Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What factors are included when assessing ergonomic risks?

1. Physical environment and equipment

2. Chemical exposure and toxicity

3. Fire hazards in the workplace

4. Financial impacts of injuries

The correct answer is: Physical environment and equipment

Assessing ergonomic risks involves examining the physical environment and equipment used in the workplace, as these factors directly influence the safety and efficiency of job tasks. Ergonomic assessments focus on how the work environment and tools can contribute to physical strain, repetitive stress injuries, or discomfort among employees. For instance, aspects such as workstation layout, chair height, desk arrangement, and the design of tools and equipment all play critical roles in determining whether employees can perform their tasks without undue strain. Proper ergonomic design aims to reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders by ensuring that the work environment is accommodating to the physical needs of workers. In contrast, while chemical exposure and toxicity, fire hazards, and financial impacts of injuries are important safety considerations in a broader workplace safety program, they do not directly pertain to the specific assessment of ergonomic risks. Thus, aligning assessment criteria with ergonomic principles is crucial for enhancing worker safety and well-being.