Ergonomics and Workplace Design MCQs with Answers and Explanations
1. What is the primary goal of ergonomics in the workplace?
a) To reduce electricity usage
b) To improve worker comfort, safety, and productivity
c) To design aesthetically pleasing workplaces
d) To ensure compliance with environmental regulations
Answer: b) To improve worker comfort, safety, and productivity
Explanation: Ergonomics focuses on designing workspaces and tasks to fit the worker, minimizing strain and improving efficiency.
2. Which of the following is an example of an ergonomic risk factor?
a) Lifting heavy objects with proper technique
b) Repetitive motion without adequate breaks
c) Using a chair with lumbar support
d) Adjusting a monitor to eye level
Answer: b) Repetitive motion without adequate breaks
Explanation: Repetitive motions can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and are a common ergonomic risk factor.
3. What is the recommended height for a computer monitor to reduce neck strain?
a) At shoulder level
b) Slightly below eye level
c) At or slightly below eye level
d) Above head level
Answer: c) At or slightly below eye level
Explanation: A monitor positioned at or slightly below eye level ensures a natural neck position, reducing strain.
4. Which of the following is NOT a principle of ergonomic workstation design?
a) Keeping frequently used items within easy reach
b) Maintaining a neutral body posture
c) Ensuring workers remain seated all day
d) Adjusting equipment to fit individual workers
Answer: c) Ensuring workers remain seated all day
Explanation: Prolonged sitting is discouraged in ergonomics. Alternating between sitting and standing helps reduce physical strain.
5. What type of injury is most commonly associated with poor ergonomics?
a) Skin burns
b) Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
c) Electrical shocks
d) Hearing loss
Answer: b) Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Explanation: Poor ergonomics often leads to MSDs, including back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
6. What is the “neutral position” for the wrists when typing?
a) Wrists bent upward
b) Wrists bent downward
c) Wrists straight and in line with the forearms
d) Wrists tilted outward
Answer: c) Wrists straight and in line with the forearms
Explanation: Keeping the wrists in a neutral position minimizes stress and prevents conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
7. How often should workers take breaks to reduce ergonomic strain?
a) Every 30 minutes
b) Every 2 hours
c) At the end of the workday
d) Breaks are not necessary
Answer: a) Every 30 minutes
Explanation: Frequent short breaks reduce muscle fatigue and strain, especially during repetitive or sedentary tasks.
8. Which ergonomic adjustment can help prevent lower back pain while sitting?
a) Using a backrest with proper lumbar support
b) Sitting on the edge of the chair
c) Crossing legs under the chair
d) Tilting the chair backward excessively
Answer: a) Using a backrest with proper lumbar support
Explanation: Lumbar support maintains the natural curve of the spine, reducing stress on the lower back.
9. What is the ideal angle for the elbows when working at a desk?
a) 45 degrees
b) 60 degrees
c) 90 degrees or slightly greater
d) 120 degrees
Answer: c) 90 degrees or slightly greater
Explanation: Keeping elbows at a 90-degree angle or slightly greater ensures a relaxed and natural position, minimizing strain.
10. Which of the following is a key ergonomic principle for manual lifting?
a) Bending at the waist
b) Keeping the load close to the body
c) Twisting the torso while lifting
d) Holding the load with one hand
Answer: b) Keeping the load close to the body
Explanation: Holding the load close to the body reduces strain on the back and prevents injuries.
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11. What is the recommended viewing distance from a computer monitor to reduce eye strain?
a) 6-12 inches
b) 20-40 inches
c) 50-60 inches
d) 5-10 feet
Answer: b) 20-40 inches
Explanation: A viewing distance of 20-40 inches (or about an arm’s length) reduces eye strain and promotes a comfortable working posture.
12. What is the “20-20-20 rule” in ergonomics?
a) Work for 20 hours, take a 20-minute break, and look at something 20 feet away
b) For every 20 minutes of work, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away
c) Use 20 tools in 20 minutes while keeping a 20-degree angle
d) Maintain a 20% break time during an 8-hour workday
Answer: b) For every 20 minutes of work, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away
Explanation: This rule helps reduce digital eye strain and relaxes the eyes by changing focus regularly.
13. Which of the following is an ergonomic solution for reducing shoulder strain?
a) Using a keyboard without wrist support
b) Placing frequently used items within arm’s reach
c) Working with arms above shoulder level
d) Using a chair without armrests
Answer: b) Placing frequently used items within arm’s reach
Explanation: Keeping items within easy reach minimizes unnecessary arm and shoulder movements, reducing strain.
14. What is the recommended angle for the knees when sitting at a workstation?
a) 45 degrees
b) 90-110 degrees
c) 130 degrees
d) Fully extended
Answer: b) 90-110 degrees
Explanation: This angle ensures that the thighs are parallel to the floor and reduces pressure on the knees and lower back.
15. What is the ideal height for a standing workstation?
a) At chest level
b) At eye level
c) At or slightly below elbow level
d) At waist level
Answer: c) At or slightly below elbow level
Explanation: The height ensures that the arms can rest comfortably while typing or working, reducing strain on the shoulders and wrists.
16. Which type of chair feature is most critical for ergonomic support?
a) Adjustable armrests
b) Lumbar support
c) Reclining backrest
d) Swivel base
Answer: b) Lumbar support
Explanation: Proper lumbar support maintains the natural curve of the lower spine, preventing back pain and promoting good posture.
17. Which of the following is a risk factor for developing carpal tunnel syndrome?
a) Using ergonomic keyboards
b) Maintaining a neutral wrist position
c) Prolonged use of vibrating tools
d) Taking regular breaks
Answer: c) Prolonged use of vibrating tools
Explanation: Vibrating tools and repetitive wrist motions can increase pressure on the median nerve, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.
18. What is the best lighting setup for computer work?
a) Direct bright light on the screen
b) Indirect, evenly distributed lighting to reduce glare
c) No lighting to minimize screen reflection
d) Overhead fluorescent lights only
Answer: b) Indirect, evenly distributed lighting to reduce glare
Explanation: Proper lighting reduces glare and eye strain, creating a more comfortable work environment.
19. What is the primary ergonomic concern with prolonged standing at work?
a) Reduced concentration
b) Increased risk of foot and leg discomfort
c) Poor keyboard placement
d) Elevated productivity
Answer: b) Increased risk of foot and leg discomfort
Explanation: Prolonged standing can lead to discomfort, swelling, and fatigue in the legs and feet without proper support.
20. What is a common feature of an ergonomic workstation for employees who perform data entry?
a) A mouse placed at the far corner of the desk
b) A document holder positioned at the same height as the monitor
c) A chair with a flat seat and no armrests
d) A monitor angled upward toward the ceiling
Answer: b) A document holder positioned at the same height as the monitor
Explanation: Keeping documents at eye level reduces neck and eye strain, improving comfort and efficiency.
