CIH CIH Ergonomics & Human Factors 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which OSHA general industry standard directly addresses ergonomic hazards in the workplace?
- 29 CFR 1910.900
- 29 CFR 1910.1000
- OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.119
Correct answer: OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1))
While OSHA has no specific ergonomics standard for general industry, employers must address ergonomic hazards under the General Duty Clause requiring a workplace free from recognized hazards.
Question 2: What is the most common category of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) affecting upper extremities in the US?
- Herniated disc
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (Correct answer)
- Rotator cuff tear
- Epicondylitis
Correct answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most prevalent upper-extremity WMSD, caused by repetitive wrist motion, awkward postures, and vibration compressing the median nerve.
Question 3: The NIOSH Revised Lifting Equation calculates a Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) based on how many task variables?
- 3
- 5
- 6 (Correct answer)
- 8
Correct answer: 6
The NIOSH Revised Lifting Equation uses six multipliers: horizontal distance, vertical height, vertical travel, asymmetry angle, frequency, and coupling quality.
Question 4: Which ergonomic risk factor is characterized by sustained muscle contraction without movement, reducing blood flow to tissues?
- Repetition
- Static loading (static posture) (Correct answer)
- Contact stress
- Vibration
Correct answer: Static loading (static posture)
Static loading occurs when muscles contract continuously without movement, impairing circulation and accelerating fatigue and musculoskeletal tissue damage.
Question 5: What does the Lifting Index (LI) value represent in the NIOSH Lifting Equation?
- The ratio of actual load to the Recommended Weight Limit (Correct answer)
- The maximum safe lift weight in pounds
- The frequency of lifts per hour
- The vertical distance of lift travel
Correct answer: The ratio of actual load to the Recommended Weight Limit
The Lifting Index equals the actual load weight divided by the RWL; values >1.0 indicate increased risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Question 6: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is most commonly associated with prolonged use of which type of equipment?
- Computer keyboards
- Whole-body vibrating platforms
- Pneumatic and electric power hand tools (Correct answer)
- Overhead conveyors
Correct answer: Pneumatic and electric power hand tools
HAVS results from chronic exposure to vibration transmitted to the hand-arm system from tools like chippers, grinders, and jackhammers.
CIH CIH Ergonomics & Human Factors 1
Which OSHA general industry standard directly addresses ergonomic hazards in the workplace?