AEP Workplace Design and Intervention Flashcards

When performing a workstation intervention, which action should the ergonomist take FIRST?

Answer: Observe and document the current work setup and tasks

Observing and documenting the current workstation and task demands establishes the baseline needed to identify hazards before recommending solutions.

Which concept describes designing products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation?

Answer: Universal design

Universal design aims to create spaces and products accessible and functional for people across the full range of human ability and size.

In ergonomic tool design, a pistol-grip handle is preferred over a straight handle when the work surface is:

Answer: Below elbow level (horizontal surface)

A pistol-grip handle maintains a neutral wrist posture when working on horizontal surfaces below elbow height, preventing wrist flexion.

Which control measure BEST addresses vibration exposure from handheld power tools?

Answer: Using anti-vibration gloves or tool mounts

Anti-vibration gloves and vibration-dampening tool mounts are engineering and PPE controls that directly reduce hand-arm vibration transmission.

The concept of 'fitting the task to the worker' rather than 'fitting the worker to the task' is a fundamental principle of:

Answer: Ergonomics / human factors

Ergonomics is defined by the principle of designing work systems to accommodate human capabilities and limitations rather than forcing adaptation.

When evaluating noise in an industrial workspace, which measure is used to assess daily average sound exposure under OSHA standards?

Answer: Time-weighted average (TWA)

OSHA uses the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) to determine if worker noise exposure exceeds the 90 dBA permissible exposure limit.