BECOME A CERTIFIED ERGONOMICS ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST®!

Updated with new information and a FULL VIDEO presentation!

Our most popular course,  the CEAS I course certifies that you are able to perform basic ergonomics analyses on multiple task jobs in the office, industrial/manufacturing, and healthcare environments, using the OSHA ergonomics assessment tools – W-1, D-2 and WAC. This skills-based training program allows registrants to practice performing office and non-office ergonomics assessments, with the focus on identifying risk factors and determining solutions and opportunities for improvement. At the successful completion of the workshop you will be awarded your certification designating you as a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS®).

The CEAS I training was established in 2001 by The Back School as a response to the OSHA Ergonomics Standard and the need to assist professionals in develop ergonomics skills. The original curriculum was developed by Ronald W. Porter, PT, CEAS and the faculty of The Back School. Over 10,000 CEAS  certifications have been issued to health and safety professionals worldwide since 2001.

The process for setting up an Ergonomics Program as outlined by the OSHA Ergonomics Program Standard (repealed) is covered, as well as how to provide Prevention and Reeducation Programs to employees, employers, and clients that reduce the risks and costs associated with musculoskeletal disorders.   Additional topics include upper and lower extremity disorders (including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome); back and neck injuries; and performing a worksite ergonomics analysis. Identifying risk areas and providing cost-effective solutions, exercises for prevention, techniques for effective training, body mechanics (including the revised NIOSH Lifting Formula), and posture are also covered. Finally, we will address marketing and ROI.

Our online course makes it easy to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule. You will:

View the Workshop Presentation Modules

Take and pass a 100-question exam with a 90% correct score

Complete assessments of one office and one industrial or healthcare job-related video using one of the OSHA Ergonomics Risk Factor Checklists (W-1, D-2 or WAC) and then compiling a Worksite Ergonomic Analysis Report (WEAR) for each of the videos chosen.

Write Final Reports

After completing the Course Evaluation, your course work submissions will be personally reviewed by an instructor, who will provide written feedback. You will be notified via email when your Certification has been approved. Your Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist™ (CEAS®) Certificate will then become available to download as a PDF and you will receive 1.5 CEUs (15 contact hours).

There is a 90-day time-frame allotted to complete the course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Identify where the body is susceptible to injuries and analyze the causes, signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.

Apply the OSHA ergonomics jobsite analysis forms W-1, D-2 and WAC in performing multiple task ergonomics assessments.

Identify and apply effective methods for controlling risk factors.

Analyze and construct injury prevention strategies.

Design ergonomics problem solving solutions.

Examine successful marketing techniques for ergonomics programs.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

You can find a detailed list of system requirements for viewing the online slide presentation HERE.

Note that your browser must have a native display port size greater than 700 pixels otherwise the program may revert to the mobile display version and you may experience issues.

Browser Compatibility

Currently our online certifications work best with the FireFox browser which can be downloaded for free HERE. 

*CEUs

This course is currently pre-approved for Continuing Education CEs by the BOC, CRCC and COPSKT. The Back School is also an AOTA Approved Provider (#4849) and is authorized to offer AOTA  15 contact hours for this class. AOTA Classification Codes: Category 1: Domain of OT & Category 2: Occupational Therapy Process. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition. The Back School is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. CEAS I Online is approved as an interactive distance learning - independant activity for 15 category A CEUs and is introductory level for professional issues. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products or clinical practices.

The Back School recommends 8 hours of continuing education in ergonomics related subject material every 2 years following the date of certification

This and many of our courses are currently or have in the past been pre-approved for continuing education credit by most state PT boards. Other specialities/professional disciplines should be able to submit for individual credit but it is important for you to contact your state licensing board or professional credentialing board for information regarding policies and the amount of continuing education credits allowed for online courses. 

COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

View the Workshop Presentation Modules. Take and pass a 100-question exam with a 90% correct score. Complete assessments of one office and one industrial or healthcare job-related video using one of the OSHA Ergonomics Risk Factor Checklists (W-1, D-2 or WAC) and then compiling a Worksite Ergonomic Analysis Report (WEAR) for each of the videos chosen. Write Final Reports

Who Should Register

PTs, PTAs, PT Students, OTs, OTAs, OT Students, CHTs, ATs, RNs, NPsCertified Safety Professionals, Risk Managers, Claims Managers, Safety Committee MembersHuman Resources Professionals, Industrial Engineers, Industrial Hygienists, ErgonomistsAthletic Trainers, Chiropractors, Office Furniture Sales and anyone wanting to learn how to decrease risk of onsite employee injury and increase employee productivity and satisfaction.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach to learning, CEAS I is also offered as a 2-day Live Workshop in many locations across the United States throughout the year. 

THE COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS USED IN THIS COURSE ARE FOR REGISTRANTS ONLY. BY REGISTERING YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE FOR THIS COURSE YOU AGREE THAT YOU WILL NOT SHARE THESE MATERIALS WITH ANY THIRD PARTY.

