ABSTRACT
Ergonomics training is recognized as a critical element in effective ergonomics, health and safety programs. When ergonomics training is part of a comprehensive, systematic approach to integrating ergonomics into an organization, it can play a key role in enabling an organization to link corporate goals with ergonomics practices, enhance organizational effectiveness and facilitate the change process. Training programs can modify how people work together, solve work-related problems and actively fulfill their role in ergonomics implementation. When a successful office ergonomics training program is implemented, the result is an increased ability for the worker to change his/her work environment, reduce the exposure to work-related risk factors and promote healthy work practices. High quality ergonomics training incorporates a “participatory” approach, in which end users, managers, engineers, designers, health professionals and others are involved. A participatory approach assures that each employee learns and develops the knowledge, skills and motivation to provide suggestions for improvement and change into the organization. It is this participatory aspect, along with the ergonomics training and work system design, that forms the basis for creating an improved work environment and continual change in the company.
