Industrial Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering

Course Introduction

Overview:

This 3-day intensive training program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of industrial ergonomics and human factors engineering principles. The course will delve into the practical applications of these principles to enhance worker productivity, safety, and overall well-being in various industries. Through a combination of theoretical lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement ergonomic solutions in the workplace.

Key Focus Areas:

• Ergonomic Assessment and Evaluation Techniques
• Workplace Design and Layout
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Prevention
• Human-Machine Interface Design
• Job Design and Work Organization
• Safety Culture and Behavior

Target Audience:

This course is tailored for health and safety professionals, industrial engineers, human factors engineers, occupational therapists, ergonomists, and other professionals involved in workplace design, safety management, and human performance optimization.

About the Course:

This course will cover a wide range of topics, from the fundamental principles of ergonomics to advanced techniques for assessing and improving workplace conditions. Participants will learn how to identify ergonomic risk factors, conduct ergonomic assessments, and develop effective intervention strategies. They will also gain hands-on experience in using ergonomic tools and software to analyze work tasks and design ergonomic workstations.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles of ergonomics and human factors engineering.
• Identify ergonomic risk factors in the workplace.
• Conduct ergonomic assessments and evaluations.
• Design and implement ergonomic interventions to improve work conditions.
• Prevent musculoskeletal disorders and other work-related injuries.
• Enhance worker productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.
• Develop a safety culture and promote safe work behaviors.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Ergonomics and Workplace Assessment

• Morning Session: 
  • Introduction to ergonomics and human factors engineering
  • The importance of ergonomics in the workplace
  • Overview of musculoskeletal disorders and their causes
  • Ergonomic assessment techniques (e.g., checklists, observation, interviews)
• Afternoon Session: 
  • Hands-on exercise: Conducting a workplace walk-through assessment
  • Case study: Identifying ergonomic risk factors in a manufacturing plant

Day 2: Workplace Design and Human-Machine Interface

• Morning Session: 
  • Principles of workplace design and layout
  • Ergonomic workstation design
  • Chair selection and adjustment
  • Computer workstation setup
• Afternoon Session: 
  • Human-machine interface design principles
  • Control layout and display design
  • Human factors in automation and robotics

Day 3: Job Design, Safety Culture, and Ergonomics Implementation

• Morning Session: 
  • Job design and work organization principles
  • Job rotation, task redesign, and work-rest schedules
  • Safety culture and behavior-based safety
  • Ergonomics program implementation and management
• Afternoon Session: 
  • Hands-on exercise: Developing an ergonomic intervention plan
  • Group discussion: Challenges and best practices in ergonomics implementation

Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will have a solid understanding of ergonomic principles and their practical applications. They will be able to:

• Identify and assess ergonomic risk factors in the workplace.
• Design and implement effective ergonomic interventions.
• Prevent musculoskeletal disorders and other work-related injuries.
• Improve worker productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.
• Develop a strong safety culture and promote safe work behaviors.

Conclusion:

This intensive 3-day training program offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical knowledge and skills in industrial ergonomics and human factors engineering. By attending this course, you will be well-equipped to create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces.