HUMAN KINETICS AND ERGONOMICS

HUMAN KINETICS AND ERGONOMICS Certificate in Ergonomics Short Course Last updated: July 2018

Table of Contents Background... 4 Course Description... 4 Course Structure... 5 Assumptions of Prior Learning... 5 Mode of Delivery... 5 Estimated maximum time for the course... 6 How is the Course run?... 6 Intended Outcomes... 6 Intended Learning Outcomes for the Course... 6 How is the Course assessed?... 6 Module Outlines and Details... 8 Module 1: Principles of Ergonomics and Ergonomics Risk Assessment... 8 Description... 8 Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module... 8 Assumptions of Prior Learning... 8 Module Outline... 8 Distribution of Hours... 9 Module 2: Human Characteristics and Ergonomics... 10 Description... 10 Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module... 10 Assumptions of Prior Learning... 10 Module Outline... 11 Distribution of Hours... 12 Module 3: Assessment of Manual Materials Handling Tasks, Repetitive Activities and Working Postures... 13 Description... 13 Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module... 13 Assumptions of Prior Learning... 13 Module Outline... 14 Distribution of Hours... 14 Module 4: Office and Control Tasks... 16 Description... 16 Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module... 16 2

Assumptions of Prior Learning:... 16 Module Outline... 17 Distribution of Hours... 18 Module 5: Professional Development and Implementation... 19 Description... 19 Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module... 19 Assumptions of Prior Learning... 19 Module Outline... 19 Distribution of Hours... 20 Module 6: Ergonomics Portfolio... 21 Description... 21 Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module... 21 Assumptions of Prior Learning... 21 Module Outline... 22 Distribution of Hours... 22 Alignment with PAB:... 23 3

Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Certificate in Ergonomics Short Course Background In 2012 the Department of Labour (DoL) hosted the Occupational Health and Safety Conference: Road to zero injuries and accidents at which the topic of Ergonomics was discussed. Since then the DoL has invested a significant amount of time and energy into getting ergonomics regulations promulgated within South Africa and giving the discipline the recognition that it deserves. Significant progress has been made and the Ergonomics Technical Committee has developed an excellent working document for the regulations. An important step in ensuring that the regulations can be successfully implemented is providing the DoL Occupational Health and Safety inspectorate with sufficient education in Ergonomics. Within this context, the DoL has approached Rhodes University and more specifically the Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics (HKE) to develop such a course. The HKE Department is currently the sole provider of undergraduate and postgraduate education in Ergonomics in South Africa and is consequently perfectly situated to perform this role. Furthermore, the staff in the department are intrinsically involved in ergonomics both within the South African and the international ergonomics community. To ensure that the course provided is of the highest quality the HKE department has worked closely with the Professional Affairs Board (PAB) of the Ergonomics Society of South Africa (ESSA). The short course is consequently aligned with the PAB board constitution in terms of the recognized levels of professionalism within Ergonomics. Course Description This short course forms an introduction to the principles of ergonomics and to ergonomics risk assessment in a variety of situations, including, but not limited to construction, manufacturing, mining, transport etc., in the South African context. It provides a framework of knowledge covering the breadth and width of basic ergonomics risk assessment and will provide sufficient education for participants to register as a Certified Ergonomics Associate (CEA) with the Professional Affairs Board of the Ergonomics Society of South Africa. As such, participants who successfully complete this course will have the following capabilities that are aligned with the requirements for a CEA: A Certified Ergonomics Associate (CEA) is an interventionist who applies a general breadth of knowledge to analysis and evaluation of currently operating work systems. The scope of practice of a CEA is limited to the use of commonly accepted tools and techniques for the analysis and enhancement of human performance in existing systems. A CEA may, for example, be responsible for the co-ordination of an Ergonomics Facilitation team within their own industry to create an awareness of Ergonomics, to identify problems, to implement basic solutions and to recognise when to consult a CPE (Professional Affairs Board Charter, 2014). 4

