Human Factors and Ergonomics

ERG100 | 08/07 - 10/01/2023 | 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...

05/31/2023: BCPE Certification Guidance for Aspiring Ergonomics Professionals

About the webinar:

Have you wondered if professional certification in ergonomics makes sense for you and your career path? What is the difference between course specific certificates and professional certification? Do you know you want to pursue certification but feel unsure about next steps or how to submit your education and work experience information? In this overview of BCPE certification, we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll also review resources such as accepted educational experience for application submission and practice exam questions!

08/16/2023: How World Class Ergonomics Programs Are Using Technology

About the webinar:

The field of ergonomics is currently seeing a migration towards the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), computer-vision, wearable technology, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), and advanced data analytics to evaluate workplaces, train the workforce, and make more informed decisions. While vendor options are rapidly growing, concerns remain around the data being collected as well as data accuracy. This webinar will discuss the technologies currently being adopted by world class ergonomics programs in industry, the challenges and opportunities with implementation...

05/17/23: The Impact of Precarious Work and Psychosocial Stress on Physical and Mental Health of California Janitors

About the webinar:

Janitors are essential workers, employed as caretakers of public spaces like business offices, airports, and shopping malls. Despite playing a critical role in the economy, janitors are some of the most vulnerable workers in the service industry. Often immigrants and non-English speakers, they make relatively low wages while performing physically demanding work, which is associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders. This webinar presents a cross-sectional survey study of Californian janitors in 2022, which investigates the impact of precarious work...

06/21/2023: Aspects of Backpack Vacuum Use: Evaluation of Carriage Location and Sweeping Technique

About the webinar:

Informed by field observations as part of the Washington State Janitor Workload Study, this follow-up study aims to enhance our understanding of the backpack vacuum. This common tool among professional custodians and janitors can lead to bodily discomfort in the shoulders during use. Three factors were evaluated in this laboratory experiment: the location of the backpack vacuum on the back (L3, T12, and T7), sweeping technique (front-to-back and side-to-side), and a new vacuum head design. Professional and novice vacuum users were recruited to...

02/03/2023 - 02/04/2023 - COEH Builds Bridges: Algorithm Based Work, Wearables, and Surveillance

Friday, February 3 - Saturday, February 4, 2023 | Sacramento, CA


Join COEH for a conversation on the impact and future of data-driven technologies in the workplace. We will discuss how data is collected and used in the workplace; the intersection of humans, robots, and artificial intelligence; and ethical considerations, including how algorithms can reinforce discrimination and erode worker privacy. We will also explore the role of wearables in reducing musculoskeletal injuries, and how human-centered design of textile-based wearable products can improve health and...

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...

ERG110 | 10/07 - 12/08/2024 | Evidence-Based Human Factors and Ergonomics

This course is designed to prepare you to be a competent consumer of research by applying a thorough critique of various papers and applying conclusions from published research into ergonomic practice. You will read various research articles and identify the study objectives, aims, and hypotheses as well as critique the study methods for appropriate study design, generalizability, sources of bias, and threats to validity. You will also learn about observational studies (cross-sectional, prospective, retrospective, and case-control), intervention (parallel and multi-factorial randomized...

ERG150 | 05/22/2023 - 7/16/2023 | 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...

ERG120 | 10/09 - 12/10/2023 | 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...