Office Ergonomics Trivia Questions

Taking breaks periodically, alternating tasks, switching hands, or rotating work activities can help prevent repetitive motion injuries. These injuries occur when the same motion is repeated over and over again, causing strain and damage to the muscles, tendons, and nerves. By incorporating these strategies, individuals can reduce the strain on specific body parts and give them time to rest and recover, ultimately minimizing the risk of developing repetitive motion injuries.

Adjusting the office chair is indeed a key step in ensuring proper monitor and keyboard placement. By adjusting the chair, individuals can achieve the correct height and positioning that promotes good posture and reduces strain on the neck, back, and wrists. This allows for comfortable and ergonomic use of the monitor and keyboard, ultimately enhancing productivity and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Stressing your wrist can indeed occur with gripping, grasping, or lifting with just the thumb and forefinger. These actions can put strain on the tendons and muscles in the wrist, leading to discomfort or injury. It is important to use proper technique and avoid overexertion to prevent wrist stress.

Repetitive motion injuries are caused by prolonged exposure to a combination of factors. This means that these injuries occur over a long period of time due to the repetitive nature of certain activities or movements. Factors such as poor ergonomics, improper technique, and overuse of specific muscles or joints can contribute to the development of these injuries. The prolonged and repetitive nature of these activities puts strain on the affected body parts, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential damage.

RMIs (Repetitive Motion Injuries) can occur to various parts of the body due to repetitive movements or overuse. Upper extremities, such as the hands, wrists, and arms, are commonly affected by RMIs like carpal tunnel syndrome. Back injuries can result from repetitive lifting or bending motions. Neck injuries can occur due to repetitive neck movements or poor posture. Therefore, all of the above options are correct as RMIs can occur in the upper extremities, back, and neck.

When laying out a work station, it is recommended to place equipment that is frequently used within easy reach. This allows for easy access and increases efficiency. Additionally, it is advised to avoid clutter on the work surface to maintain a clean and organized workspace. This helps to prevent distractions and allows for better focus on the task at hand. Therefore, both options A and B are recommended when setting up a work station.

The correct answer is Chair, Monitor and Keyboard placement, Environment and Workspace Considerations. This answer is correct because it includes all the essential elements that should be ergonomically adjusted in an office environment. The placement of the chair, monitor, and keyboard is crucial for maintaining proper posture and reducing strain on the body. Additionally, considering the environment and workspace factors such as lighting, noise, and overall comfort is important for creating a conducive and healthy work environment.

Ergonomics is actually the science of designing and arranging the work environment to fit the worker, not the other way around. It focuses on optimizing the work conditions to enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety while minimizing the risk of injuries or discomfort for the worker. Therefore, the statement that ergonomics is the science of safely fitting the worker to the work is incorrect.

The correct answer is "Rest your wrist on a stationary surface whenever using a mouse" because this contradicts the second rule, which states that wrists should be kept in a neutral position. Resting the wrist on a stationary surface can cause strain and discomfort, leading to potential musculoskeletal issues. It is recommended to keep the wrist in a neutral position and avoid resting it on any surface while using a mouse.

The statement is false because the first step to workspace ergonomics is not to adjust the monitor so the top of the screen is at eye level. The correct first step is to adjust the chair and desk height so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. This helps to maintain proper posture and prevent strain on the neck and back. Adjusting the monitor comes after adjusting the chair and desk height.