OHS201 - Ergonomics

Subject Title
Ergonomics

Credit Status
Successful completion of this required course provides one credit towards the Workplace Safety and Prevention Program Diploma.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Describe ergonomics as it applies to a workplace and how it applies to occupational health.
   1. Define ergonomics and justify the role of ergonomics in occupational health
   2. Outline components of an ergonomics program and how it applies to an Occupational Health and Safety Program
2. Identify signs/symptoms and risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries as it pertains to the workplace
   1. Identify workplace hazards that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and their prevalence in the workplace
   2. Identify signs and symptoms of MSD
   3. Outline awkward postures, static work, repetition, force, vibration, temperature, lighting, mechanical stress and impact loading
   4. Evaluate MSD risk factors
3. Use appropriate ergonomic assessment tools to evaluate workplace injuries
   1. Apply physical demands analysis tool
   2. Assess and apply ergonomic assessment tools including surveys, checklists, observations and interviews in appropriate contexts.
   3. Discuss anthropometrics, individual differences, normal and average, working heights, manual handling, NIOSH lifting equation, postural assessments, qualitative and quantitative methods, and the limitations in office and industrial ergonomics
4. Evaluate ergonomic hazards and identify appropriate control measures
   1. Define hazard versus level of risk
   2. Discuss shift work; workplace stress and fatigue hazards
   3. Analyze organizational ergonomics
   4. Analyze administration controls used in organizational ergonomics
   5. Explains the benefits of training, job control, hours of work, incentives, job rotations, warm-up stretching program
5. Differentiate between physical and cognitive ergonomics, abilities and limitations that affect human performance
   1. Describe biological and sociological factors that affect human performance
   2. Identify the difference between physical and cognitive
   3. Discuss cognitive ergonomics (vision, writing, hearing, psychomotor and information processing)
   4. Define short term memory (STM)
   5. Define long term memory (LTM)
6. Distinguish components of an ergonomics program
   1. Demonstrate the cost-benefit of an ergonomics program
   2. Discuss ergonomic maintenance programs
   3. Discuss the ergonomic process
7. Analyze regulatory requirements related to ergonomics
   1. Analyze Canadian ergonomic regulations, guidelines and enforcement
   2. Analyze international guidelines
   3. Review CSA-Z412-00 Office Ergonomics
8. Differentiate the role of ergonomics in design and procurement
   1. Differentiate the role of ergonomics in design and procurement of workspace layouts, tools, equipment and materials
   2. Evaluate computer/office environments and recommend options for seating, visual display terminals, keyboards/mouse, laptops and mobile devices
9. Identify the role of the ergonomist
   1. Discuss the role of an ergonomist

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