Manual Handling and Ergonomics

What you'll learn

• Explain what ergonomics is, describe its physical, cognitive and organizational domains, and apply the principle of fitting the task to the worker
• Describe the tissues affected by musculoskeletal disorders, the main physical, individual and psychosocial risk factors, and use moments to explain loading on the back
• Interpret MSD statistics, calculate incidence and severity rates and estimate direct and indirect costs, using leading as well as lagging indicators
• Describe the general duty and specific ergonomics, MSD and manual handling rules, standards and workers' rights that apply in your jurisdiction
• Select and apply ergonomic risk assessment tools, including checklists, discomfort surveys, RULA, REBA, push and pull guidance and ACGIH threshold limit values
• Calculate a recommended weight limit and lifting index with the revised NIOSH lifting equation and use the results to redesign lifting tasks
• Apply safe lifting principles, plan team lifts and explain why technique training and back belts cannot replace task redesign
• Estimate push and pull forces, plan carrying tasks and choose mechanical aids such as carts, hoists, lift tables and conveyors
• Describe the risks of handling people and the role of assessment, mechanical lifts and safe patient handling programs at an awareness level
• Recognize and control the risks of repetitive work, hand tools and hand-arm and whole-body vibration, including daily vibration exposure
• Set up office, computer, sit-stand and remote workstations that support neutral postures and movement
• Build an ergonomics program with worker participation, early reporting, effective controls, return to work and evaluation, and apply it in a capstone assessment