REFUND POLICY

Refunds are not available for online courses.

Testimonial

"I probably spent more time studying and learned more in this course than any continuing ed over the last 20 years. Thanks!"

Davis A. Zito, PT Mathews, NC

Testimonial

"I thought this class was wonderful, I am new to the occupational setting and this really helped me with my current career."

Zak Christie MS, AT, PES Chicago, IL

Jamie McGaha, OTR, CHT, CEAS, OTD, COMT

Jamie McGaha, OTR, CHT, CEAS, OTD, COMT

Jamie McGaha is a licensed occupational therapist and certified hand therapist who practices in outpatient hand therapy in Denver, CO. Jamie’s practice experience includes a variety of upper extremity diagnoses ranging from cumulative trauma and musculoskeletal disorders to traumatic and post-operative orthopedic injuries. In addition to Jamie’s full-time clinical work, she is experienced in ergonomic assessments and interventions for the office worker, automotive assembly line, and the flooring installer trade. Previously, she has also served as an assistant faculty member at the University of St. Augustine’s Occupational Therapy program in Austin, TX.

Jamie earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis with a research emphasis on ergonomics and upper extremity disorders. Jamie is a certified orthopedic manual therapist for the upper extremity, has current and ongoing research on the topic of thumb arthritis, and is a member of the American Society for Hand Therapists. Jamie’s research is published in peer reviewed journals such as Applied Ergonomics and Journal of Hand Therapy.

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

    • Definition of ergonomics and ergonomist
    • Benefits of ergonomics

WORKER PROGRAMS

    • Introduction to the Workplace Athlete
    • Ergo injuries- nutrient pathway disorders
    • Ergonomics and the Power Zone
    • Understanding your Power Zone for sitting and standing
    • Social significance of ergonomics 

SOCIETY AND ERGONOMICS

      • Social significance of ergonomics 

OSHA

    • OSHA documents & Ergonomics success stories
    • OSHA guidelines for ergonomics programs, compliance and enforcement
    • OSHA Table W-1: Basic Screening Tool for identifying ergonomics risk factors

INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS ASSESSMENTS

    • Introduction for risk factor identification and identification of solutions for reduction or elimination of risks (settings: warehouse, chicken processor, airplane manufacturing, flooring installer)
    • OSHA Methods to reduce risk factors introduction
    • Administrative controls & Engineering controls
    • PPE - personal protective equipment & Work practice controls/employee training

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

    • Pros and cons of risk reduction and elimination solutions
    • Application of levels of control and considerations for each

OFFICE ERGONOMICS

    • OSHA office ergonomics worksite analysis form Appendix D-2: VDT Workstation Checklist
    • Introduction to applying the control measures of administrative solutions, engineering solutions, work practice solutions and PPE
    •  
    • Pros and cons for a variety of different improvements/modifications to the office environment
    • Product option review

THE ERGONOMICS OF SITTING AND STANDING

    • Sit to stand workstations
    • Neutral posture components of sitting and standing work
    • Evidence for dynamic seating

OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS

    • Considerations for specific environment issues: lighting, noise, temperature
    • Relationship of environmental issue sans ergonomics risk factors

HEALTHCARE ERGONOMICS

    • Overview of ergonomics risks in healthcare
    • Ideas on solutions/opportunities for improvement for employee and patient safety
    • Review how to assess patient transfers for ergonomics risks and solutions

REVIEW: RISK FACTOR SOLUTIONS

    • Review the OSHA ergonomics assessment forms W-1: Basic Screening Tool & Appendix D-2: VDT Workstation Checklist to identify risk factors in real life examples and discuss possible opportunities for improvements for each

ERGONOMICS RESEARCH

    • Review the anatomical areas most susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders and possible options for risk reduction and control 
    • Understand the relationship between the ergonomics risk factors and specific musculoskeletal disorders
    • Current evidence for relationship between ergonomic risk factors and intrinsic factors in relation to injury risk 

ERGONOMICS RISK FACTORS REVIEW

Click continue to begin the Ergonomics Risk Factors Review module.

ADDITIONAL OSHA ERGONOMICS TOOLS

    • Understanding and applying the WAC: Appendix B, ergonomics assessment tool
    • Calculating the RWL (recommended weight limits) for lifting and lowering using the WAC: Appendix B & the NIOSH Lifting Equation
    • Comparing the RWLs from the WAC: Appendix B with the NIOSH Lifting Equation 

STEPS FOR ERGONOMICS PROGRAMS AND ASSESSMENTS

    • Steps for a basic ergonomics assessment for an injured worker or a new employee
    • Questions to ask the company & the employee/client during the ergonomics assessment
    • Tools and materials necessary to acquire as you prepare to perform an ergonomics assessment

ROI AND MARKETING

    • Online tools for calculating return on investment from ergonomics and safety programs
    • Basic steps for marketing ergonomics services and programs
    • Questions to ask, proposals and concepts to stress during marketing/sales
    • Pricing for ergonomics assessments and services