Ergonomic Risk Management

Introduction

This 2-day programme equips participants with the knowledge and skills to recognise, evaluate, and control ergonomic risks in the workplace. Using structured assessment tools and methods, and manual handling guidelines, participants will learn how poor ergonomics contributes to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), lost time incidents, and productivity losses. The course also covers Malaysian legal expectations under OSHA 1994, OSH (Amendment) Act 2022 and relevant guidelines, ensuring compliance and best practices. Through hands-on simulations, workstation assessments, and case studies from Malaysian industries (manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and offices), participants will be able to design effective ergonomic interventions that improve employee well-being and organisational performance.

Learning Outcomes / Benefits

After this training workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain the fundamentals of ergonomics and MSD risk factors.
• Identify ergonomic hazards across various workplace settings.
• Conduct ergonomic risk assessments using recognised tools.
• Analyse findings and identify root causes of ergonomic problems.
• Recommend practical engineering and administrative controls to minimise ergonomic risks.
• Develop an ergonomic improvement plan aligned with legal and organisational requirements.

Key Content

Module 1: Introduction to Ergonomics & MSDs

• Definitions and concepts of ergonomics
• Types of MSDs and common symptoms
• Causes: posture, force, repetition, vibration, environmental factors
• Socioeconomic impact of ergonomic risks
• Case examples

Module 2: Legal & Compliance Requirements

• OSHA 1994 & OSH (Amendment) Act 2022
• Duties of employers and employees
• Malaysian Guidelines on Ergonomics Management
• Workstation requirements for safe job design

Module 3: Identifying Ergonomic Hazards

• Workplace observation techniques
• Manual material handling risks
• Repetitive work and cycle analysis
• Poor workstation design (office, production, logistics)
• Video-based posture evaluation

Module 4: Ergonomic Risk Assessment Tools – Part 1

• Overview of risk assessment frameworks
• Scoring system & interpretation
• Practical demonstration using sample videos

Module 5: Root Cause Analysis for Ergonomic Problems

• Immediate vs underlying ergonomic causes
• Task design, workstation layout, tools, organisational factors
• Human factors engineering basics

Module 6: Control Measures & Ergonomic Interventions

• Engineering controls (redesign, automation, tools, fixtures)
• Administrative controls (job rotation, work-rest cycles)
• Low-cost ergonomic improvements
• Office ergonomics (chair, desk, monitor, lighting)
• Demonstration: Setting up an ergonomic workstation

Module 7: Developing an Ergonomic Improvement Plan

• Using findings from assessments
• Prioritising actions using a risk matrix
• Monitoring & reviewing interventions
• Documentation requirements (SOPs, training, reports)

Target Audience

• Safety & Health Officers
• Engineers & Technicians
• Production / Operation Supervisors
• Ergonomics Committee Members
• Human Resource / Wellness Team
• Office Administrators
• Anyone involved in workplace design and risk assessment

Methodology

• Interactive lectures
• Practical workstation assessment
• Case studies
• Video posture analysis
• Group workshops & problem-solving
• Team presentations