Course Structure The course is structured in a manner that complies with the guidelines outlined in the PAB charter for recognition as a CEA with the Ergonomics society. Participants will thus have to complete 360 hours of work across six modules of 60 hours each. These hours will be comprised of contact time with the various lecturers, self-directed learning and assignments. In order for the course to be recognized by both Rhodes University and the ergonomics society, it is necessary to examine the key competences of each module. Each module mark consists of a class mark obtained via an assignment conducted or test written at the end of each module, as well as a mark from a take-home assignment, which participants complete in their own time and in a work context of their choice and submit prior to the start of the next module. Furthermore, the final module (Module 6) requires the participants to submit a comprehensive portfolio of work performed during the course, in which they demonstrate their understanding of ergonomics theory as well as their practical competence in applying such principles in a workplace. This portfolio can form the basis of the evidence needed to apply for certification with the Ergonomics Society of South Africa s (ESSA) Professional Affairs Board (PAB). To ensure that the course complies with the guidelines established by the PAB charter for a CEA the course will be comprised as follows: Module: Break down of allocation Total time allocation Principles of Ergonomics and Principles of ergonomics (20 hrs) 60 hours Ergonomics Risk Assessment Principles of risk assessment (40hrs) Human Characteristics Biology of Ergonomics (40 hours) Task-operator interaction (20 hours) 60 hours Assessment of Manual 60 hours 60 hours Materials Handling Tasks, Repetitive Activities and Working Postures Office and Control Tasks Office environment (20 hours) Inspection tasks (20 hours) Human Error (20 hours) 60 hours Professional issues and 60 hours 60 hours implementation Portfolio 60 hours 60 hours Assumptions of Prior Learning In order to register to participate in the course it is necessary to have a diploma or an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution in a cognate discipline, for example, medicine, biokinetics, physiotherapy, engineering, industrial design, health and safety etc. Mode of Delivery The mode of delivery for the course will include a diverse range of learning environments including, but not limited to, lectures, discussions, practicals, self-directed learning and 5

assignments. Each module will have its own unique delivery characteristics depending on the needs of the particular module. Estimated maximum time for the course Each module of the course will require 60 hours from the participants, with a total of 360 hours for all six modules. These hours will include a diverse range of tasks from contact time with course and module co-ordinators, self-directed learning and various assignments. These hours include the time required to access the materials, self-directed learning and reading, assessments and assignments, as well as the final portfolio for assessment. How is the Course run? A timetable is provided to the participants ahead of each module. Course materials will be sent to participants prior to the course. Depending on the module, there will be the option for the module to be run at a) Rhodes University in the Human Kinetics and Ergonomics department and b) at remote locations around the country. Please see the specific modules for details in this regard. There will obviously be cost implications for the various options undertaken here. Intended Outcomes The intended learning outcomes (stated within the module guidelines) are assessed by assignments and tests. Participants will be required to obtain an average mark of 50% in order to pass the course. Intended Learning Outcomes for the Course Each module has clearly stated learning outcomes that the participants will need to engage with. However, there are also learning outcomes that are generic to the course as a whole and transcend the individual modules. These are referred to as critical cross-field outcomes (CCFOs) which are outlined below: Mastery of concepts and development of core information in disciplines not previously studied Time management Computing skills Access and retrieval of information Basic data analysis techniques Communication with peers about ergonomics, ergonomics assessments, human capabilities, task/operator interaction and human-task interaction via presentations and report writing. How is the Course assessed? In order for the qualification to be recognized by Rhodes University and by the PAB of the Ergonomics Society of South Africa, it is not only necessary for the students to have participated in the course, but also to have demonstrated competence through the assignments and various tests/exams conducted during each module. Participants will be 6

required to obtain an average mark of 50% in all of the assessments in order to pass the course. 7

