EMPCO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EMPCO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is 'neutral posture' in ergonomics? → Body position where joints are naturally aligned and biomechanical stress is minimized
2. What is the purpose of an emergency action plan? → To establish procedures for responding to various emergencies
3. Why is it important to monitor exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace? → To ensure compliance with safety regulations and protect employee health
4. Which regulation governs the retention and access requirements for employee exposure and medical records in the workplace? → OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1020
5. A medical surveillance record for a worker exposed to lead must be retained for a minimum of: → 30 years
6. Which lifting technique is recommended to prevent lower back injuries in the workplace? → Bend the knees, keep the back straight, and lift with the legs
7. How does health surveillance benefit employers? → By improving employee safety, reducing absenteeism, and minimizing legal risks
8. Which section of an occupational health record documents the employee's self-reported medical history? → Subjective
9. NIOSH recommends that when the Lifting Index (LI) exceeds 3.0, the task: → Represents significant injury risk and requires immediate ergonomic redesign
10. Which document must be completed before a third-party vendor can access an employee's occupational health records for wellness program administration? → A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) under HIPAA
11. What is the chain of command? → The hierarchical structure of authority in a military organization
12. What is dead reckoning in navigation? → Estimating current position based on a known past position and course/speed
13. Which workplace intervention best addresses awkward posture as an ergonomic risk factor? → Adjusting workstation height and tool design to maintain neutral posture
14. Which screening tool is commonly used to identify alcohol use disorders in occupational health settings? → CAGE questionnaire
15. In occupational health documentation, what does the abbreviation 'FFD' stand for? → Fit for Duty
16. When should you change an answer on a test? → Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better
17. What type of data is commonly collected in health surveillance programs? → Medical histories and results from workplace health assessments
18. What is the primary purpose of health surveillance in the workplace? → To detect early signs of work-related illnesses and prevent long-term health issues
19. What is preventive maintenance? → Regular scheduled maintenance to prevent equipment failure
20. Under HIPAA's Minimum Necessary standard, when sharing occupational health records with an employer, which practice should be followed? → Disclose only the information necessary for the specific employment purpose
21. What is the CIA triad in information security? → Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
22. What should you do when encountering a difficult question? → Mark it, move on, and return to it later
23. What is the primary purpose of an Exposure Incident Report in occupational health documentation? → To record details of a worker's contact with bloodborne pathogens or hazardous substances
24. Under FMLA, eligible employees may take up to how many weeks of unpaid leave per year for serious health conditions including mental health? → 12 weeks
25. When documenting a pre-employment physical examination, which element is MOST critical to include for occupational health purposes? → Job-specific physical demands and whether the applicant can meet them
26. Which substance is involved in the majority of workplace fatalities related to alcohol use? → Alcohol (ethanol)
27. Why is reading the question carefully important? → To avoid misinterpreting what is being asked
28. Which healthcare professional in an EMPCO setting is primarily responsible for determining an employee's functional limitations for Return-to-Work purposes? → The treating or occupational health physician
29. What is 'reasonable suspicion' testing in a workplace drug and alcohol program? → Testing required when a supervisor observes specific behavior suggesting impairment
30. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the workplace is most commonly associated with which of the following? → Exposure to traumatic events such as workplace violence, accidents, or disasters