Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Step 2: Involve and Train Management and Workers

Key points

  • Ergonomics training helps managers and workers understand and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) like back pain and muscle injuries.
  • Managers and workers can learn about risk factors and signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.
  • There are different types of ergonomics training, such as awareness training and problem-solving training.
Engineers in safety vest with helmet in front of a factory machine.

Understand the purpose of ergonomics training

Ergonomics training is beneficial for all managers and workers exposed to conditions that contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Since workers know issues at work better than anyone, give the opportunity to discuss problems as they see them.

Management needs to understand ergonomics if they are to correctly identify and solve work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Ergonomics training enables managers, supervisors, and workers to:

  • Identify the risk factors for WMSDs.
  • Recognize the signs and symptoms.
  • Develop strategies that reduce and prevent WMSDs.

Choose at least one type of ergonomics training

Tailor ergonomics training to the target audience. Consider their education level, literacy level, language, and specific job interests. Make any outside instructors aware of company operations, relevant policies, and practices before training begins. This makes the training relevant to the work performed at the facility.

Types of ergonomics training

Type of training
  • Objectives to train
Ergonomics Awareness Training - which should be provided to most managers and workers
  • Recognize the risk factors for WMSDs
  • Identify the symptoms of WMSDs
  • Understand general methods for reducing risk factors for WMSDs
  • Become aware of the company's healthcare procedures
  • Empower workers' role in addressing and controlling risk factors for WMSDs
  • Learn what your company's responsibilities to address risk factors for WMSDs are
  • Learn how to report concerns of WMSDs
Training in Job Analysis and Control Measures - common for ergonomics team members
  • Learn how to conduct a job analysis
  • Learn how to implement and evaluate control measures
Training in Problem Solving - required for working in hazard control problem solving groups
  • Develop skills in team building, consensus development, brainstorming, and problem-solving
  • Learn how to synthesize ideas from employees, management, and other affected parties

Resources for training

NIOSHTIC-2 search

See the NIOSHTIC-2 database search results on NIOSH Publications on Ergonomic Awareness Training. NIOSHTIC-2 is a database of occupational safety and health publications funded in whole or in part by NIOSH.

Additional resources

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Content Source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health