Workplace Ergonomics: Injury Prevention Through Ergonomics
This comprehensive two-day workshop teaches you how to make your workplace as ergonomic as possible. You will explore the science of ergonomics, learn to identify and assess ergonomic hazards, develop and implement solutions, manage change, and apply best practices for sitting, standing, lifting, workstation design, tool selection, and environmental factors—all to protect your body and improve well-being at work.
What you'll learn
- Define ergonomics and its related terms
- Identify regional ergonomics legislation and regulatory bodies
- Explain how ergonomics can be incorporated into your workplace
- Assess your environment for ergonomic hazards and create plans to resolve those issues
- Review and evaluate ergonomic efforts systematically
- Apply change management techniques to support ergonomic improvements
- Describe the basic principles of ergonomics
- Outline ergonomic best practices for sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
- Design an ergonomic workstation
- Identify important ergonomic features of tools and machines
- Understand how environmental factors such as sound, air quality, and light affect ergonomics
Preview a lesson
Designing an Ergonomic Workstation and Selecting Safe Tools Ergonomic Workstations Whether or not you use a computer, your workstation should be configured to minimize physical strain. Key guidelines include: **Monitor height and distance** – The top of the screen should be at or just below eye level, roughly an arm's length away. **Keyboard and mouse placement** – Keep elbows at approximately 90°, with wrists in a neutral (flat) position while typing. **Chair alignment** – Follow the ergonomic chair guidelines covered earlier: feet flat, lumbar supported, armrests at elbow height. **Reach envelope** – Frequently used items (phone, stapler, reference materials) should be within easy reach without twisting or stretching. **Typing limits** – Even at an ergonomic workstation, limit continuous typing to no more than four hours per day. **Additional tips for computer users:** Stand and stretch for at least a minute every hour; rest your eyes by looking into the distance every 30 minutes. Use keyboard shortcuts to reduce mouse use. Raise your monitor with a package of paper if a proper stand is unavailable. Use an ergonomic headset instead of cradling the phone against your neck. Selecting and Using Ergonomic Tools The tools you use every day should be designed to keep your body in a neutral position. Consider: **Right tool for the job** – Use specialty tools designed for
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Curriculum
Introduction to Ergonomics
3 lessons- textWhat Is Ergonomics?
- textThe Role of Ergonomics in Your Workplace
- quizModule 1 Quiz
Identifying and Assessing Ergonomic Hazards
3 lessons- textThe Ergonomic Assessment Cycle
- textDeveloping a Plan to Address Ergonomic Issues
- quizModule 2 Quiz
Implementing Change and Reviewing Your Program
3 lessons- textObtaining Employee Buy-In
- textTips for Successful Implementation and Program Review
- quizModule 3 Quiz
Ergonomic Principles: Sitting, Standing, and Lifting
3 lessons- textBasic Ergonomic Principles
- textOptimal Sitting, Standing, Lifting, and Transporting
- quizModule 4 Quiz
Ergonomic Workstations, Tools, and Environment
3 lessons- textDesigning an Ergonomic Workstation and Selecting Safe ToolsPreview
- textCreating an Ergonomic Environment: Light, Air, and Sound
- quizModule 5 Quiz