Ergonomics & Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Flashcards

Which OSHA standard specifically addresses ergonomics in the meatpacking industry and requires employers to implement ergonomics programs?

Answer: OSHA's Meatpacking Industry Ergonomics Program Guidelines (1993)

OSHA's 1993 Meatpacking Industry Ergonomics Program Guidelines provide voluntary guidance for controlling ergonomic hazards specific to meatpacking; a general industry ergonomics standard was revoked in 2001.

Static loading, a significant ergonomic risk factor, is best described as:

Answer: Maintaining a body segment in a fixed position for a prolonged period

Static loading refers to holding a muscle or body segment in a contracted or fixed position for an extended time, which reduces blood flow and accelerates muscle fatigue.

The ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for hand-arm segmental vibration is primarily concerned with preventing which condition?

Answer: Raynaud's phenomenon (vibration white finger)

The ACGIH TLV for hand-arm vibration is designed to prevent vibration-induced white finger (Raynaud's phenomenon), a vascular disorder caused by prolonged use of vibrating hand tools.

In an ergonomic program, a 'participatory ergonomics' approach emphasizes:

Answer: Involving workers in identifying hazards and developing solutions

Participatory ergonomics actively involves workers, supervisors, and management in hazard identification and solution development, leveraging frontline knowledge to improve program effectiveness.

Which of the following keyboard tray or monitor positions is consistent with neutral ergonomic posture for office work?

Answer: Monitor top at or slightly below eye level with neck in neutral position

Positioning the top of the monitor at or slightly below eye level allows the worker to view the screen without flexing or extending the neck, maintaining a neutral cervical posture.

The 'push-pull' work task primarily places ergonomic stress on which body region?

Answer: Shoulder, back, and wrist

Push and pull tasks load the shoulder girdle, low back, and wrist because workers must exert force while stabilizing their trunk, making these regions susceptible to musculoskeletal injury.

Under OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)), employers can be cited for ergonomic hazards when:

Answer: There is a recognized serious hazard causing or likely to cause death or serious harm, and a feasible abatement method exists

In the absence of a specific ergonomics standard, OSHA uses the General Duty Clause to cite employers when a recognized serious ergonomic hazard exists and a feasible abatement method is available.