Free CRST Ergonomics and Human Factors Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of ergonomics in the workplace?
- To increase the speed of production at all costs.
- To design the job and workplace to fit the capabilities and limitations of the worker. (Correct answer)
- To ensure all workers use the same standardized equipment regardless of their size.
- To primarily focus on the psychological well-being of employees.
Correct answer: To design the job and workplace to fit the capabilities and limitations of the worker.
Ergonomics aims to adapt the job, workstation, and tools to fit the worker, rather than forcing the worker to adapt to the job. This approach reduces physical stress and the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), thereby improving safety, comfort, and productivity.
Question 2: Which of the following is considered a primary ergonomic risk factor for developing a Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI)?
- Poor lighting
- High noise levels
- Awkward posture (Correct answer)
- Inadequate supervision
Correct answer: Awkward posture
Awkward postures, such as twisting, bending, or reaching, place excessive strain on joints and muscles, significantly increasing the risk of developing MSIs. While other factors contribute, awkward posture is a key and direct physical stressor.
Question 3: In the hierarchy of controls, which of the following is an example of an engineering control for an ergonomic hazard related to manual lifting?
- Providing training on proper lifting techniques.
- Implementing a job rotation schedule.
- Installing a mechanical lift assist device. (Correct answer)
- Requiring workers to wear back support belts.
Correct answer: Installing a mechanical lift assist device.
An engineering control physically changes the workplace or process to eliminate or reduce the hazard. A mechanical lift assist device, like a hoist or conveyor, removes the need for manual lifting, directly addressing the hazard at its source.
Question 4: The study of human body measurements, such as size, strength, and physical capacity, for use in design is known as:
- Kinesiology
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Anthropometry (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Anthropometry
Anthropometry is the science of measuring the human body's dimensions and physical characteristics. This data is crucial in ergonomics for designing tools, furniture, and workstations that accommodate the range of sizes and shapes within the workforce.
Question 5: When setting up a computer workstation, what is the recommended position for the top of the monitor screen?
- At or slightly below eye level. (Correct answer)
- Significantly above eye level to encourage sitting up straight.
- At chest level to reduce eye strain.
- As far to the side as possible to create desk space.
Correct answer: At or slightly below eye level.
Positioning the top of the monitor at or slightly below eye level allows the user to maintain a neutral neck posture, looking slightly downward. This prevents neck and shoulder strain that can occur from tilting the head up or down for extended periods.
Question 6: Human factors, such as high cognitive workload and fatigue, can contribute to workplace incidents primarily by:
- Increasing the physical strength of workers.
- Improving communication between team members.
- Increasing the probability of human error. (Correct answer)
- Reducing the need for personal protective equipment.
Correct answer: Increasing the probability of human error.
Fatigue, stress, and high mental demand (cognitive workload) impair a worker's ability to focus, make sound judgments, and react quickly. This leads to an increased likelihood of human error, which can result in safety incidents or accidents.
Free CRST Ergonomics and Human Factors Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of ergonomics in the workplace?