Introduction to Principles of Ergonomics

This course covers the use of ergonomic principles to recognize, evaluate, and control workplace conditions that cause or contribute to musculoskeletal and nerve disorders. Course topics include work physiology, anthropometry, musculoskeletal disorders, use of video display terminals, and risk factors such as vibration, temperature, material handling, repetition, and lifting and patient transfers in health care. Course emphasis is on industrial case studies covering analysis and design of work stations and equipment workshops in manual lifting, and coverage of current OSHA compliance policies and guidelines. Upon course completion students will have the ability to recognize work-related musculoskeletal and nerve disorders, assess employer's ergonomic programs, and conduct ergonomic evaluations.