Reducing and Eliminating Workplace Injuries through Ergonomics

Course overview

Many companies today are using “ergonomics,” or the study of work, when designing workspaces that will prevent injuries and strains, as well as other disorders. Repetitive tasks, increased needs for quick production and the frequency of musculoskeletal injuries are all factors that contribute to the rising costs of workers’ compensation payouts. Ergonomic programs are very important both to reduce the number and severity of injuries to employees and patients, but also to reduce costs, both direct and indirect, for employers. Both physical and occupational therapists are uniquely trained to evaluate the cause of musculoskeletal injuries, and therefore, can easily incorporate workplace ergonomics into current treatment programs to provide long-term benefit to their patients. This can be done with or without the support of an employer by simulating work conditions in the PT or OT clinic. This course will offer suggestions for completing a successful, comprehensive and useful ergonomics assessment that will focus on preventing musculoskeletal injuries by effectively analyzing job hazards, identifying and evaluating risk factors and offering recommendations to reduce or eliminate these risks within the workplace environment.