TRAIN THE EVALUATORS - OFFICE ERGONOMICS

- A class with Dr. Liz Dowler, PhD.

• Clackamas, OR - May 2, 3, 4, 2012

For Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Safety Professionals, Risk Managers, Safety Consultants, Industrial Hygienists or anyone responsible for training employees to reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders for office workers.

• A clear concise assessment process that gives the employee a prescription for their workstation.
• Provide the employee with recommendations for simple solutions that will reduce discomfort.
• Provide the employer with inexpensive, simple and easily attainable results that will lower claims for musculoskeletal disorders.
• Provide employers with guidelines for purchasing ergonomic furniture and fixtures for their office environment.
• Provide the consultant or professional with a sellable skill that completes the process of correcting poor workstations.

PART 1 MAY BE TAKEN ALONE, PART 2 MUST BE TAKEN ONLY AFTER PART 1, EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.

PART I: ERGONOMICS IN THE CURRENT WORK ATMOSPHERE

I. INTRODUCTION

• ERGONOMICS FROM THE BIOMECHANICAL PRESPECTIVE
• ANALYSIS OF THE JOB FUNCTIONS THAT INCREASE THE RISK OF MSD’S
• Taking a close look at movement patterns associated with job tasks such as, typing, phone, writing, data entry
• CHARACTERISTICS OF MSD FOR AT RISK INDIVIDUALS
• Identifying the risk factors in individuals; structure, muscle tone, reactions to stress, etc.

II. ANALYSIS OF SITTING

• Biomechanics of seated posture
• Discussion of various theories of sitting
• Analysis of office workers seated posture
• Influence of hip and low back position on upper body
• Ergonomic features of chairs; analysis of chair design and use

III. NECK, SHOULDER, FOREARM AND WRISTS DURING WORK

• Analysis of posture of upper body
• Upper body pain and relationship to work & home tasks
• Discussion of heights and angles and relationship to the body

IV. INPUT DEVICES

• Ergonomics and placement of the standard and ergonomic keyboards
• Analysis of forward, flat, and rearward sloping keyboard trays
• Analysis of input devices and their use in today’s work environment

V. COMPLETE WORKSTATION ASSESSMENT

• Anthropometric measurements to determine work heights
• Posture analysis at the workstation
• Determining correct work heights
• Making recommendations for ergonomic modifications that work for prevention and reduction of pain and symptoms

Day 1
9 am to 4:30 pm.

PART 2: PRACTICUM

The practicum allows the trainee the opportunity of doing hands on assessments with workers in the office environment. This section includes the following:

I. ANALYSIS OF THE WORKER

• Evaluation of the individual worker’s working posture and work practices
• Taking Anthropometric measurements

II. ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT WORKSTATION, WORK, WORK DEMANDS

• Assessment of the present workstation
• Making changes during the assessment process
• Chair fittings and training in proper sitting posture

III. MODIFICATIONS

• Analysis of available ergonomic equipment
• What fixtures are appropriate for the work setting and job task
• How to write a report with specific recommendations
• Follow up assessment and modifications

This session is 6 hours in length. It includes:

• 4 workstation assessments with trainer
• Writing reports and making specific recommendations

Part 3: Implementation

I. INDIVIDUAL WORKSTATION ASSESSMENTS

A. Company Responsibilities

1. Furniture and fixtures

• Modifying existing furniture
• Multi-user workstations
• Writing specifications for new furniture
• Installation

2. Job Demands

3. Follow-up and training

4. Computer-aided breaks and exercise program

B. Worker Responsibilities

1. Posture
2. Pacing
3. Stretching
4. Work style modifications
5. Job demands

II. ERGONOMICS PROGRAM PROCESS

A. Management

1. Management buy-in
2. Purchasing procedure
3. Mid-management responsibilities
4. Cost analysis
5. Facilities

B. Employee Education

C. Medical Management

D. New Employees

E. Record Keeping

III. Risk Assessment Process

1. Completion of Risk Assessments for 2-4 workers
2. Development of plan based on Data

A Certification of Completion of "Office Ergonomics- How to do Workstation Assessments" will be issued to all participants.

• Costs: Part 1 only $175
• Part 3 only $ 95
• 2-Day-Parts I &2 $395
• 3 day program $475