Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) Practice Exam

Which of the following could reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries?

1. Strain management

2. Stress management

3. Industrial engineering

4. Ergonomics

The correct answer is: Ergonomics

The correct choice focuses on ergonomics, which is the science of designing the workplace and tools to fit the worker's physical capabilities and limitations. Implementing ergonomic principles can significantly reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries by ensuring that workstations, tools, and tasks are optimized for comfort and efficiency. This might include adjusting the height of desks, providing appropriate seating, or using tools that minimize strain on the hands and wrists. By addressing physical factors in the environment where work is performed, ergonomics aims to enhance workplace comfort and productivity, ultimately leading to a decrease in the likelihood of injuries related to repetitive motions. While strain management, stress management, and industrial engineering can contribute to overall health and workplace safety, they do not specifically target the physical arrangements and adjustments that ergonomics does. For instance, strain management focuses more on how individuals deal with physical stress in their bodies, and stress management addresses emotional or psychological pressures that can lead to injuries but are not directly aimed at physical workplace configurations. Industrial engineering may deal with optimizing processes and systems but may not directly implement ergonomics principles to prevent repetitively induced injuries.