Ergonomics and Manual Material Handling: Preventing Strains and Back Injuries

Sprains, strains and back injuries are among the most common and costly workplace injuries, and they happen in every industry, from construction and warehousing to offices and healthcare. This in-depth course teaches the science and the practical habits of ergonomics: how muscles, tendons, discs and nerves are injured, the risk factors of force, repetition, awkward posture, static load, contact stress, vibration and cold, how to lift safely using the NIOSH lifting equation as a guide, how to carry, push, pull, kneel, stoop and work overhead with less strain, how to choose and use material handling aids, how to select and maintain hand tools, how to set up workstations including desks and computer stations, how temperature, shift work and fatigue affect injury risk, how to recognize early symptoms and report them, how to use stretching, conditioning and job rotation wisely, and how employers can build an ergonomics program that involves workers and fixes the job rather than blaming the person. It is an awareness-level course and does not provide medical advice. See a healthcare provider for pain that persists.

What you’ll learn

• Explain how musculoskeletal disorders develop and the main risk factors
• Plan and perform safe lifts and use the NIOSH lifting guidelines as a reference
• Carry, push, pull, kneel, stoop and work overhead with less strain
• Choose and use material handling aids and hand tools that reduce force and awkward postures
• Set up an office or computer workstation and reduce repetitive strain
• Recognize early symptoms, report them and understand the roles of stretching, conditioning and job rotation
• Understand the elements of an effective workplace ergonomics program

Who it’s for

Construction, warehouse, manufacturing, landscaping and trades workers; delivery and healthcare workers; office and computer workers; supervisors, safety coordinators and anyone who lifts or works in awkward positions. No experience is needed.

Course outline

Module 1: Musculoskeletal Disorders and Risk Factors 4 lessons · quiz

What MSDs are, how the body is injured, the risk factors, the costs and the warning signs.

• What are MSDs? 12 min Free preview
• The body and how injuries happen 14 min
• Risk factors for MSDs 15 min
• Recognizing symptoms and reporting early 12 min

Module 2: Safe Lifting 4 lessons · quiz

Planning a lift, safe lifting technique, the NIOSH lifting equation as a guide, team lifts and lifting aids.

• Planning the lift 14 min Free preview
• Lifting technique 14 min
• The NIOSH lifting equation 15 min
• Team lifts and lifting aids 12 min

Module 3: Carrying, Pushing, Pulling and Working in Awkward Positions 3 lessons · quiz

Carrying techniques, pushing and pulling, kneeling, stooping and overhead work, vehicle and ladder tasks.

• Carrying 14 min Free preview
• Pushing and pulling 14 min
• Kneeling, stooping, reaching and overhead work 15 min

Module 4: Tools, Workstations and Computer Work 3 lessons · quiz

Choosing hand and power tools, reducing vibration and grip force, standing work, and setting up desks and computer stations.

• Hand tools and power tools 15 min Free preview
• Standing work, floors and footwear 12 min
• Office and computer ergonomics 15 min

Module 5: Fitness, Job Design and Ergonomics Programs 3 lessons · quiz

Stretching and conditioning, job rotation and breaks, redesigning jobs, and building an ergonomics program that works.

• Stretching, fitness and healthy habits 14 min Free preview
• Job rotation, breaks and organizing work 12 min
• Building an ergonomics program 15 min

What’s included

• 17 lessons you can read at your own pace, on a phone or a computer
• A short quiz after every module, with the correct answer shown for any you miss
• A final exam of 25 questions (pass at 80% or higher)
• A numbered certificate of completion with a QR code anyone can scan to verify it
• Your progress saved to your account, with access that doesn’t expire

Questions

Can an employer check my certificate? Yes. Each certificate has a number and a QR code that opens a public verification page on this site.

Can I get a refund? Yes, within 7 days of purchase if you have completed less than 25% of the course and haven’t earned its certificate. Email support@toddallynmedia.com. Details are in section 13 of the Terms of Use. Payment is handled by PayPal; we never see your card details.

What do I need? A free account and any phone, tablet or computer. Questions or problems? Email support@toddallynmedia.com.