OHST OHST Workplace Ergonomics & Human Factors 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of ergonomics in occupational health and safety?
- Increasing production speed
- Fitting the work environment to the worker to reduce injury risk (Correct answer)
- Reducing the number of employees needed
- Standardizing all workstation heights
Correct answer: Fitting the work environment to the worker to reduce injury risk
Ergonomics aims to fit the work environment, tools, and tasks to the worker's physical and cognitive capabilities to reduce the risk of injury and improve efficiency.
Question 2: What does MSD stand for in the context of workplace ergonomics?
- Mechanical Safety Device
- Musculoskeletal Disorder (Correct answer)
- Manual Strain Diagnostic
- Minimum Safety Distance
Correct answer: Musculoskeletal Disorder
MSD stands for Musculoskeletal Disorder, which includes injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints often caused by ergonomic risk factors.
Question 3: Which of the following is a primary ergonomic risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders?
- Adequate task lighting
- Repetitive motion combined with forceful exertion (Correct answer)
- Adjustable seating
- Frequent rest breaks
Correct answer: Repetitive motion combined with forceful exertion
Repetitive motion combined with forceful exertion is a well-established ergonomic risk factor that significantly increases the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders.
Question 4: What is a 'neutral posture' in ergonomics?
- Standing perfectly straight with arms raised
- A body position where joints are naturally aligned and muscles experience minimal stress (Correct answer)
- Sitting with the back fully reclined
- Any posture maintained for less than 10 minutes
Correct answer: A body position where joints are naturally aligned and muscles experience minimal stress
A neutral posture is one in which the body's joints are in their natural, unforced position, minimizing stress on muscles, tendons, and joints.
Question 5: Which approach is most effective for controlling ergonomic hazards?
- Requiring employees to stretch before shifts only
- Applying the hierarchy of controls, starting with engineering controls (Correct answer)
- Providing workers' compensation benefits
- Posting ergonomic warning signs
Correct answer: Applying the hierarchy of controls, starting with engineering controls
The hierarchy of controls should be applied to ergonomic hazards, with engineering controls — such as redesigning the task or workstation — being the most effective.
Question 6: What is 'contact stress' as an ergonomic risk factor?
- Stress caused by coworker conflict
- Pressure on soft tissue from contact with a hard or sharp edge (Correct answer)
- Mental stress from customer interactions
- Vibration transmitted from power tools
Correct answer: Pressure on soft tissue from contact with a hard or sharp edge
Contact stress occurs when soft tissue such as the palm, wrist, or forearm is pressed against a hard, sharp, or narrow edge, concentrating force and potentially causing injury.
OHST OHST Workplace Ergonomics & Human Factors 1
What is the primary goal of ergonomics in occupational health and safety?