Safety and Ergonomics in Operations: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Administration Students

Question 1

Which of the following factors is NOT typically considered during an ergonomic assessment of a workstation?

Accepted Answer

Temperament of the employee

Answer

Posture and movement patterns

Answer

Lighting and noise levels

Answer

Design of equipment and furniture

Question 2

Which step is essential when creating an effective safety and ergonomics program?

Accepted Answer

Set clear safety goals and objectives

Answer

Hire a full-time safety manager

Answer

Invest in expensive safety gear

Answer

Ignore employee feedback

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of implementing ergonomic practices in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders

Answer

Enhanced employee satisfaction

Answer

Improved product quality

Answer

Reduced absenteeism

Question 4

The process of identifying potential hazards and assessing their risks is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Hazard assessment

Answer

Job safety analysis

Answer

Ergonomic evaluation

Answer

Incident investigation

Question 5

Which ergonomic principle focuses on customizing the workplace to suit individual needs?

Accepted Answer

Anthropometry

Answer

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)

Answer

Job design

Answer

Cognitive ergonomics

Question 6

What differentiates an incident from an accident?

Accepted Answer

An incident has potential to cause harm, while an accident has already caused harm

Answer

An accident is more severe than an incident

Answer

They are interchangeable terms

Answer

Incidents are always avoidable

Question 7

Which of the following quantifies the probability of an accident occurring?

Accepted Answer

Risk

Answer

Hazard

Answer

Consequence

Answer

Exposure

Question 8

Which organization is responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Answer

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Answer

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Question 9

What is a fundamental principle of designing an ergonomic workplace?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing repetitive movements

Answer

Using the latest equipment

Answer

Focusing on appearance rather than functionality

Answer

Disregarding employee input

Question 10

Which primary objective of ergonomics in operations management is to enhance employee wellbeing and productivity?

Accepted Answer

Enhance employee comfort and productivity

Answer

Reduce workplace accidents and injuries

Answer

Improve process efficiency

Answer

Ensure compliance with safety regulations

Question 11

What is the main purpose of a hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA)?

Accepted Answer

To identify potential workplace hazards and evaluate their associated risks

Answer

To develop safety protocols and emergency response plans

Answer

To train employees on proper safety procedures

Answer

To ensure compliance with OSHA regulations

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a key component of a successful safety culture?

Accepted Answer

Punitive measures for safety violations

Answer

Management commitment

Answer

Employee accountability

Answer

Continuous improvement and learning

Question 13

What is the main purpose of establishing a comprehensive workplace safety program?

Accepted Answer

Reducing the chances and severity of workplace accidents and health problems

Answer

Increasing production efficiency

Answer

Improving employee morale

Question 14

What is a direct consequence of a workplace accident?

Accepted Answer

Reduced productivity

Answer

Increased employee morale

Answer

Improved company reputation

Answer

Lower insurance premiums

Question 15

How do advanced technologies, like wearable sensors and data analytics, enhance workplace safety and ergonomics?

Accepted Answer

Improved risk prediction and mitigation

Accepted Answer

Reduced physical discomfort and fatigue

Answer

Lower insurance premiums

Answer

Increased employee motivation

Question 16

What is the main purpose of a hazard assessment?

Accepted Answer

To identify and evaluate potential hazards in the workplace

Answer

To eliminate all hazards from the workplace

Answer

To train employees on how to avoid hazards

Answer

To document the existence of hazards

Question 17

How do hazards differ from risks?

Accepted Answer

A hazard is a potential danger, while a risk is the likelihood of harm occurring from that hazard

Answer

A risk is a potential danger, while a hazard is the likelihood of harm occurring from that risk

Answer

Hazards and risks are essentially the same concept

Answer

Risks are always more significant than hazards

Question 18

What is the primary aim of lockout/tagout procedures?

Accepted Answer

To prevent machinery from being unintentionally started during maintenance or repair

Answer

To safeguard workers from electrical hazards

Answer

To mark hazardous areas

Answer

To train employees on safety protocols

Question 19

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, what is an employer's main responsibility regarding workplace safety and health?

