CPE Ergonomics Assessment & Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which observational tool uses a body-part coding system to record awkward postures during a task cycle?
- OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis System) (Correct answer)
- NIOSH Lifting Equation
- Psychophysical tables
- Hand-Arm Vibration Standard (HAV)
Correct answer: OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis System)
OWAS categorizes trunk, arm, and leg postures into coded combinations to quantify postural exposure during work.
Question 2: A task analysis reveals a worker lifts a 40-lb box from floor to shoulder height 80 times per shift. Which variable of the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation would be MOST penalized?
- Frequency Multiplier (FM) (Correct answer)
- Asymmetry Multiplier (AM)
- Coupling Multiplier (CM)
- Horizontal Multiplier (HM)
Correct answer: Frequency Multiplier (FM)
High repetition rates reduce the Frequency Multiplier, which directly lowers the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL).
Question 3: In cognitive task analysis, which technique involves asking experts to 'think aloud' while performing a task to capture decision-making processes?
- Protocol analysis (verbal protocol) (Correct answer)
- Link analysis
- Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA)
- Time-motion study
Correct answer: Protocol analysis (verbal protocol)
Protocol analysis captures concurrent verbalization during task performance to reveal cognitive steps and decision points.
Question 4: An ergonomist measures wrist deviation using a electrogoniometer during assembly work. This is an example of which level of exposure assessment?
- Direct measurement (Correct answer)
- Observer rating
- Self-report
- Epidemiological survey
Correct answer: Direct measurement
Electrogoniometers directly quantify joint angle over time, representing the highest level of objective physical exposure measurement.
Question 5: The REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) tool assigns higher action levels (3-4) based on what outcome?
- Increasing musculoskeletal risk requiring immediate intervention (Correct answer)
- Greater productivity potential
- Reduced cognitive workload
- Improved postural variety
Correct answer: Increasing musculoskeletal risk requiring immediate intervention
REBA action levels 3-4 indicate high to very high risk, triggering urgent ergonomic intervention recommendations.
Question 6: A job demands analysis identifies that a task requires sustained pinch grip for 45 minutes continuously. Which ergonomic risk factor does this primarily represent?
- Static loading (Correct answer)
- High repetition
- Contact stress
- Vibration
Correct answer: Static loading
Sustained pinch grip without rest is a form of static muscular loading that impairs blood flow and causes fatigue.
Question 7: When using the Strain Index to evaluate a hand-intensive task, which multiplier accounts for the duration of exertion per cycle?
- Duration of Exertion Multiplier (DE) (Correct answer)
- Intensity of Exertion Multiplier (IE)
- Hand/Wrist Posture Multiplier (HWP)
- Speed of Work Multiplier (SW)
Correct answer: Duration of Exertion Multiplier (DE)
The Duration of Exertion Multiplier in the Strain Index specifically quantifies the proportion of the cycle spent in exertion.
CPE Ergonomics Assessment & Analysis 2
Which observational tool uses a body-part coding system to record awkward postures during a task cycle?