Buyer beware.
Keeping a good track record of low injury statistics is vital to an organization’s reputation and pocket book. That’s why health and safety initiatives play an integral role in a company’s structure and planning – that’s also why “ergonomics” is not only a popular word, it’s a service that’s becoming high in demand.
Unfortunately, the term is still often misunderstood and perhaps overused by the marketing world to promote products and services. We all know that ergonomics is a good thing and will make us feel and work better. Think about the last time you chose one keyboard over another because the description on the box said “ergonomic keyboard.” It must, therefore, be good for you – but do you know why? How do you know that it’s ergonomically correct? Because the manufacturing company says so?
In a similar matter, many individuals have contacted our office wanting to know if we offer courses to become an ergonomist. Organizations themselves look for continuing education courses for their in-house staff to be the staff ergonomist. There are many courses that one can take to understand the fundamentals of ergonomics and the process to identify risks or set up a workstation properly or even how to apply ergonomics in one’s workplace. These are great courses to enhance a safety officer’s knowledge and education in their field. EWI Works consultants actually teach these courses as part of the University of Alberta and University of Calgary continuing education courses. However, this does not make one an actual ergonomist.
Qualified ergonomists, like doctors and engineers, have several years worth of post secondary education – many in the areas of kinesiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, engineering, industrial design and psychology. Loughborough University in the UK offers three Ergonomics degree programs. Certified ergonomists gain certification through a review of their education and professional experience by a board such as the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists or the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics in the United States. A great majority of these professionals in Canada are members of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists.
Be wary of anyone offering 6-8 week courses to become a certified ergonomist. Do your research. It’s an exciting and promising field – just make sure you invest your money wisely.
Next week I’ll discuss what exactly ergonomics is and the process of certification.