SAF Workplace Ergonomics & Health 3

Question 1

In NIOSH's revised lifting equation, what does the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) represent?

Accepted Answer

The weight a healthy worker can lift over an 8-hour shift without elevated risk of low-back injury

Answer

The RWL is the load a healthy worker can lift repeatedly under specified task conditions without substantially increasing the risk of low-back disorder.

Question 2

What does a Lifting Index (LI) value greater than 3.0 indicate according to NIOSH guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Significant risk; the task should be redesigned immediately

Answer

An LI above 3.0 represents a substantially elevated risk of low-back injury and requires immediate ergonomic redesign of the lifting task.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes 'contact stress' as an ergonomic risk factor?

Accepted Answer

Pressure on soft tissue from a hard edge or surface during work tasks

Answer

Contact stress occurs when a hard edge (e.g., desk edge, tool handle) presses on soft tissue, restricting blood flow and compressing nerves.

Question 4

A forklift operator reports lower back pain that worsens during the work shift. Which ergonomic hazard is the PRIMARY contributor?

Accepted Answer

Whole-body vibration (WBV) transmitted through the vehicle seat

Answer

Whole-body vibration from industrial vehicles is a well-established risk factor for lumbar spine disorders among forklift and heavy equipment operators.

Question 5

When performing a workstation assessment, which tool uses a systematic body-part scoring method to estimate postural risk levels for upper limbs?

Accepted Answer

RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)

Answer

RULA evaluates postures of the neck, trunk, and upper limbs using scored body-part diagrams to produce an overall risk level.

(SAF) Safety Assessment Federation Certification Practice Test

(SAF) Safety Assessment Federation Certification Practice Test

SAF Workplace Ergonomics & Health 3