ESS Certification
Ergonomics Systems Specialist (ESS)
Ergonomics Systems Specialist (ESS) Certification Workshop
December 9 – 13, 2024
Langley BCMSA Office
5385 216 St, Langley, BC
Course runs from 8AM to 4PM daily, with the exception of Friday, when we will finish at 12PM. This will allow for our out-of-town guests to travel back home at a reasonable time.
This 5-day certification workshop will show you how to build and streamline your ergonomics program into your existing safety system, while developing your ergonomics skill set to reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).
Not every company needs their own professional Ergonomist, but every company needs an Ergonomics Champion to drive their program and ensure success.
With science providing the backdrop, this course emphasizes practical applications for field, industrial and office environments based on case studies and proven best practices. There are several individual, partner, and group activities incorporated into each section. Quizzes, discussions, problem solving tasks, video analysis, practicing with applied tools and journaling activities keep the participants engaged and focused.
Sorry, registration is now closed!
The ESS course is eligible for the Canada Job Grant! We have had many successful applicants. Click here for more information.
This workshop is in support of all existing Provincial and Federal regulations and guidelines as well as the most recent ergonomics-related CSA standards.
Here’s what you will learn:
Build a Business Case For an Effective and Sustainable Ergonomics Program
- Identify gaps within your current safety management system relative to ergonomics and MSD prevention
- Follow a formal MSD Reduction Process
- Apply specific assessment tools and technologies
- Implement a cost-benefit matrix in the selection of controls
- Evaluate interventions and program effectiveness
- Manage knowledge and drive continuous improvement
How to Assess Risk
- Detailed step by step breakdown of the workSMART MSD Risk Reduction Process
- Scientifically backed task analysis methods, including how to assess the level of risk attached to:
excessive force, awkward and static postures, high repetition rates, contact stress, whole body
vibration, hand-arm vibration, environmental factors
Review of specific control strategies associated with:
- Manual material handling tasks
- Driving and equipment operation tasks
- Tool and equipment design
- Standing tasks
- Seated tasks
- Workspace design
- Office tasks and furnishings
How to Identify Physical and Organizational Hazards, including:
- A review of lagging indicators including injury indices, incident reports, safety hazard assessments
physical demands analyses, and other relevant H&S data - Encouraging and collecting worker input
- Proactive identification of musculoskeletal hazards
- Review of organizational hazards (work organization, psychosocial factors, etc.)
- A review of lagging indicators including injury indices, incident reports, safety hazard assessments
physical demands analyses, and other relevant H&S data - Encouraging and collecting worker input
- Proactive identification of musculoskeletal hazards
- Review of organizational hazards (work organization, psychosocial factors, etc.)
Implementing Risk Control Strategies
- How to implement quick turnaround solutions and avoid “analysis paralysis”
- Identification of priorities for ergonomics intervention
- Detailed step by step breakdown on how to evaluate controls based on workSMART’s control hierarchy and cost-benefit matrix
Testing and evaluation of controls
- Program Measurement and Continuous Improvement
- Review of possible threats to success
- How to measure immediate, intermediate, and long-term impacts
- How to build on success and expand
- How to manage newly acquired knowledge
- Implementing Risk Control Strategies
- How to implement quick turnaround solutions and avoid “analysis paralysis”
- Identification of priorities for ergonomics intervention
- Detailed step by step breakdown on how to evaluate controls based on workSMART’s control hierarchy and cost-benefit matrix
Certification Process
For those seeking certification, two post-course activities will need to be completed to demonstrate proficiency and achieve certification status. However, certification is a voluntary process and not a requirement for attendance at the workshop.
At the conclusion of training, participants will have access to online tools, templates, and support resources as long as their certification status is maintained. Certification is valid for three years before recertification is required. Recertification is an online process and does not require re-attending the 5-day workshop.
Continuing Education Credits
Many organizations recognize the ESS course and accept it for continuing education. The following organizations have
already approved this. If your organization is not listed, contact us and we can make every effort to
| Organization | Credits Approved |
|---|---|
| BCRSP – Board for the certification of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals | 2.5 CMP’s |
| AOHNA – Alberta Occupational Health Nurses Association | 32.5 credits |
| COHNA – Canadian Occupational Health Nurses Association | COHNS Endorsed |
| AKA – Alberta Kinesiology Association | 32.5 PDP credits |
| CAOT – Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists | CAOT Endorsed |
| CRBOH – Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists | 5 points |
| BCAK – BC Association of Kinesiologists | 35 credits |
| VRA – Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada | 32.5 hours |
| ABIH – American Board of Industrial Hygiene | 32.5 credits |
WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING
Training Testimonials
When I arrived here, I was skeptical as to what the program had to offer, but am leaving with a fresh attitude towards back safe as well as a wealth of information useful in the days and years to come.
Excellent job of keeping the sessions interesting and entertaining, answering questions, making the group feel at ease, encouraging discussion.
It was nice to work with a company that was able to provide us with exactly what we needed.
I attended your ergonomic assessor workshop last week in Edmonton. I just wanted to thank you again for the great course! I thoroughly enjoyed the course material and demos etc. that we did. I can’t wait to start using my new found knowledge to help others in the College!
This was the best training I have ever been in; you both have a good understanding of the needs of adult learners!!!! I liked the examples used. I took ergonomics before and can honestly say I understand it a lot better. I like the organization, professionalism, safe open concept of the group participation and enjoyed all 5 days thoroughly.
First off, I wanted to thank you again for the ESS course and follow-up, it’s been one of the most valuable and usable courses I have taken. And I’ve taken a few! I am currently doing initial training with all new staff, including garage and admin, for ergo hazards and prevention strategies and then follow-up with those who are having issues. Thanks so much for your ongoing help!
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