Practical Tips for Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace

Practical Tips for Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace

In This Free Course, You Will Learn How To

  • Understand the concept of ergonomics and its importance in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
  • Learn the benefits of good ergonomic practices in improving employee health, productivity, and overall workplace well-being.
  • Familiarize with key legislations and standards such as the Workplace Safety and Health Act, Risk Management Regulations, Incident Reporting Regulations, and Work Injury Compensation Act that govern workplace ergonomics.
  • Identify and understand the risk factors contributing to work-related musculoskeletal disorders, including forceful exertions, awkward and static postures, repetitive movements, and vibration.
  • Explore effective workspace and workstation design, including layout, hand tools, displays, controls, physical environment, and special considerations for different groups.
  • Implement an ergonomics programme with management commitment, employee involvement, and training for identifying hazards, monitoring, reporting, and medical management.
  • Apply ergonomic control measures, evaluate program effectiveness, and ensure continuous improvement through regular reviews.

This course helps participants understand the importance of improving ergonomics in the workplace and how it can prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).

Participants will first learn the concept of ergonomics and its significance in creating a healthier work environment. Proper ergonomics plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, which are common among employees due to poor posture or repetitive movements.

The course will highlight the benefits of good ergonomic practices. By adopting proper ergonomics, companies can improve employee health, boost productivity, and enhance overall workplace well-being. Ergonomics is key to ensuring that workers feel comfortable and are able to perform their tasks efficiently without strain.

Participants will also become familiar with key legislations and standards related to ergonomics, such as the Workplace Safety and Health Act, Risk Management Regulations, Incident Reporting Regulations, and Work Injury Compensation Act. These regulations ensure that companies meet legal requirements and provide a safe, ergonomic work environment for their employees.

The course will help identify the risk factors that contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Common risk factors include forceful exertions, awkward postures, repetitive movements, and vibrations. Understanding these risks is essential for developing strategies to minimize or eliminate them.

Effective workspace and workstation design will be explored. Participants will learn how to organize workstations to promote better posture, reduce strain, and increase comfort. Key elements such as layout, hand tools, displays, controls, and the physical environment will be covered. Special considerations for different groups, such as workers with disabilities or those in specific roles, will also be addressed.

An essential part of the course is implementing an ergonomics programme. Participants will learn how to gain management commitment, involve employees, and provide training to identify hazards, monitor the environment, report issues, and manage medical concerns related to ergonomics.

The course will also cover how to apply ergonomic control measures. After implementing improvements, it’s important to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and ensure continuous improvement. Regular reviews and updates will be necessary to keep the ergonomics program relevant and effective.

By the end of this course, participants will have the tools and knowledge to focus on improving ergonomics and creating safer, more comfortable workplaces that help prevent WMSDs and enhance productivity.

Module 1: Introduction to Ergonomics

  • What is Ergonomics?
  • Ergonomics Intervention
  • Benefits of Good Ergonomics Practices

Module 2: Legislations and Standards

  • Workplace Safety and Health Act
  • Risk Management Regulations
  • Incident Reporting Regulations
  • Work Injury Compensation Act
  • Approved Codes of Practice

Module 3: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders


Module 4: Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders

  • Forceful Exertions
  • Awkward Postures
  • Static Postures
  • Repetitive Movements
  • Vibration

Module 5: Workspace and Workstation Design

  • Layout and Design
  • Physical Characteristics & Design Criteria
  • Hand Tools
  • Displays and Controls
  • Physical Environment
  • Work Organisation
  • Office Ergonomics
  • Workplace Design for Special Groups

Module 6: Ergonomics Programme

  • Management Commitment & Policy
  • Employee Involvement
  • Training & Education
  • Hazard Identification
  • Workplace Monitoring, Reporting, and Medical Management
  • Control Measures Implementation
  • Evaluation & Review