Ergonomics Overview
Ergonomics is the scientific study of how people interact with their work environment. The primary goal of ergonomics is to reduce workplace stress and prevent injuries and disorders caused by the overuse of muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Common musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, sprains, and strains, which can affect one or more parts of the musculoskeletal system.
This course provides a foundational understanding of ergonomic hazards and best practices in general industry. Participants will learn practical strategies to reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries in tasks such as manual material handling, roofing, and other common general industry and construction activities.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
| ID | Objective |
|---|---|
| TO 1.0 | Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment. |
| LO 1.1.1 | Define ergonomics and identify risks related to the worker, task, and environment. |
| LO 1.1.2 | Describe worker-related risk factors, including age, gender, physical activity, strength, and body dimensions (anthropometry). |
| LO 1.1.3 | Identify task-related risk factors such as force, vibration, repetition, recovery time, twisting, posture, and task duration. |
| LO 1.1.4 | Explain environmental risk factors, including lighting, noise, temperature, and psychosocial conditions. |
| LO 1.1.5 | Define work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and provide examples. |
| LO 1.2.1 | Describe the “Hierarchy of Controls” and its application to ergonomics improvements. |
| LO 1.2.2 | Define ergonomics “engineering controls” and provide examples. |
| LO 1.2.3 | Define ergonomics “administrative controls” and provide examples. |
| LO 1.2.4 | Define ergonomics “personal protective equipment” (PPE) and provide examples. |
| LO 1.2.5 | Explain safe lifting techniques to reduce injury risk. |
| LO 1.2.6 | Describe the steps for prioritizing and implementing ergonomic improvements. |
Key: TO = Terminal Objective, LO = Learning Objective