Frequently Asked Questions - Training
- Should training be included in an ergonomics program?
- What type of training should I or my organization have?
- What are typical training methods?
- What is the most important ergonomics training?
- Who typically stewards ergonomics training?
- Should my organization train personnel who spend more time working from home (reported and unreported) and in remote locations?
- I telecommute and/or travel a lot. Why is training necessary?
- How effective is ergonomics training?
- Should ergonomics training focus on behaviors?
1. Should training be included in an ergonomics program?
Yes. Training should always be included. While ergonomics is not rocket science, connecting the dots between certain activities and risk may not be intuitive. The level of depth and engagement should be appropriate based on the size of the organization and the types of tasks that are being completed.
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2. What type of training should I or my organization have?
Depending on the size of the organization, their work environment and workplace injuries; we have seen very comprehensive programs where there are ergo labs, ergonomic contacts, management training, e-training and tool assessments to others being just a short video introduction when the employee first starts. Whatever program your organization has, assessing the effectiveness regularly and implementing findings are key for continuous improvement.
3. What are typical training methods?
Onsite Training, Remote Training, and/or E-Learning.
Onsite Training: Some people simply connect better in person. Whether you need a training class, a safety speaker, or one on one training, being onsite is always the best.
Remote Training: Some people are not in a location that is easily accessible. Webinars provide the solutions in these situations.
E-Learning: Not everyone needs a personal specialist or the organization is too large. Use e-Learning training video modules which are actual instructor-led trainings (not some boring death by powerpoint!). e-Learning can be done anytime and anywhere the person is.
Onsite Training: Some people simply connect better in person. Whether you need a training class, a safety speaker, or one on one training, being onsite is always the best.
Remote Training: Some people are not in a location that is easily accessible. Webinars provide the solutions in these situations.
E-Learning: Not everyone needs a personal specialist or the organization is too large. Use e-Learning training video modules which are actual instructor-led trainings (not some boring death by powerpoint!). e-Learning can be done anytime and anywhere the person is.
4. What is the most important ergonomics training?
General Awareness Training. It serves as the foundation for empowering you and others to recognize risks because once you know then you can start to do something about it.
5. Who typically stewards ergonomics training?
Ergonomics falls under the category of human factors and usually is directed through the human factors department. In organizations with an Office Safety Program, ergonomics is stewarded by the Safety department. Others are integrated as part of an organization’s wellness program. And lastly, ergonomics may be provided through the property/facilities management. Regardless of the department that stewards the ergonomics program, all departments must be aligned with strong management commitment and involvement.
6. Should my organization train personnel who spend more time working from home (reported and unreported) and in remote locations?
These personnel are at greater risks because of the different work environment. These personnel should be trained effectively on organization ergonomic policies. Research has showed that 50% of personnel working at home are not being paid; these are personnel who regularly take their computers home to finish up work. Many organizations have personnel who are paid to be at home or a field, remote location. Once they are working for the organization, any pain or injury that results makes the organization liable.
Sources: “Work at home in 2004” Current Population Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Sept. 2005
Sources: “Work at home in 2004” Current Population Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Sept. 2005
7. I telecommute and/or travel a lot. Why is training necessary?
Ergonomics applies to every aspect of life (all work activities) not just the office environment. Telecommuting and travel have many risks and challenges. Training is necessary to understand how to effectively mitigate these risks and challenges to reduce and climate pain and injury.
8. How effective is ergonomics training?
The effectiveness of ergonomic programs depend on many factors but the best indicator is the percentage or number of discomfort cases. We hope that the numbers are small if any. But it goes back to the question; how many are not reporting?
We find that depending on programs and management views, personnel are afraid to report. For example, many organizations link pay compensation to personnel safety and health. This can have positive or negative effects on the effectiveness of the program. Or personnel may not understand fully or be aware of the degree of pain or injury as a result low numbers of personnel report concerns. This can be helped with proper, specific general awareness training.
If the ergonomics program is effective, discomfort cases will continue to decrease because the program will successfully identify and help discomfort cases EARLY. Which reduces pain before injuries reducing insurance costs that would have resulted from mitigating injuries i.e. costly surgeries.
We find that depending on programs and management views, personnel are afraid to report. For example, many organizations link pay compensation to personnel safety and health. This can have positive or negative effects on the effectiveness of the program. Or personnel may not understand fully or be aware of the degree of pain or injury as a result low numbers of personnel report concerns. This can be helped with proper, specific general awareness training.
If the ergonomics program is effective, discomfort cases will continue to decrease because the program will successfully identify and help discomfort cases EARLY. Which reduces pain before injuries reducing insurance costs that would have resulted from mitigating injuries i.e. costly surgeries.
9. Should ergonomics training focus on behaviors?
Equipment and tools must be used correctly with proper work habits and behaviors. Correct breaks and stretches regularly are also necessary. Having a $1,200 chair or sit-stand workstation will not help if personnel do not know and use the equipment correctly. Training will bridge the gap between behavior and equipment.
Learn about ergonomics and why it is more than just the chair. Understand how to take ownership of your ergonomic health.
Learn about ergonomics and why it is more than just the chair. Understand how to take ownership of your ergonomic health.