Ergonomics in the Office

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job to fit the worker - not forcing the worker to fit the job. Ergonomics covers all aspects of a job, from the physical stresses it places on joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, bones and the like, to environmental factors which can affect hearing, vision, and general comfort and health.

Ergonomics also includes evaluating and designing workplaces, environments, job tasks, equipment and processes in relationship to human capabilities and interactions in the workplace. The goal of ergonomics is to enhance human performance while improving safety, health, comfort and job satisfaction. The ergonomics process should not be regarded as separate from other health and safety initiatives that address workplace hazards.

Designing workplaces with ergonomic principles will result in benefits such as increased productivity and Employee satisfaction, decreased injury rates and associated medical, rehab and legal expenses, as well as decreased user turnover, and sick leave.

Ergonomic disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome are preventable. This training shows staff and supervisors how to identify and prevent these disorders. As with all other HR Classroom trainings, any organization can quickly and easily bring their employees up to speed on these issues as well as fully document trainee activity. Your organization’s own policy can also be inserted directly into each training.

• Introduction and Definition of Ergonomics
• Benefits of Ergonomics
• Physical Stressors That Cause Ergonomic Disorders
• Understanding Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)
• Types of CTDs
• Preventing CTDs
• Eyestrain and Video Display Terminals
• Symptoms of Eyestrain
• Preventing Eyestrain
• Workstation Design
• Injuries from Work Process
• Employee Involvement in Ergonomics
• Data Collection
• Some Suggestions for Avoiding Ergonomic Disorders
• Quizzes and final review quiz

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