Module Outlines and Details Module 1: Principles of Ergonomics and Ergonomics Risk Assessment Description The purpose of this module is twofold: firstly, to provide an introduction to the principles of ergonomics (Human Factors) and the systems approach to designing for the human user. Secondly, it also provides a framework for ergonomics risk assessment and the various aspects that need to be considered to ensure that ergonomics risk assessment is performed successfully within the Southern African context. The participants will be able to understand the basic principles on which ergonomics and ergonomics-related risk assessment are based. Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module Participants will: Understand the basic principles of ergonomics and ergonomics risk assessment Have a sound understanding of the identification of risks and hazards, risk assessment, risk control and education and training within the broader ergonomics framework in the construction industry. Be able to perform basic risk assessment in which ergonomics hazards in the workplace are identified Be able to identify what the appropriate next step would be in order to resolve any potential risk factors identified in the risk assessment. Assumptions of Prior Learning There are not requirements for prior learning for this module other than those outlined for the course as a whole. Module Outline Below is a breakdown of the sub-modules making up the 60 hours allocated to this module: Sub-Module Name Content Time allocation General Principles of Ergonomics Overview of Ergonomics: Definition, aims, objectives and benefits of ergonomics. Scope of practice and systems of work. An introduction to interfaces between work, human and the environment. A brief overview of work and ergonomics 20 hours comparing Industrially Advanced and 8

Industrially Developing Countries and the unique South African context. Macro-ergonomics and the participatory approach. Ergonomics at the design stage and the role of the CPE and CEA in the South African context. Ergonomics Risk Assessment Introduction to the components of ergonomics risk assessment Hazard and risk identification Risk assessment including the three levels of assessment (Checklist, standard ergonomics risk assessment tools and advanced ergonomics risk assessment). There will be a focus on how to perform Level one ergonomics risk assessment: o Ergonomics checklist tools Ergonomics risk control, introducing the hierarchy of controls and the planning and implementing of controls. Education and training Evaluation and monitoring of the ergonomics programme 40 hours Distribution of Hours Participants in the current course would be required to attend a five-day workshop during which they will have six hours a day contact with the co-ordinator of the module. Breakdown of hours Contact hours Self-Directed Learning 30 Contact hours: 5 days of 6 hours each 30 hours SDL through: 2 hours prep work for each day of contact = 10 hours total 20 hours of Assignment work Perform a basic ergonomics risk assessment identifying the presence or not of ergonomics risk factors and what the next step should be. 9

Module 2: Human Characteristics and Ergonomics Description This module forms the basis for understanding the relationship between human physical (anatomical, biomechanical, anthropometric), physiological and psychological/cognitive characteristics and how these are impacted by the work environment. This module will provide the participant with a sound understanding of how the human body interacts with the various systems comprising working environments. Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module Participants will: Understand the basic principles of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, anthropometry and human information processing Appreciate that there are individual differences between persons within a work environment Understand and apply data which describe normal functioning at rest and during work Understand how human capabilities are assessed and why the assessment thereof is important Understand how the environment impacts work performance in a variety of contexts Understand how knowledge about human characteristics allows issues in task design to be understood from an ergonomics perspective. Assumptions of Prior Learning Participants are required to have a basic understanding of the principles of ergonomics and or ergonomics risk assessment within the South African context. 10

Module Outline Below is a breakdown of the sub-modules making up the 60 hours allocated to this module: Sub-Module Name Content Time allocation Human Characteristics Basic Anatomy: An introduction to 40 hours anatomy (definition, brief overview of the trunk and upper vs lower extremities, anatomical terminology, the anatomical position, planes and directions) Basic Biomechanics: An introduction to biomechanics, Introduction to movement (spatial displacement), musculoskeletal levers (what is a lever, lever classes, turning effects, torque, effort and gear ratios) Basic Anthropometry: Assessment of frame size, anthropometric land marks, a brief overview of methods of assessing body composition, application of anthropometry in design. Basic Physiology: An introduction to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (anatomy and function), an introduction to muscle physiology (structure of muscle and basic function). Physiological responses to work, energy expenditure and energy sources, categories of work, physical fatigue, classification of workload, work-rest scheduling. Basic Psychology in the context of work: Perception of risk, motivation and behaviour. Human-Task/Environment Interaction How to assess the capabilities of workers, why these assessments are important. The global and South African-specific work force capabilities (including health and wellness). Fitting the task to the human operator Consideration of the environment and its impact on work the basics of sound, light, noise, temperature 20 hours 11

