October 01 - October 05, 2018

Course Overview

‘Ergonomics Essentials’ is a comprehensive 5-day training course, which is intended for a variety of health and safety related professions. The course is aimed at enabling delegates to optimise the application of ergonomics within their organisations, but it also enables the delegate to take the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) module examination (W506), which leads to a module certificate from BOHS.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

  • understand and apply ergonomics principles for the creation of a safer, healthier and more efficient workplace;
  • undertake ergonomic risk assessments;
  • identify appropriate risk reduction measures to reduce ergonomic risks;
  • understand the causes of musculoskeletal disorders, and know how to prevent them;
  • apply ergonomics principles to the design of workplace layout and design or selection of equipment;
  • appreciate environmental aspects of good ergonomic design

Course Content

1. Overview of Ergonomics

Introduction to ergonomics and its scope in relation to work. Outline of the disciplines of anatomy,

physiology and psychology, with respect to ergonomics building blocks such as anthropometry and

biomechanics.

2. Ergonomics Methods and Techniques

Observational experimental methods are identified which can be used for investigation, so that work,

equipment and planned systems can be improved for human use.

3. Musculoskeletal Disorders

The disorders resulting from manual handling and repetitive work must be covered and the causes

explained. The methods of assessment and the techniques used to prevent or reduce these disorders

must also be covered.

4. Workplace, Job and Product Design

Key features in the design of workplaces, jobs and their results - products and services - are outlined, so

that more effective and healthier work can be achieved. Existing data and routes to further sources of

information are emphasised.

5. Relevant Physical Factors of the Work Environment

Physical factors of the working environment must include the way the eye, ear and clothed body

respond qualitatively to light, sound heat etc., so that human performance can be predicted and

improved. This part of the syllabus should be regarded as an overview and thus technical and quantitative

detail should be minimised.

6. Standards and Social Aspects

Consideration should be given to sources of standards covering ergonomics, social aspects and training,

instruction and supervision requirements.