Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Practice Test

How can the physical stress of a job be effectively reduced?

1. By increasing work hours.

2. Job rotation and task variation.

3. Eliminating breaks during work.

4. Focusing only on repetitive tasks.

The correct answer is: Job rotation and task variation.

Reducing the physical stress of a job is effectively achieved through job rotation and task variation. This approach helps prevent overexertion and monotony, which can lead to injuries or fatigue. By rotating tasks among workers, employees can engage different muscle groups and skills, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries that often occur from performing the same tasks continuously. Moreover, task variation not only helps maintain workers' physical health but also keeps them mentally stimulated and engaged in their work, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity. This strategy fosters a healthier workplace environment by allowing employees to develop broader skills while minimizing the physical wear and tear associated with repetitive tasks. In contrast, increasing work hours, eliminating breaks, or focusing solely on repetitive tasks can exacerbate physical stress. These practices typically lead to fatigue and an elevated risk of injury, which is counterproductive to promoting a safe and healthy work environment.