Distribution of Hours 5 days of approximately 6 hours per day, totalling 30 hours for this module Breakdown of hours Contact hours Self-Directed Learning (SDL) 30 hours: 25 course and practical work 5 hours self-directed work in afternoons 30 hours SDL through: Take-home assignment after the module 12

Module 3: Assessment of Manual Materials Handling Tasks, Repetitive Activities and Working Postures Description This module focusses on the practical application of ergonomics risk assessment tools to the work environment. The purpose of this is to equip individuals with the theoretical knowledge of ergonomics risk assessment and selected screening tools, and the practical skills / experience to perform such assessments in real-world working scenarios. Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module Participants will: Understand the theory of biomechanical risk factors at work and how they relate to ergonomics risk assessment Collect relevant information from work situations via task analyses and describe the tasks performed in sufficient detail (task descriptions) Select suitable risk assessment tools (from a selection of standardized and internationally recognized ergonomics tools) for different work scenarios Conduct risk assessments for tasks that display poor working postures Conduct risk assessments for manual materials handling tasks Conduct risk assessments for highly repetitive tasks Identify the level of control / intervention required Propose basic, standardized control measures Identify when a Certified Professional Ergonomist is needed for further investigations and controls. Appropriately document the process and the outcomes of such assessments. Assumptions of Prior Learning Participants intending to complete this module should: Have a solid understanding of the principles of ergonomics and general ergonomics risk assessment, as covered in Module 1. Have a solid understanding of Human Biology as it applies to ergonomics (covered in Module 2). Be capable of accessing additional information from books, journals, internet sources etc. 13

Module Outline Below is a breakdown of the sub-modules making up the 60 hours allocated to this module: Sub-module Name Content Introduction to Risk Assessment Risk Assessment Tools Background to risk screening (reminder) Risk screenings as part of the larger risk assessment cycle Walk-through assessments Task analysis, identification and descriptions (theory and practical) Types of work Hierarchical task analysis Standard time and motion study and work sampling Posture assessment Biomechanical risk factors: theoretical background Biomechanical risk factors How these risk factors link to WMSDs Upper Extremity tools theory and practical exercises: Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Job Strain Index Controls Whole Body Exertion theory and practical exercises: Rapid Entire Body Assessment Rodgers Muscle Fatigue Analysis Tool Controls General Manual Materials Handling theory and practical exercises NIOSH Lifting Equation Snook & Ciriello tables for carrying, lifting & lowering Snook & Ciriello tables for pushing & pulling Controls Time Allocation 14 hrs 15 hrs 15 hrs 15 hrs Documenting the risk assessment process, analysis and outcomes 1 hr Distribution of Hours Participants in the current course would be required to attend a five-day workshop during which they will have an average of six hours a day contact with the co-ordinator of the module. Breakdown of hours Contact hours 30 Contact hours for lectures, discussions and fieldtrips: 5 days of 6 hours each 14

Self-Directed Learning 30 hours SDL through: 5 hours of homework and readings 25 hours of take-home assignment (risk assessment and report) 15

