptable for what percentage of the male population?
- Less than 10% (unacceptable for most workers) (Correct answer)
- 50% (average worker)
- 75% (acceptable for most)
- 90% (acceptable for nearly all)
Correct answer: Less than 10% (unacceptable for most workers)
85 lbs initial push force exceeds acceptable limits for the vast majority of male workers according to Liberty Mutual Psychophysical Tables.
Question 5: Which measure is used in RULA to differentiate between muscle use that is static versus repeated?
- Muscle use score (+1 for static posture held >1 min or repeated >4x/min) (Correct answer)
- Force score based on perceived exertion
- Wrist deviation angle
- Upper arm flexion angle
Correct answer: Muscle use score (+1 for static posture held >1 min or repeated >4x/min)
RULA adds a +1 muscle use score when a posture is held statically for more than one minute or repeated more than four times per minute.
Question 6: When conducting a baseline ergonomic assessment using a walkthrough survey, what is the PRIMARY goal?
- Identify and prioritize high-risk jobs for detailed analysis (Correct answer)
- Calculate precise biomechanical loads on each joint
- Determine workers' compensation costs by task
- Measure maximum acceptable weight limits
Correct answer: Identify and prioritize high-risk jobs for detailed analysis
A walkthrough survey provides a broad screening to identify high-risk jobs warranting more detailed quantitative assessment.
Question 7: A manufacturing ergonomist notices a significant gap between the OSHA 300 log injury rates and worker symptom survey results. What does this discrepancy most likely indicate?
- Underreporting of injuries and symptoms on the OSHA log (Correct answer)
- Exaggeration of symptoms on the survey
- Incorrect application of the survey instrument
- Superior work conditions compared to industry norms
Correct answer: Underreporting of injuries and symptoms on the OSHA log
Symptom surveys routinely reveal early-stage musculoskeletal discomfort not yet captured on OSHA 300 logs due to underreporting or recordability thresholds.
CPE Ergonomics Assessment & Analysis 3
An ergonomist is evaluating a call center and finds workers report eye strain and headaches.
Which assessment approach is MOST appropriate as a first step?