Accepted Answer

To provide a safe and healthy work environment

Answer

To prevent employee lawsuits

Answer

To only employ experienced workers

Answer

To pay all medical costs for injured employees

Question 20

Which method is not used in evaluating the effectiveness of safety programs?

Accepted Answer

Conducting surveys with external stakeholders

Answer

Examining incident rates

Answer

Conducting employee satisfaction surveys

Answer

Performing safety audits

Question 21

What is the primary goal of ergonomics in operations?

Accepted Answer

Achieving all of the above

Answer

Avoiding accidents

Answer

Boosting productivity

Answer

Reducing absenteeism

Question 22

What is the purpose of a hazard assessment?

Accepted Answer

Identify potential workplace hazards

Answer

Evaluate the severity of risks

Answer

Develop risk mitigation strategies

Answer

Ensure compliance with safety regulations

Question 23

What is the distinction between a hazard and a risk?

Accepted Answer

A hazard is a potential source of harm, while a risk is the likelihood of that harm occurring

Answer

A risk is a potential source of harm, while a hazard is the likelihood of that harm occurring

Answer

Hazards and risks are synonymous terms

Answer

There is no difference between a hazard and a risk

Question 24

Which of the following is a primary benefit of conducting a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?

Accepted Answer

Identifying potential hazards and developing preventive measures

Answer

Improving communication about safety procedures

Answer

Reducing the financial burden of workplace accidents

Answer

Boosting employee motivation to prioritize safety

Question 25

What is the fundamental purpose of conducting an incident investigation?

Accepted Answer

Determining the underlying cause of an incident

Answer

Assigning blame for the incident

Answer

Preventing future incidents from occurring

Answer

Documenting the details of the incident for record-keeping purposes

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT considered a key aspect of an ergonomically designed workspace?

Accepted Answer

Decorative plants to enhance the aesthetics of the workspace

Answer

Adjustable furniture that allows for personalized comfort and姿勢

Answer

Proper lighting to minimize eye strain and fatigue

Answer

Appropriate noise levels to prevent distractions and promote focus

Question 27

What is the primary goal of conducting a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) process?

Accepted Answer

Systematically identifying potential hazards in the workplace

Answer

Developing mitigation plans for identified risks to prevent incidents

Answer

Training employees on established safety protocols

Answer

Monitoring the effectiveness of implemented safety measures

Question 28

Which of the following is a common ergonomic risk factor associated with office environments?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive motions that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders

Answer

Excessive vibration that can cause discomfort and health issues

Answer

Exposure to hazardous chemicals that can pose respiratory risks

Answer

Extreme temperatures that can create an uncomfortable and potentially harmful work environment

Question 29

What is the primary responsibility of an ergonomist in the context of workplace safety?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and mitigating physical hazards that could lead to injuries or illnesses

Answer

Training employees on proper lifting techniques to prevent musculoskeletal disorders

Answer

Conducting safety audits to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement

Answer

Investigating accidents and incidents to determine root causes and recommend preventive measures

Question 30

How do ergonomic interventions contribute to reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Improve posture and reduce physical strain

Answer

Increase workload and train employees

Answer

Eliminate all workplace hazards

Answer

Reduce employee motivation

Question 31

What is the ethical responsibility of organizations in ensuring employee safety and well-being through effective safety and ergonomic practices?

Accepted Answer

Organizations must provide a safe and ergonomic workplace that minimizes risks to employee health and safety.

Answer

Organizations have no ethical obligation to ensure employee safety.

Answer

Organizations' ethical obligations are limited to following safety regulations.

Answer

Organizations can fulfill their ethical obligations by punishing employees who violate safety regulations.

Question 32

To minimize ergonomic risks in the workplace, which two strategies are effective?

Accepted Answer

Job rotation and thorough training

Accepted Answer

Regular breaks and ergonomic workstations

Answer

Hazard identification and risk assessment

Answer

Employee surveillance and disciplinary actions

Question 33

Which of the following situations best demonstrates the advantage of using a Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) over a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing a manufacturing process where multiple machines interact.