Module 4: Office and Control Tasks Description The purpose of this module is to develop individuals who possess a thorough understanding of tasks that occur in office and control room environments. In both types of work, employees are seated for most of the work period and perform predominantly cognitively-based tasks. Ensuring that operators adopt the most appropriate body posture is critical and is achieved through the inclusion of appropriate workspace design. Additionally, adequate environmental conditions such as lighting and ventilation are essential to avoid detrimental long-term effects on the physical and mental capacity of office workers. Task demands need to match the human capabilities in terms of perception, concentration and the need for sustained attention. This balance will limit employee fatigue, ensuring that work performance is sustained. Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module Participants will: Understand ergonomics factors of office workplaces, with focus on appropriate environmental, seating and furniture arrangements. Assess office workplaces with respect to ergonomics and identify the potential for basic improvements/control measures, Understand the nature of cognitive tasks and their impact on health risks and human performance, particularly with respect to human reliability and inspection tasks, and Assess tasks with specific demands on human reliability and inspections tasks with respect to ergonomics, and identify potential for basic improvements/control measures. Assumptions of Prior Learning: Participants should: Have experienced some forms of working in an office environment Have knowledge and understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy, as well a basic knowledge of physiology, biomechanics and ergonomics. Have knowledge and understanding of basic physical and mathematical terms (e.g. forces and levers). Be capable of accessing additional information from books, journals, internet sources. 16

Module Outline Below is a breakdown of the sub-modules making up the 60 hours allocated to this module: Sub-Module Name Content Time allocation Workspace Design Seated body posture: o Biomechanics of seating o Anthropometry of seating o Sitting comfort o Different types of chairs o Selection and adjustment of chairs 30 hours Workplace design: o Table and equipment setup o Furniture design and arrangement o Adjustment of chairs, tables etc. o Consideration of special populations (very obese, impaired and disabled persons) Environmental factors: o Illumination o Vision and illumination o Sources of light o Design of natural and artificial illumination o Noise o Impact of noise on cognitive performance and work strain o Methods to ensure appropriate noise levels in office environments o Climate and ventilation o Impact of climate factors on cognitive performance and work strain o Methods to ensure an appropriate climate in office environments Office design: o Individual offices o Open space offices o Ergonomics Assessment of Office Work 17

Human Reliability Basics of perception and cognitive processes: o Information processing o Learning and cognitive skills o Attention and arousal Human workload and fatigue: o Contributing factors to workload, the concept of fatigue o Enduring sustained concentration, circadian fatigue o Impact on health o Performance Influencing factors Human error: o The concept of reliability o Accident and incident causation in work systems o Taxonomy of errors o Approaches to maximize human and system reliability Assessment and controls: o Task characteristics: Overload and underload Distraction and work pressure Equipment and environment o Organization: Work time scheduling, job enrichment and job rotation Safety culture, moral and motivation High reliability system design o Evaluation methods 30 hours Distribution of Hours Participants in the current course would be required to attend a five-day workshop during which they will have an average of six hours a day contact with the module co-ordinator. Breakdown of hours Contact hours Self-Directed Learning 30 hours seminars, lectures and practicals: 5 days of 6 hours each 30 hours SDL through: 5 hours homework, readings 25 hours take-home assignment 18

Module 5: Professional Development and Implementation Description The professional development and implementation module provides participants with vital knowledge in the practice of ergonomics and the code of conduct. Furthermore, the module strives to ensure that participants have a sound understanding of how ergonomics programmes are successfully implemented and highlight some of the key barriers to success. Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module Participants will: Have knowledge of legislation relevant to ergonomics in South Africa Have an understanding of membership to and registration with the Ergonomics Society of South Africa Be able to apply principles or participatory ergonomics in their field of work Be able to apply the ILO checkpoints as suggested by the International Labour Organisation Be able to communicate the benefits of ergonomics from different perspectives Be able to design basic employee training regarding ergonomics Assumptions of Prior Learning Understand the principles of ergonomics, human characteristics and ergonomics assessment, as taught in modules 1-4. Be capable of accessing additional information from books, journals, internet sources. Be conversant in English, as the course is presented in this language Module Outline Below is a breakdown of the sub-modules making up the 60 hours allocated to this module: Sub-Module Name Professional Issues Implementation Content Legislation in SA regarding ergonomics Registration and qualifications with ESSA o ESSA membership o Registration process o Code of conduct for professional ergonomists Participatory ergonomics o Principle o Key members and their roles o Barriers of success Management buy-in Resources Application examples ILO checkpoints Time allocation 6 hrs 10 hrs 19

