Workplace Ergonomics Specialist (WES)

Description

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) result when there is a mismatch between the physical capacity of workers and the demands of the job. Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of disability of people in their working years, afflicting over 19 million workers. One-half of the nation’s workforce is affected at some time during their working lives. Statistics show a steady increase in musculoskeletal disorders. Each year thousands of workers in the United States report work-related MSDs such as tendonitis, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back injuries. Many of these are caused or aggravated by work-related stressors such as lifting, reaching, pulling, pushing, and bending.

The cost to the nation in direct worker’s comp costs exceeds $20 billion. The latest statistics report 650,000 work-related MSDs annually. About one-third of all occupational injuries and illnesses stem from overexertion and/or repetitive motion.

Companies, both large and small, have developed ergonomic programs that use a programmatic approach to identify and solve their ergonomic problems. While helpful, outside consultants or experts are often not necessary. The majority of ergonomic problems can be satisfactorily addressed by low-cost interventions utilizing in-house resources. The required amount of time to complete the course is dependent upon your knowledge of workplace safety. You have up to six months to complete the course.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

• Define ergonomics and identify different types of musculoskeletal disorder injuries (MSD) to recognize the importance of ergonomics in the workplace.
• Identify the signs, symptoms, and significance of MSD injuries in the workplace to better understand the industry recommendations and guidelines for ergonomics.
• Identify important events and decisions in the history of ergonomics to recognize changes in attitudes and actions concerning ergonomics in the workplace.
• Identify ergonomic risk factors inherent in the employee, job, and environment to be able to evaluate these risks in the workplace.
• Recognize risk factor controls that best suit the level of risk identified in the workplace so that MSD injuries can be prevented.
• Describe the elements of an effective ergonomics program so that these elements can be implemented in the workplace.
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of employers, employees, and medical providers in an ergonomics program so that the program can be implemented effectively.
• Describe best practices in ergonomics for a variety of environments and industries in order to prevent MSD injuries in specific workplaces.

Prerequisites

The Workplace Ergonomics Specialist (WES) Course is a foundational course that requires no prerequisites.