Which of the following is an ergonomic physical risk factor?

• A. Awkward positions
• B. Loud noise exposure
• C. Heat stress
• D. Slippery floors

Answer: (A)

Awkward positions are an ergonomic physical risk factor because they involve non-neutral body postures that strain muscles and joints during work. Ergonomics aims to fit tasks and tools to the worker to keep the body in safe alignment and reduce sustained or extreme postures, which lowers the risk of musculoskeletal issues. When a worker must reach, twist, bend, or hold an uncomfortable posture for long periods or during repetitive tasks, the chance of musculoskeletal strain increases.

Loud noise exposure, heat stress, and slippery floors are important health and safety concerns, but they fall outside ergonomic posture risks. Loud noise relates to hearing protection, heat stress to environmental/thermal strain, and slippery floors to slip-and-fall hazards.