Human Factors and Ergonomics

ERG100 | 05/20 - 07/14/2024 | Foundations for Cognitive, Macro and Physical Human Factors and Ergonomics

This course presents fundamental concepts from multiple disciplines that are essential to practicing ergonomics. The course begins with core topics from anatomy, kinesiology and the physiology of work as applied to human abilities and limitations. The class continues with an exploration of biomechanics, anthropometry, physical and psychosocial ergonomic risk factors and analytic methods to mitigate risk exposure. Finally, cognitive and macro ergonomics models are introduced along with considerations for the professional ergonomist. Learners will also evaluate different environments based...

ERG150 | 05/20/2024 - 7/14/2024 | Macroergonomics: A Systems Approach to Human Factors and Ergonomics

This 8-week, asynchronous online course presents fundamental concepts from multiple disciplines that are essential to understanding and implementing macroergonomics principles. The course begins with introducing core topics from systems theory, socio-technical systems approach, organizational behavior and design, participatory ergonomics, and implementing integrated organizational interventions. The class continues with an exploration of various case studies where macroergonomics interventions occurred along with recognizing successful factors in designing and implementing organizational...

04/17/2024: Occupational Ergonomic Research in Pacific Northwest

About the webinar:

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) account for 30 - 45% of all occupational injuries in the United States. Workforce demographics are rapidly changing, creating substantial challenges in occupational safety and health and requiring innovative strategies to reduce WMSDs. This presentation will explore the significance of occupational and ergonomics biomechanics research, important challenges we are facing, and the current research programs at Oregon State University’s Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics Lab designed to fill these gaps.

03/20/2024: Patient Handling Hazards and Prevention

About the webinar:

Manual patient handling tasks such as repositioning in bed, bed to chair transfers, and mobility assistance generate profound ergonomic stressors on healthcare workers, resulting in uniquely high rates of musculoskeletal injuries. Although effective equipment is available to prevent manual patient handling, it often goes unused. Join Dr. Kiydal to discuss how safe patient handling and mobility programs are systems-based solutions that can mitigate musculoskeletal risk when implemented comprehensively.

02/21/2024: Evaluating Firefighters’ Hyperthermia Level with a CNT Based Cooling System During Live Burn Firefighting

About the webinar:

Our research team at the University of Cincinnati has developed an Active Textile (AT) system integrated into Firefighter Turnout Gear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This AT coat has coolants embedded inside carbon nanotube (CNT)-based fabric which minimizes increase in core body temperature.

Click here to learn more about the Early Detection of Degenerative Disorders & Innovative Soluations Lab (EDDI Lab).

ERG140 | 03/18 - 05/12/2024 | Human-Centered Design

This 8-week, asynchronous online course will focus on the role of Human Factors & Ergonomics (HF/Ergo) in the design of occupational tasks and consumer products. The first two weeks will introduce you to the design cycle and the concepts of User Experience and Human-Computer Interaction. We will then define human characteristics and variability through a detailed examination of anthropometry, as this is essential for human-centered design. We will follow this with two weeks on the relevant factors to consider when designing manual materials handling tasks, patient lifting in healthcare...

Register for Full Online HF/E Program

Register for the complete Online Human Factors & Ergonomics (HF/E) Program to guarantee your seat and to receive a $450 discount. Full course package registration also includes admission to the Applied Skills in Ergonomics Workshop, valued at $1,125! This hands-on workshop is the perfect complement to online education and is held annually in Berkeley, CA.

Our program is designed to provide you with the tools, confidence, and competence to advance your career in Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E). Created by experts at the University of California Ergonomics...

ERG120 | 08/05 - 09/29/2024 | Physical Human Factors and Ergonomics

Learn how to identify the components of occupational tasks that can contribute to musculoskeletal injury and/or fatigue, quantify the risks using the most relevant ergonomics assessment tools, and integrate that information into conclusions regarding the acceptability of risk. This course will use physical ergonomics as an example of evidence-based practice by not only covering analysis tools, but also explaining their scientific basis and outlining their strengths and limitations for various work scenarios. You will also be introduced to the concepts of optimal task design and gain...

A design tool to estimate maximum acceptable manual arm forces for above-shoulder work

David M. Rempel
Dr. Jim Potvin, PhD, CCPE
2022

There is a need for design criteria for above-shoulder work to prevent shoulder fatigue and supraspinatus injuries. A tool is developed to estimate maximum acceptable manual arm forces for above-shoulder work based on 25th % female strength with adjustments for supraspinatus tendon impingement and shoulder fatigue. The tool equations are presented along with tables of maximum acceptable manual arm forces in 77 locations in the 3 D space above the shoulder that accommodates a 50th % female reach. The largest acceptable anterior force, 140.3 N, occurs at shoulder height, 0.5 m anterior...