COURSE 711: INTRODUCTION TO ERGONOMICS

Welcome!

Hi, and welcome to the course. If you are a safety manager, supervisor, committee member, or someone who is entering into the occupational safety and health field, this course will help you understand your important responsibilities.

Welcome!

Hi, and welcome to the course. If you are a safety manager, supervisor, committee member, or someone who is entering 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!)

1. Study each course module. Just click on the course "Modules" tab above to get started. It take about 30 minutes to one hour to complete each module, including the quiz.
2. 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 us an email.

3. Order a certificate.***Optional*** If you want certification of training, order a certificate. The fee is only $11.95 for a emailed PDF certificate or $20 plus shipping plus shipping for a mailed original certificate. The fee covers my exam review, course certificate preparation, and maintenance of your student records.

   Go to the OSHAcademy Store to pay for the course certificate. Tip: You will save up to 50% in course fees if you enroll in a Professional Development Certificate Program.

4. Complete and submit the final course exam.
• Final exams consist of 20 questions.
• To meet OSHA requirements, you must pass the final exam with at least a 80% score.
• 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.
• Most final exam questions are derived from module quizzes.

OK, Let's go!

Have fun and study hard. To start, just click on "Introduction" above.

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 more than $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.

Go to the first module!

To begin your online study, just click on the "Modules" link above. To study off-line, click on the "Study Guide" link above and download the PDF study guide. Download Adobe Reader to open the study guide. The study guide is for your personal use only.

To begin your training, just click on the module links below.

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 80% 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 in archives 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.

Course Study Guide. Use it for studying off-line and creating a reference binder.