Introduction to Ergonomics
Welcome! Hi, and welcome to the course. I'm Steve Geigle and I'll be your online instructor for this course. If you are a safety manager, supervisor, committee member, or someone who is getting into the occupational safety and health field, this course will help you understand your important responsibilities. Here's how it works (Read this... it's important!)
- Study each course module. Just click on the course "Modules" tab above to get started. It takes about 30 minutes to one hour to complete each module.
- Complete each module quiz. Each quiz is 5-10 questions. When you submit the quiz, a new web page will load with instant feedback on your answers. After you complete the quiz, start on the next module. There is no need to wait! No hurry either. You are in control of the pace of learning. If you have questions as you study, just send me an email.
- Order a certificate. Optional If you want certification of training, order a certificate before you take the final exam. You will be assigned a student number.
The fee is only $11.95 for an emailed (pdf) copy of your certificate or $20 plus shipping for both emailed and original certificate mailed to you via USPS shipping. The fee covers my exam review, course certificate preparation, and maintenance of your student records. Just click on the "Certificate" tab. Tip: You will save up to 50% in course fees if you enroll in a Professional Certificate Program .
- After you receive your student number, complete and submit the final course exam.
- Final course exams contain 20 multiple-choice questions
- To meet OSHA requirements, you must pass the final exam with a score of at least 70%.
- If you do not pass the exam, you may retake the exam.
- If you pass the exam, you may not retake the exam just to raise your score.
- Want high scores? Be sure to review all module quizzes. Final exam questions are derived from the module quizzes.
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What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is a way of designing workstations, work practices, and work flow to accommodate the capabilities of workers. Ergonomic design reduces risk factors known to contribute to occupational ergonomic injuries and illnesses, such as sprains and strains and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). If work is performed in awkward postures or with excessive effort, fatigue and discomfort may result. Under these conditions muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels can be damaged. Injuries of this type are known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). |
The Problem
The increased rate and high cost of ergonomic injuries and illnesses such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and MSDs cut across all industries and occupations. Some of the hardest hit are manufacturing, retail, and service industries. Take a look at your OSHA 300 Log. You will probably notice that most (30%-50%) of your recordable injuries are somehow related to ergonomics.
MSDs can increase the cost of doing business both directly and indirectly. Direct costs may include medical services and higher workers' compensation premiums. The direct cost to close an ergonomic-related workers' compensation claim can average over $9,000. Indirect costs from increased employee turnover, absenteeism, and retraining may also occur. Productivity, product quality, and employee morale may also suffer. Estimates indicate that the indirect costs associated with MSDs may be four to 10 times higher than the direct costs. Preventing and controlling ergonomic risk factors in the workplace often costs a fraction of what one such claim would cost. In smaller companies, one ergonomic-related claim can mean the difference between being above or below the profit margin.
An Important Strategy to Solve the Problem
OSHA and private consultants can provide customized presentations and training for groups and associations. An ergonomic consultation may include:
- workstation analysis and design;
- task-specific and company-wide risk factor assessment;
- training and education;
- development and implementation assistance for ergonomic programs;
- help prioritizing ergonomic needs; and/or
- answers to questions about current and possible regulatory requirements.
To begin your training, just click on the module links below.
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COURSE 711 FINAL EXAM This is an open book exam. That means you may search high and low throughout the course material for the answers to this final exam. To receive a certificate, you must achieve a score of 70% or higher.
If you are enrolled in a Certificate Program
We have a "don't pay until you pass" option! You may wait until you have completed all course exams before paying the one-time program certificate fee. Your exam will be placed in our archives folder for one year. If you have not paid the administrative fee after one year, you will be required to retake the exam. Let the instructor know when you have completed the last course in your program. If you are not enrolled You may pay for a course certificate before or after you complete the exam. No worries. If you don't pass the exam, you are welcome to retake the exam until you pass for no additional charge. If you want to save money on fees, think about enrolling in a Certificate Program. You may enroll in a program at any time. If you only want free training We will save your exam for one year. If you change your mind and want a certificate later, just pay the certificate fee and we will score your exam at that time.
If you have not paid a program fee and would like your instructor to reply with results and send an official course certificate, just click on the appropriate button below. Why should you order a certificate?
How to order
- Credit Card. Secure online payment on PayPal shopping cart. You do not need a PayPal account. All major credit cards are accepted. Help
- Western Union/MoneyGram. More information....
- Check. Send check to Geigle Safety Group, Inc.., 515 NW Saltzman Road #916, Portland, Oregon, USA 97229-6190.
- Invoice. Email the instructor for more information.
To order, click on a link below
Note: Do not order a course certificate if you intend to enroll in a Professional Certificate Program.
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Course Study Guide. Use it for studying off-line and creating a reference binder.
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