Two-Day Certification in Office Ergonomics
A course designed to enable individuals to make competent ergonomic assessments — from recognising musculoskeletal risk through to running a complete workstation evaluation.
Foundations & Risk Recognition
Identifying and mitigating common musculoskeletal risk factors, workstation fit, anatomy, and current ergonomics research.
| Module | Topics covered |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Office Ergonomics | Ergonomics defined · Guiding principles · Common misconceptions |
| Musculoskeletal Risk Factors | Wrist extension, ulnar/radial deviation · Pronation/supination · Contact stress · Neck/trunk rotation · Static postures |
| Human Anatomy | Visual system · Carpal tunnel · Spinal anatomy · Nerves, tendons & ligaments |
| Common MSDs | Carpal tunnel syndrome · Tendonitis · Tenosynovitis · Degenerative joint disease · Cubital tunnel syndrome |
Components of an Ergonomically Designed Workstation
Seating
Selection criteria, relevant research, and the Cornell seating evaluation form.
Keyboard & mouse positioning
Portable EMG demonstration and sit-to-stand workstation considerations.
Input devices
Split, compact and tenting keyboards; ambidextrous, vertical and roller mice; selection criteria.
Monitor & document placement
Height, distance and viewing-angle guidelines; multiple-monitor environments.
Lighting
Monitor vs. paper-based needs · presbyopia and age · light-meter demonstration · dual-source lighting · task-light positioning.
The Assessment Process, Applied
Emphasis on the ergonomic assessment process, using the Humanscale method as a field-evaluation aid, with group activities on education, behavioural change and objections.
| Stage | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pre-assessment survey | Gather context and self-reported discomfort ahead of the visit. |
| Identify & document hazards | Observe posture, equipment and behaviour against known risk factors. |
| Equipment review | Check fit and function of chair, input devices, monitor and lighting. |
| Training & education | Explain findings to the employee in plain terms. |
| Ergonomic intervention | Adjust or recommend equipment to resolve hazards. |
| Post-assessment check-up | Confirm the intervention held and discomfort improved. |
Group Activities
| Activity | Skill focus |
|---|---|
| 1 · Engaging the Employee | Opening the assessment conversation. |
| 2 · Interpreting Pre-Assessment Data | Prioritising what to look for on-site. |
| 3 · Communicating RiskO.E.R. method | Framing hazard findings for hazard communication. |
| 4 · Equipment Evaluation | Hands-on review of chairs, input devices and monitor arms. |
| 5 · Overcoming ObjectionsL.A.C.E. method | Affecting behavioural change when met with resistance. |
| 6 · Implementing Change | Sequencing recommendations into a plan. |
| 7 · Post Assessment | Closing the loop and setting a check-up cadence. |
COEE Technical Certification
An online exam follows formal training, evaluating core competencies across two sections.
| Exam section | Evaluates |
|---|---|
| Multiple-choice questions | Anatomy, risk factors, MSDs and workstation design principles. |
| Mock workstation assessment | Ability to apply the Humanscale assessment method in practice. |
Certified Office Ergonomics Evaluator
Attendees who achieve a passing score are awarded the COEE designation, recognising proficiency in the full ergonomic assessment process.
