SSH Ergonomics & Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which OSHA standard specifically addresses ergonomics in the meatpacking industry and requires employers to implement ergonomics programs?
- 29 CFR 1910.900
- 29 CFR 1910.138
- OSHA's Meatpacking Industry Ergonomics Program Guidelines (1993) (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.147
Correct 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voluntary guidance for controlling ergonomic hazards specific to meatpacking; a general industry ergonomics standard was revoked in 2001.
Question 2: Static loading, a significant ergonomic risk factor, is best described as:
- Applying maximum force during a single brief exertion
- Maintaining a body segment in a fixed position for a prolonged period (Correct answer)
- Lifting loads in an asymmetric manner
- Performing the same motion more than 30 times per hour
Correct 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.
Question 3: The ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for hand-arm segmental vibration is primarily concerned with preventing which condition?
- Raynaud's phenomenon (vibration white finger) (Correct answer)
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
Correct 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.
Question 4: In an ergonomic program, a 'participatory ergonomics' approach emphasizes:
- Hiring only ergonomics specialists to evaluate workstations
- Involving workers in identifying hazards and developing solutions (Correct answer)
- Relying solely on engineering studies to determine risk
- Rotating workers between tasks without analysis
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which of the following keyboard tray or monitor positions is consistent with neutral ergonomic posture for office work?
- Keyboard at elbow height with wrists slightly extended upward
- Monitor top at or slightly below eye level with neck in neutral position (Correct answer)
- Chair height adjusted so feet dangle off the floor
- Mouse placed far from the keyboard to increase shoulder reach
Correct 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.
Question 6: The 'push-pull' work task primarily places ergonomic stress on which body region?
- Lower extremities and ankles
- Shoulder, back, and wrist (Correct answer)
- Cervical spine and jaw
- Fingers and thumb
Correct 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.
Question 7: Under OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)), employers can be cited for ergonomic hazards when:
- A specific OSHA ergonomics standard is violated
- There is a recognized serious hazard causing or likely to cause death or serious harm, and a feasible abatement method exists (Correct answer)
- Workers file more than five ergonomic complaints per quarter
- The employer has more than 100 employees in an affected job classification
Correct 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.
SSH Ergonomics & Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention 2
Which OSHA standard specifically addresses ergonomics in the meatpacking industry and requires employers to implement ergonomics programs?