BSO Plus SAFETY TOPIC
TEST ANSWERS: ERGONOMICS
The BSO Plus Safety Topic is a review designed from the BSO Plus agenda. This safety topic is
your way to stay current on the safety information over the 3 years between BSO Plus and BSR.
1. Ergonomics is the study of the:
a. Kind of work you do
b. Environment you work in
c. Tools you use to do your job
d. All of the above
RATIONALE: Ergonomics is the study of the kind of work you do, the environment you work in, and
the tools you use to do your job. More specifically, it is the science of designing equipment and
devices to fit the work to the worker.
2. Ergonomic hazards can lead to what type of injuries/illnesses?
a. Chemical burns
b. Sprains and strains to joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons
c. Slip and fall injuries
d. Lacerations and amputations
RATIONALE: Ergonomic hazards can lead to injuries of the musculoskeletal system. These may
include such injuries as herniated discs, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sprains and strains
to muscles, tendons and ligaments. These health effects are collectively referred to as
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD).
3. Which factors should you assess to determine the degree of an ergonomic hazard?
a. Temperature, lighting, and vibration
b. Work station, chair, and desk height
c. Repetition, posture, and force
d. Workplace inspections, job rotation, and repetition
RATIONALE: Documenting repetitive tasks, awkward postures and the forces required to perform
jobs helps to assess the degree of ergonomic hazards. Rotation is a component of both the posture
and repetition categories. By being alert to problems, you can help identify injury causes and
solutions.
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE Ph. 519-383-1222 Fax 519-383-1305
www.iecpartnership.com
BSO Plus SAFETY TOPIC
4. Ergonomic hazards include the following elements:
a. Work station and physical environment
b. Repetition of work
c. Work stations, tools and equipment, physical environments, and the organization of work
d. Tools and equipment, physical environments, and the organization of work
RATIONALE: Poor design of any of these elements can put physical strain on your body.
Documenting repetitive tasks, awkward postures and the forces required to perform jobs helps to
assess the degree of ergonomic hazards. By being alert to problems, you can help identify injury
causes and solutions.
5. When correcting ergonomic hazards, who should be included in the process?
a. Joint Health and Safety Committee
b. Management and Supervisor
c. Worker and Management
d. Worker
RATIONALE: With proper controls in place, we can prevent injuries caused by ergonomic hazards in
the workplace. Including both the worker and management in correcting ergonomic hazards is
important when putting changes in place. Keep in mind that the most knowledgeable person about
the problems with a job is usually the person doing the job, while management has the authority to
implement changes.
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE Ph. 519-383-1222 Fax 519-383-1305
www.iecpartnership.com