Introduction

Ergonomics and Human Factors play a pivotal role in improving worker health, safety, and productivity. This 5-day Advanced Ergonomics and Human Factors Training Course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of how ergonomic principles and human factors impact the workplace. Focusing on advanced topics such as cognitive ergonomics, user-centered design, and the integration of emerging technologies, this course equips professionals to optimize systems, reduce workplace injuries, and enhance employee performance in complex environments.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Gain an advanced understanding of ergonomics principles and human factors psychology.
2. Learn to design and evaluate ergonomically optimized work systems.
3. Understand cognitive ergonomics and human-machine interaction.
4. Explore human performance and reliability in complex environments.
5. Learn to assess and mitigate risks associated with ergonomic hazards, both physical and cognitive.
6. Be equipped to lead advanced ergonomic and human factors initiatives in their organizations.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Ergonomists and human factors specialists
• Safety and health managers
• Occupational health professionals
• Industrial designers and engineers
• Human resources and wellness managers
• Research professionals in ergonomics and human-centered design
• Professionals responsible for improving work systems and environments

Day-by-Day Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Advanced Ergonomics and Human Factors

• Review of Core Ergonomics and Human Factors Concepts
  • Ergonomics vs. Human Factors: Definitions and key differences
  • Principles of physical ergonomics: Posture, movement, force, and repetition
  • Key psychological factors: Perception, cognition, and behavior
• Historical Perspective and Evolution of Ergonomics
  • The development of ergonomics as a discipline
  • Major incidents and studies that shaped modern ergonomics
• The Role of Ergonomics in Workplace Safety and Performance
  • Understanding the relationship between ergonomics, safety, and productivity
  • Integrating ergonomics into safety management systems
• Interactive Session:
  • Analyzing case studies of ergonomic-related workplace injuries and designing corrective strategies

Day 2: Advanced Ergonomic Assessments and Risk Analysis

• Physical Ergonomics Assessment Techniques
  • Assessing physical ergonomics through tools like REBA, RULA, and NIOSH lifting equation
  • Performing workstation evaluations for posture, reach, and load handling
• Cognitive Ergonomics and Mental Workload
  • Identifying cognitive load, mental workload, and their impact on performance
  • Designing systems to optimize cognitive ergonomics (e.g., reducing mental overload, increasing attention span)
• Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Design
  • Principles of designing effective interfaces for human-computer and human-machine interactions
  • Ergonomic challenges in automation, control rooms, and machinery design
• Workshop:
  • Conducting ergonomic assessments for a workstation or control system, considering both physical and cognitive aspects

Day 3: Human Performance and Cognitive Ergonomics

• Understanding Human Performance in Complex Systems
  • Theories of human performance and limitations: Attention, memory, decision-making
  • Human error types: Slips, lapses, mistakes, and violations
• Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA)
  • Techniques for understanding cognitive processes involved in complex tasks
  • Analyzing mental workload, decision-making, and situational awareness
• User-Centered Design and Usability
  • Principles of designing systems and products that accommodate human limitations
  • Designing for accessibility and usability in high-stakes environments (e.g., healthcare, aviation)
• Case Study:
  • Analyzing human performance in a high-risk environment (e.g., healthcare, aviation) and recommending cognitive ergonomic improvements

Day 4: Advanced Ergonomics Design and Intervention Strategies

• Designing for Ergonomics: Principles and Practices
  • The role of ergonomics in product and workspace design
  • Ergonomic considerations for various environments: Offices, factories, healthcare, and remote workspaces
• Workplace Intervention Strategies
  • Designing ergonomic interventions: Adjustable furniture, equipment, tools, and workflows
  • Managing and mitigating the risks of repetitive motion injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
• Ergonomics in the Digital Age
  • Emerging technologies in ergonomics: Wearable devices, exoskeletons, and smart tools
  • The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in ergonomic assessments
• Interactive Workshop:
  • Designing ergonomic solutions for a specific work environment (e.g., manufacturing floor, office, healthcare setting)

Day 5: Leading Ergonomics and Human Factors Programs

• Creating an Ergonomics Program
  • Steps to develop and implement an effective ergonomics program in the workplace
  • Setting measurable goals, evaluating performance, and ensuring continuous improvement
• Leadership in Ergonomics and Human Factors
  • Leading organizational change to prioritize ergonomics and human factors
  • Building cross-functional teams and engaging employees in ergonomic initiatives
• Ergonomics and Employee Well-being
  • Promoting health and wellness through ergonomic interventions
  • Integrating ergonomics into broader employee well-being and mental health programs
• Future of Ergonomics and Human Factors
  • Emerging trends in ergonomics: Virtual reality (VR) for ergonomics training, AI-based assessments, and adaptive systems
  • The evolving role of ergonomics in the age of automation, remote work, and artificial intelligence
• Final Project Presentation:
  • Participants present their ergonomic intervention proposals for a workplace or system of their choice
• Assessment and Certification:
  • Knowledge check and practical demonstration of advanced ergonomic principles
  • Certification in Advanced Ergonomics and Human Factors

Conclusion and Certification

• Recap of the course and key takeaways
• Final Q&A session for personalized guidance
• Certification ceremony and closing remarks