Training & Educational Seminars

ERGO 4.0 : Advanced Ergonomics

Course time: 1.5-2 Days

The following agenda outlines a two-day training program designed to provide engineers, health & safety managers and ergonomic task force members with the skills necessary to implement an effective ergonomics program. A class size of between 15 and 25 attendees is recommended.

Course Goals and Objectives

The goal of this course is to have the attendees apply the basic principles of ergonomics related to prevention of industrial back injuries, upper extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) and to gain an understanding of significant ergonomic issues affecting their industry. They will be given the knowledge and skills to implement programs in ergonomics, perform ergonomic job analyses, devise injury prevention strategies, develop solutions to abate ergonomic hazards and complete cost/benefit analyses. With these capabilities, the attendees will be able to justify ergonomic improvements for budgetary commitments and develop independent programs within their own work environments.

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 4.0

Day 1

Introduction to Ergonomics and Biomechanics

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

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

Form and Function of the Body Related to Work Design

• Basic Anatomy of the Human Body
• Upper Extremity and Back Biomechanics

Ergonomic Risk Factors and Injury Potential

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

Applied Anthropometry

• Definitions of anthropometry
• Variations in Human Strength, Size and Range of Motion
• Anthropometry Applied to Workplace Design
• Examples and Exercises
• Resources for Anthropometric Data

Work Physiology

• Strength and fatigue
• Physical Work Capacity
• Determining Work:Rest Schedules
• Environmental effects on worker capacity

Applied Biomechanics

• Definition of Biomechanics
• Simple Biomechanics Principles
• Application of Biomechanics to the Workplace

Manual Materials Handling

• Manual Materials Handling Definitions
• Application of NIOSH Lifting Analysis Formula

Day 2 Ergonomic Design Guidelines

• Product/Process Improvement Through Ergonomic Designs
• Tool Design Guidelines
• Manufacturing Workplace Design Guidelines
• Office and Seating Design Guidelines

Risk Factor Identification Through Interactive Exercises

• Risk Factor Analysis Methods
• Employee Survey Methods
• Injury Log Assessment
• Ergonomic Risk Factor Identification
• Procedures for Conducting Ergonomic Workplace/Tools Assessments
• Viewing of job video tapes To Identify Risk Factors (postures, reaches, repetitive/excessive motions, poorly designed workstations)

Hands-on application of the risk analysis techniques

• Trainees break into groups of 3-4 to go into work areas and perform ergonomic audits (videotaping, questionnaire surveys)
• Groups identify ergonomic risks and develop methods of reducing injury potential
• Presentations of Audits by Each Team

Review & Conclusions