Workshop on Ergonomics Awareness Program

Program Overview:

Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them. Ergonomics aims to improve work spaces and environments to minimize risk of injury or harm. As technologies change, so too does the need to ensure that the tools we use for work are designed for our body’s requirements. Ergonomics aims to create safe, comfortable and productive workplaces by bringing human abilities and limitations into the design of a workspace, including the individual’s body size, strength, skill, speed, sensory abilities (vision, hearing), and even attitudes.

This course aims to raise awareness of ergonomic issues in the workplace.  It will teach participants how to reduce ergonomic risks through proper technique at work and at home, including learning how to apply simple techniques to enhance the ergonomics of workstations.

For whom:

This course is highly recommended for individuals who are responsible for creating or designing the working equipment and working environment of an organization. It is equally recommended for people who are in charge of administering the employees’ wellbeing.as well as Individuals who are interested to gain adequate information on proper work behaviours.

Learning objectives:

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

*          identify the sources of harmful acts;

*          explain how safety is everybody’s responsibility;

*          prepare a job safety analysis and give job safety instructions;

*          minimize overload of the spine, other joints and muscles;

*          prevent sickness for work due to pain or injury;

*          ensure optimal posture and health in your workplace;

*          advice on chair set-up and suitability; and

*          recommend on additional equipment to assist their organization to carry-out their job more efficiently.

Course outline:

Day 1:  Module One: Introduction to Ergonomics

• Definition of Ergonomics
• History of Ergonomics
• Module 2: Ergonomics in the Workplace
• Ergonomics and Health and Safety
• Economics of Ergonomics
• Ergonomic Programs in the workplace
• Success Stories / Case studies
• Module 3: Body Tissues and Disorders

Associated with Physical Work Characteristics

• Muscle, Tendon, Peripheral Nerve
• Spinal Disc, Joints
• Other Body Systems: Vascular, Metabolic and

Temperature Regulation, Hearing, Sight

• Mechanism of Injury

Day 2: Module 4: Workplace Ergonomics:

Employees Roles and Responsibilities

• Module 5: Risk Factors and Workplace

Evaluation

• Workplace Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
• Module 6: Prevention and Control of Ergonomic

Risk Conditions

• Engineering Controls
• Case Studies and Product Solutions
• Administrative Controls
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Medical Management
• Training and Education

Training Methodology

Lectures, discussions, exercises, case studies, audio-visual aids will be used to reinforce these teaching/learning methods.