Dismiss Modal

Healthy Living

Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Quiz

Choose a preferred language

Take this short quiz to find out how much you know about ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Select the best answer for each question. Answers appear at the bottom of the page.

1. Ergonomic principles are intended to improve the fit between a worker and an activity.

 T

 F

2. Ergonomics is a topic that’s important only in the workplace.

 T

 F

3. An MSD may cause numbness and tingling in the affected body part.

 T

 F

4. Cumulative trauma usually damages soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons.

 T

 F

5. If you have an MSD risk factor, you’ll always get an MSD.

 T

 F

6. MSD risk factors are all activity-related.

 T

 F

7. Reducing risk factors always involves spending a lot of money.

 T

 F

8. Proper posture includes the positioning of your entire body.

 T

 F

9. Frequent stretching overhead to reach materials is OK as long as you don’t twist your body.

 T

 F

10. Your overall health may affect your risk of MSDs.

 T

 F

11. MSD risk factors include:

A. Long duration

B. Too short a recovery time

C. Frequent force

D. All of the above

12. Your body can be stressed by:

A. Vibration

B. Cold

C. Bad lighting

D. All of the above

13. Neutral position is:

A. The position that places the least amount of stress on the body

B. The most difficult position for the body to hold

C. A safe position that protects only the back

D. The only position you can work in

14. You’re at risk of an MSD if you:

A. Keep repeating a forceful task

B. Use hand tools once a year

C. Rest between repetitive tasks

D. None of the above

Answers to quiz: 1 True 2 False 3 True 4 True 5 False 6 False 7 False 8 True 9 False 10 True 11 D 12 D 13 A 14 A

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Stay Awake Behind the Wheel

When you're behind the wheel, you may believe that you can stop yourself from falling asleep, but you can't. You may not even know you've dozed off. Here are some important tips to help stay alert.

Read article
Wellness
Do You Have a Family Disaster Plan?

Natural disasters can strike quickly and force families like yours to evacuate your neighborhood. But families can and do survive such circumstances if they prepare in advance. These suggestions can help you plan for the worst.

Read article
Wellness
Bullying on the Job

You may find bullying on the playground or in your child's classroom. But what about in your office? About 1 in 4 American workers have been bullied on the job.

Read article
Wellness
Preventing Falls: How to Prepare and What to Do

Falling is not something you want to think about. But it can make a big difference to plan ahead. If you're prepared, you'll know how to get help. And you'll be less likely to panic if you fall. This means you'll be able to do what's needed to get help right away.