Benefits Ergonomics Training instruction of and Company perspective 8 hrs o Reduction in costs, increase in productivity (basics of cost-benefit analysis) o Reduction in injury on duty reduces absenteeism o Interaction of ergonomics and quality o Employee engagement o Creation of safety culture Worker s perspective o Reduced likelihood of injuries o Comfort o Reduced fatigue o Improve Communication o Reduce Skill Level o Efficiency of work Basic components of successful employee training 6 hrs Assessment Communicating ergonomics Designing an ergonomics training programme Designing and implementing an ergonomics programme 30 hrs Distribution of Hours Participants in the current course would be required to attend a five-day workshop during which they will have six hours a day contact with the co-ordinator of the module. Contact time: 35 hours Self-directed learning: 25 hours Breakdown of hours Contact hours Self-Directed Learning 30 hours seminars, lectures and practicals: 5 days of 6 hours each 30 hours SDL through: Homework, readings and take-home assignments 20

Module 6: Ergonomics Portfolio Description This module is a self-directed learning module in which participants are required to put the skills they have learnt in modules 1-5 into practice within a work environment of their choice. The participants will be required to build a portfolio demonstrating the theoretical knowledge and the practical ability to complete the various components of ergonomics risk assessment to the standards expected of a Certified Ergonomics Associate. This will include compiling the various assignments they have conducted during the course into one coherent document that will be submitted at the end of the course for examination. Intended Learning Outcomes for the Module Participants will: Be able to conduct an ergonomics risk assessment applying a general breadth and knowledge of ergonomics to analysis and evaluation of work systems Be apply to apply commonly accepted tools and techniques to enhance human performance within the work environment Be able to co-ordinate an Ergonomics Facilitation team Be able to identify problems and implement basic solutions To recognize when to consult a Certified Professional Ergonomist Be able to develop an ergonomics risk management programme Have a portfolio which can form the basis of the submission for certification as a CEA with the Ergonomics Society of South Africa s Professional Affairs Board. Assumptions of Prior Learning In order to complete this module it is necessary to have completed all five of the modules preceding it in the course. 21

Module Outline Below is a breakdown of the sub-modules making up the 60 hours allocated to this module: Sub-Module Name Content Time allocation Portfolio: Part 1 Demonstration of theoretical knowledge of ergonomics. This generally involves compiling the various module assignments completed during the course into a coherent document demonstrating the ability to perform the various aspects of an ergonomics evaluation as conducted by a Certified Ergonomics Associate. 20 hours Portfolio: Part 2 Development of a complete Ergonomics risk management programme conducted in a work environment of their choice. The programme needs to demonstrate an ability to successfully conduct an ergonomics assessment including but not necessarily limited to anticipation and recognition, evaluation, control and review and revision. 40 hours Distribution of Hours This module is completely self-directed, although an HKE staff member will be available via e- mail, tele-conference or skype for consultation on the various aspects of the development of the portfolio. Breakdown of hours Contact hours Self-Directed Learning 0 Contact hours 60 hours SDL through: 20 hours on compilation of the portfolio 40 hours on the ergonomics risk management programme. 22

Alignment with PAB: It is imperative for the course to fit with the guidelines indicated in the PAB charter. Below is a table indicating the various sections that the modules may be assigned to. Once we have greater detail we will be able to assign hours in each to ensure triangulation. Module 1: Sub-Module Name General Principles of Ergonomics Ergonomics Risk Assessment Module 2: Human Characteristics Human-Task Interaction Module 3: Introduction to MMH risk assessment Risk Assessment Tools Module 4: Office Work Inspection tasks Human Error Module 5: Professional Issues: Implementation Benefits of Ergonomics Training and instruction PAB section Principles of ergonomics People and technology Principles of ergonomics Work analysis and measurement: All areas Applications Human characteristics People and technology Applications Work analysis and measurement Work analysis and measurement Applications Work analysis and measurement People and technology Application Work analysis and measurement People and technology Application Work analysis and measurement People and technology Application Professional issues People and technology Work organisation Application People and technology Professional issues People and Technology 23