Human Factors and Ergonomics

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

This 8-week, asynchronous online course teaches students how to identify the components of occupational tasks that can contribute to musculoskeletal injury and/or fatigue, quantify the risks associated with those components using the most relevant ergonomics assessment tools, and to integrate that information into conclusions regarding the acceptability of the risk. The course will use physical ergonomics as an example of evidence-based practice by not only covering the analysis tools, but also explaining their scientific basis and outlining their strengths and limitations for various work...

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...

09/18/2024: Engaging Frontline Workers to Solve Ergonomics Problems

About the webinar:

Do you need help solving ergonomics problems, but don’t have a staff of ergonomists able to help? Never fear, the frontline is here. In this webinar, we will share some simple, low-cost ideas to help engage frontline workers in identifying and solving ergo problems at your facility. Companies with strong ergonomics cultures have highly engaged frontline workers who teach others around them how to problem solve, making these programs more impactful and meaningful to those who work there.

Do the Change with Javier Freire

Tune into Season 2, Episode 1 with Javier Freire, a PhD candidate in Environmental Health Sciences! This episode is the first of our second season of Do the Change, hosted by Joanne Teh. In this conversation, Javier and Joanne discuss Javier's career in biomonitoring wildland firefighters, his journey from Chile to America, the invaluable role of mentors, and his tips for young professionals looking to stand out to employers.

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...

05/22/2024: Using Wearable Devices & Deep Learning to Recognize Physical Activities at Work

About the webinar:

Accurately quantifying and evaluating occupational physical activities (OPAs) performed by workers is vital for various purposes, including job descriptions, pre-placement/post-hire employee screening, ergonomic evaluations, and facilitating return-to-work processes. Certain OPAs, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying, are categorized as manual material handling activities, which are known to be associated with an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly lower back pain. This presentation will explore the utilization of...

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.

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...