Ergonomics Awareness Training for Supervisors Practice Test

What is an ergonomics risk factor associated with awkward working positions?

1. Repetitive motion

2. Compression from grasping

3. Static posture

4. A flexible workspace

The correct answer is: Compression from grasping

The most relevant ergonomics risk factor associated with awkward working positions is static posture. Static posture refers to maintaining a position for an extended period without movement. This can lead to muscle fatigue, strain, and discomfort, as certain muscles may become overworked while others are underutilized. For example, when a person sits or stands in a fixed position that does not allow for natural movement or shifts in body posture, it can create stress on joints and soft tissues. Awkward working positions often force a worker to hold a static posture, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders over time. This risk factor is critical to address in ergonomic assessments to promote better body mechanics and reduce the likelihood of injury. In contrast, while repetitive motion does correlate with injuries, it is more specifically aligned with tasks that involve repeated actions rather than the position itself. Compression from grasping pertains to the impact of gripping or squeezing actions, which can contribute to discomfort but does not directly address the issue of awkward postures. A flexible workspace can help mitigate awkward positions by allowing for adjustments but is not an inherent risk factor itself.