Ergo Committee
Advanced Ergonomics Training : Customizable from 1 – 4 days
The Advanced Ergonomic training session is designed to provide the ergonomics team with the knowledge and tools needed to manage an effective ergonomics program. The course content will cover the principles of ergonomics, risk factor identification, solution development and program management. A focus is placed on ergonomic design principles, workstation layout, and best practices for a world class ergonomic program. The course is a natural fit with ergonomic lean manufacturing and Kaizen efforts.
The session involves classroom time and hands-on activities including the completion of risk assessments, development of corrective actions, and discussion related to developing an implementation strategy.
The training attendees are expected to include representatives from engineering, production supervisors, health and safety, lean team, human resources, management and individuals who may participate on the sites ergonomics committee.
A class size of approximately 15-20 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 risks potentially affecting their facility. They will be given the knowledge and skills to implement programs in ergonomics, perform ergonomic job analyses, devise injury prevention strategies and develop solutions. With these capabilities, the attendees will be able to justify ergonomic improvements and develop independent programs within their own work environments.
Ergonomics Training Manual:
A comprehensive ergonomics design & reference manual is associated with the Ergonomics training. The manual (approx. 300 pages) contains ergonomics risk assessment tools and checklists as well as ergonomic design specifications and numerous helpful references. If applicable, aspects of the training manual including the training presentation content can be customized to reflect prior workplace assessments and auditing performed.
Course Agenda:
Introduction to Ergonomics
- Definitions of Applied Ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal Disorders & CTDs
- Risk Factor Overview
- Workplace Examples
Ergonomics Program Best Practices
- Successful Methods for Integrating Ergonomics into Existing Company Efforts
- 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
- Simple Upper Extremity and Spinal Biomechanics
- Applications to Proper Work Technique
- Muscle effort and reducing fatigue potential
- Optimizing upper extremity work technique
- Optimizing manual materials handling work techniques
Ergonomic Risk Factors and Injury Potential
- Workplace Risk Factors (Posture, Force, Repetition, Vibration, Contact Stress, Environment)
Applied Sciences of Ergonomics
- Work Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Anthropometry
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 (video, questionnaire surveys)
- Groups identify ergonomic risks and develop methods of reducing injury potential
- Presentations of Audits by Each Team