ABOUT ADVANCED OFFICE ERGONOMICS ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION

Developed by Board Certified Professional Ergonomist, Danielle Barzoloski, MPT, CPE, our Advance Office Assessment course helps learners identify and resolve the common risk factors in today's traditional and non-traditional office environments. 

The different arenas of ergonomics solutions - Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls and Work Practices will be explored. Also included is an in-depth look at repetitive motion disorders. Other topics include, but are not limited to, the impact of the aging workforce, obesity, and the huge impact of posture on office ergonomics. Ergonomics in alternative kinds of office settings is explored, as are the advantages and disadvantages of all types of office equipment and accessories. An in-depth look at performing an onsite office assessment is presented.

Students will view a variety of case studies, from standard offices and cubicles, to non-standard environments like the automobile or hotel room, about resolving a cross section of ergonomics risks. Application of these principles contributes to the reduction of ergonomics injuries and increases productivity and employee satisfaction.

Students will also examine a wide range of ergonomics equipment useful in mitigating risk. You will also learn how to perform a detailed cost-benefit analysis, outlining the return on investment of effective ergonomics intervention.

The time frame for completing the online course is 90 days for each participant.
    
There are no prerequisites for this course but some background and experience in ergonomics assessments is recommended.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  • Analyze the causal link between risk factors in the worker, risk factors on the job, and musculoskeletal disorders

  • Apply basic ergonomics principles to office settings

  • Investigate ergonomics applications in various non-traditional settings

  • Compare various ergonomics assessment tools for the office environment

  • Appraise a wide variety of ergonomic equipment

  • Outline how a consultant should provide office ergonomics assessments

  • Describe how to problem solve and instruct workers in the prevention and containment of risk of injury

  • Examine a variety of case studies in various settings

  • Produce a detailed cost-benefit analysis

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 50-question exam with a 90% correct score

  • Registrants must choose two office jobs from the accompanying videos to analyze, using the checklists provided or you may develop and use a checklist of your own design.

  • