Training & Educational Seminars

Ergo 3.0 : Managers and Supervisors Applied Ergonomics

Course time: 3.5-4 hours

The following agenda outlines a four-hour ergonomics awareness course for supervisors and managers. A class size of up to 30 attendees is recommended.

Course Goals and Objectives

The goal of this course is to increase awareness of ergonomic issues in the workplace. The course will provide attendees with a definition of ergonomics and associated disciplines, and an introduction to the form and function of the human body as it relates to the work environment. The course will also provide an overview of commonly occurring occupational cumulative trauma disorders along with the associated work place and home-based risk factors. Attendees will be trained in the use of risk factor checklists to prioritize and quantify ergonomic risks. The course highlights case studies involving many low-cost or no-cost fixes to ergonomic issues in the workplace.

At the completion of the course the manager/supervisor attendees will be able to recognize potential ergonomic issues within their work areas and provide guidance on corrective actions.

Skill Verification (Optional):

A pre-test and post-test may be administered to each attendee. The questionnaires will test the attendees’ knowledge regarding key ergonomic information. The pre-test will measure the attendees’ baseline knowledge. The post-test will measure the attendees newly acquired knowledge as a result of the course.

Curriculum: ERGO 3.0

Introduction to Ergonomics and Biomechanics

• Definitions of Applied Ergonomics
• Current and Proposed Legislation/Regulations (OSHA)
• Costs of Workers Compensation, Absenteeism
• Case Studies of Effective Ergonomics Programs
• Workplace examples

Form and Function of the Body Related to Work Design

• Basic Anatomy of the Human Body
• Upper Extremity and Back Biomechanics
• Simple Biomechanics
• Understanding Anthropometry
• Strength and fatigue

Ergonomic Risk Factors and Injury Potential

• Commonly Occurring CTDs (Definition and Type)
• Workplace Risk Factors (Posture, Force, Repetition, Vibration, Contact Stress, Environment)
• Home Environment
• Manual Materials Handling (NIOSH)

Improving Workplace Ergonomics

• Effective Policies & Procedures
• Workplace Evaluation (Risk Factor Checklists)
• Hazard Abatement (Engineering/Administrative Controls)
• Training & Education
• Medical Case Management
• Case Studies in Ergonomics

Questions and Answers