Ergonomics Systems Specialist (ESS)
WorkSMART is currently revamping its popular ESS workshop and recertification process with new training materials and activities. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to notify you when we’re ready to go, please click here.
Register for an Upcoming Workshop
Need to Recertify? Click Here
Looking for the ESS Student Portal Login? Click Here
Not every company needs their own professional Ergonomist, but every company needs an Ergonomics Champion to drive their program and ensure success.
This 5-day certification workshop trains participants in ergonomics skills related to the prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).
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.
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. What you will learn:
- Identify gaps within your current safety management system relative to ergonomics and MSD prevention
- Build a business case for an effective and sustainable ergonomics program
- Follow a formal MSD Reduction Process including the identification, assessment, and control of MSD hazards and associated risks
- 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 Sell Ergonomics and Achieve Buy-In
- Dispelling myths regarding the cost of ergonomics!
- Identifying the true cost of injuries
- Maximizing employee input
- Validating findings and selling the message
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.)
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
Implementing Risk Control Strategies
- How to implement quick turn around 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
- Review of specific control strategies associated with:
- Manual material handling tasks
- Driving and equipment operation tasks
- Standing tasks
- Seated tasks
- Tool and equipment design
- Workspace design
- Office tasks and furnishings
- 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
WorkSMART can deliver an in-house workshop customized to your company and work activities. Alternatively, individuals can sign up for an open-attendance workshop.
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.
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 gain approval.
| 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 | ABIH has previously awarded credit for this course. The current event contains 32.5 which can be claimed for CM credit. |