CSO Ergonomics and Manual Handling 3

Question 1

What does NIOSH stand for, and why is it relevant to manual lifting guidelines?

Accepted Answer

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; it developed the Revised Lifting Equation used to calculate safe lifting limits

Answer

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) developed the widely used Revised Lifting Equation, which calculates a Recommended Weight Limit based on task variables.

Question 2

Which part of the body is most frequently injured during manual material handling tasks in occupational settings?

Accepted Answer

Lower back, due to compressive and shear forces on lumbar discs

Answer

The lower back is the most common site of manual handling injuries because the lumbar spine bears enormous compressive and shear forces during lifting and carrying.

Question 3

What is the primary intended purpose of wearing a back support belt during manual lifting tasks?

Accepted Answer

To increase intra-abdominal pressure and serve as a tactile reminder to use correct lifting posture

Answer

Back belts can increase intra-abdominal pressure and serve as a posture reminder, but they are not proven to allow heavier lifts or eliminate injury risk and do not replace proper technique.

Question 4

When moving a load on a cart or dolly, is it generally safer to push or pull the load, and why?

Accepted Answer

Push, because it allows use of body weight, promotes a more neutral spine posture, and reduces awkward shoulder loading

Answer

Pushing a wheeled load is generally preferred because the worker can use their body weight, maintain a neutral posture, and avoid the shoulder and back strain associated with pulling.

Question 5

What is cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) in the context of workplace ergonomics?

Accepted Answer

A condition caused by repeated microtrauma to muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints that accumulates over time

Answer

CTDs develop gradually from repeated microtrauma — small stresses that individually cause no harm but accumulate over weeks or months to produce injury, such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

CSO - Common Safety Orientation Practice Test

CSO - Common Safety Orientation Practice Test

CSO Ergonomics and Manual Handling 3