EMPCO EMPCO Ergonomics & Workplace Injury Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hierarchy of controls is considered the most effective method for reducing ergonomic hazards?
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
- Engineering controls (elimination/substitution) (Correct answer)
- Employee training programs
Correct answer: Engineering controls (elimination/substitution)
Engineering controls such as elimination or substitution address the hazard at its source and are the most effective level in the hierarchy of controls.
Question 2: What is 'neutral posture' in ergonomics?
- A posture where all muscles are fully relaxed and inactive
- Body position where joints are naturally aligned and biomechanical stress is minimized (Correct answer)
- Sitting completely still without movement throughout the shift
- Lying flat to relieve spinal compression
Correct answer: Body position where joints are naturally aligned and biomechanical stress is minimized
Neutral posture refers to natural joint alignment that minimizes stress on muscles, tendons, and joints during work activities.
Question 3: What is the purpose of an early intervention program in occupational injury prevention?
- To expedite workers' compensation settlements
- To address minor musculoskeletal symptoms before they become serious injuries (Correct answer)
- To document injuries for legal purposes
- To determine which employees are fit for promotion
Correct answer: To address minor musculoskeletal symptoms before they become serious injuries
Early intervention programs identify and treat minor symptoms early, preventing progression to disabling injuries and reducing lost workdays.
Question 4: Contact stress in ergonomics refers to:
- Psychological stress from supervisor contact
- Pressure on soft tissues from hard or sharp surfaces during work (Correct answer)
- Stress caused by working in contact with hazardous chemicals
- Repetitive contact with computer keyboards only
Correct answer: Pressure on soft tissues from hard or sharp surfaces during work
Contact stress occurs when hard or sharp edges exert pressure on soft tissue areas like wrists or palms, potentially causing nerve and tissue damage.
Question 5: Which workplace intervention best addresses awkward posture as an ergonomic risk factor?
- Mandating more frequent rest breaks
- Adjusting workstation height and tool design to maintain neutral posture (Correct answer)
- Providing analgesic medications to affected workers
- Rotating workers to different tasks without assessment
Correct answer: Adjusting workstation height and tool design to maintain neutral posture
Adjusting workstation height and redesigning tools to maintain neutral body posture directly eliminates the biomechanical root cause of awkward posture injuries.
Question 6: NIOSH recommends that when the Lifting Index (LI) exceeds 3.0, the task:
- Is acceptable for most workers
- Should be reviewed but requires no immediate action
- Represents significant injury risk and requires immediate ergonomic redesign (Correct answer)
- Only poses risk to workers over age 50
Correct answer: Represents significant injury risk and requires immediate ergonomic redesign
A NIOSH Lifting Index above 3.0 indicates a high risk of musculoskeletal injury for most workers and requires prompt engineering or administrative intervention.
EMPCO EMPCO Ergonomics & Workplace Injury Prevention 2
Which hierarchy of controls is considered the most effective method for reducing ergonomic hazards?