EMPCO Ergonomics & Workplace Injury Prevention Flashcards

Which body part is most commonly injured due to whole-body vibration in occupational settings?

Answer: Lower back and lumbar spine

Whole-body vibration, common among vehicle operators and heavy equipment workers, is strongly associated with lower back pain and lumbar spine disorders.

When should an ergonomic evaluation be triggered in the workplace according to best practices?

Answer: After any musculoskeletal injury report, workstation change, or new task introduction

Ergonomic evaluations should be triggered by injury reports, workstation changes, or introduction of new tasks to proactively prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

What is a key indicator that an ergonomics program is effective?

Answer: Reduction in musculoskeletal disorder incidence rates and lost workdays

A reduction in musculoskeletal disorder incidence and lost workdays is the primary outcome measure demonstrating an ergonomics program's effectiveness.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is primarily caused by:

Answer: Prolonged use of vibrating hand tools such as grinders or jackhammers

HAVS results from prolonged exposure to vibrating hand tools, causing vascular and neurological damage to the hands and fingers.

In ergonomics, 'administrative controls' for injury prevention include:

Answer: Job rotation, work-rest schedules, and task variety

Administrative controls manage how and when work is performed—such as job rotation and rest breaks—to reduce cumulative exposure to ergonomic hazards.

The most important first step when developing a worksite ergonomics program is:

Answer: Obtaining management commitment and worker participation

Management commitment ensures resources are allocated and worker participation ensures hazards are identified accurately, forming the essential foundation of any ergonomics program.