Answer

Identifying potential hazards in a routine office task.

Answer

Assessing the risk of human error in a complex control room.

Answer

Evaluating the safety of a large construction project.

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a crucial component of a comprehensive workplace safety program?

Accepted Answer

Hiring untrained personnel

Answer

Comprehensive employee training and education

Answer

Thorough hazard identification and risk assessment

Answer

Regular safety audits and inspections

Question 35

The primary goal of ergonomic principles in the workplace is to:

Accepted Answer

Adapt the workplace to suit the user's needs and capabilities.

Answer

Increase productivity at the expense of employee comfort and well-being.

Answer

Eliminate all potential hazards in the workplace.

Answer

Punish employees for non-compliance with safety regulations.

Question 36

Which of the following is a commonly encountered ergonomic risk factor in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive motions

Answer

Adequate ventilation

Answer

Adjustable chairs

Answer

Sufficient lighting

Question 37

For evaluating the potential risk of a manual lifting task, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends using which tool?

Accepted Answer

Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE)

Answer

American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Standards

Answer

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations

Answer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines

Question 38

Investing in safety and ergonomics in the workplace can lead to which of the following benefits?

Accepted Answer

Increased productivity and reduced absenteeism

Answer

Increased employee turnover

Answer

Lower employee morale

Answer

Higher insurance premiums

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of conducting a safety audit in a workplace?

Accepted Answer

To identify and address potential hazards to prevent accidents and injuries.

Answer

To promote a culture of fear and compliance

Answer

To punish employees for safety violations

Answer

To document compliance with regulatory requirements only

Question 40

Ergonomic interventions in the workplace should be:

Accepted Answer

Tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of the individual user.

Answer

Applied uniformly to all employees regardless of their individual needs.

Answer

Implemented without considering employee input and feedback.

Question 41

Which of the following is a common factor contributing to workplace accidents?

Accepted Answer

Unsafe work practices

Answer

Regular safety inspections

Answer

Well-maintained equipment

Answer

Adequate training and supervision

Question 42

What is the primary objective of workplace safety and ergonomics?

Accepted Answer

To establish a work environment that prioritizes employee safety, health, and productivity

Answer

To maximize profits through the reduction of workplace incidents

Answer

To eliminate all potential hazards from the workplace

Answer

To penalize employees for non-compliance with safety regulations

Question 43

Which principle forms the foundation of ergonomics?

Accepted Answer

Adapting the workplace to accommodate the employee's physical and cognitive characteristics

Answer

Reducing the number of workplace injuries

Answer

Eliminating potential hazards

Answer

Maximizing employee productivity

Question 44

What is the primary purpose of conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?

Accepted Answer

To identify and evaluate potential hazards associated with a specific work task

Answer

To develop safety protocols for the workplace

Answer

To train employees on how to mitigate workplace risks

Question 45

Which of the following is a common musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) associated with poor workplace ergonomics?

Accepted Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer

Heart disease

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Diabetes

Question 46

What is the primary aim of a workplace safety program?

Accepted Answer

To prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses

Answer

To maximize employee productivity

Answer

To enhance the company's reputation

Answer

To minimize equipment malfunctions

Question 47

Which element is crucial for fostering a positive safety culture in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Active participation and empowerment of employees in safety initiatives

Answer

Centralized control of safety management

Answer

Strict disciplinary measures for safety violations

Answer

Sole reliance on external regulatory compliance

Question 48

What is the main purpose of a personal protective equipment (PPE) program?

Accepted Answer

To provide employees with protective gear to minimize exposure to workplace hazards

Answer

To educate employees on hazard avoidance

Answer

To eliminate all workplace hazards

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of a leading indicator of safety performance?

Accepted Answer

Employee participation in safety training programs

Answer

Workers' compensation claims

Answer

Number of workplace accidents

Answer

Lost workdays due to injuries

Question 50

What is the primary benefit of investing in safety and ergonomics in operations?

Accepted Answer

Improved employee well-being and reduced costs

Answer

Enhanced brand reputation

Answer

Increased productivity