Program Overview

Course Description

The course OLCD-ERGO0010, Ergonomics in the Workplace, is a 32-hour learning program that provides a basic understanding of the field of ergonomics and its application in injury prevention in the workplace. It explores the relationship between workplace design and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), as well as specific hazard analysis checklists and tools.

Course Outline

The course consists of four weeks, with each week featuring a one-hour online live session with the instructor. The topics covered include:

• Week 1: Overview of Ergonomics / Muscle Physiology and MSDs
• Week 2: Recognizing Hazards Related to Musculoskeletal Disorders / Primary MSD Hazards / Gripping and Secondary Hazards
• Week 3: MMH Hazards
• Week 4: Office Ergonomics Awareness

What You Will Learn

Upon completing the course, students will gain:

• An in-depth look into the field of ergonomics
• A framework for successful MSD prevention
• Knowledge of factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders, accidents, psychosocial stress, decreased productivity, and reduced human performance
• The ability to identify basic hazards leading to injury in workplaces using various systems for assessing injury risk
• Understanding of human anthropometry and its application in specifying tools and equipment to improve safety

Notes

By enrolling in this course, students are automatically enrolled in the Certificate in Ergonomics Program Management. The course is a prerequisite for all other courses in the certificate program. The Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for effective learning and participation.

Recommended For

This course is recommended for individuals responsible for occupational health and safety in various sectors, including:

• Health and safety coordinators
• OH&S nurses
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Industrial hygienists
• Engineers
• Managers
• Supervisors

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

The course is a required component of the Certificate in Ergonomic Program Management.

Course Details

• Course Title: OLCD-ERGO0010 - Ergonomics in the Workplace
• Delivery Options: Blended - Online
• Faculty: Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development
• Total Learning Hours: 32.0
• Location: Online Campus - Atlantic Time
• Instruction Delivery Method(s): Blended - Online
• Course Fee(s): $835.00 (non-credit)
• CEUs: 3.2 CEUs
• Instructors: David Chiasson

Reading List / Textbook

The required textbooks for the course are:

• A Guide to Human Factors and Ergonomics by Martin Helander (2nd edition)
• Occupational Ergonomics Theory and Applications by Amit Bhattacharya and James D McGlothlin (2nd edition)
• Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics by Gavriel Salvendy (4th edition)

Instructor Biography

David Chiasson, M.Sc., CPE, works for Ergonomic Systems Associates Inc. (ESA) and has over 18 years of experience in helping corporations and government departments improve their performance through ergonomics. He holds a Master of Science degree with a specialization in Ergonomics and is a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist.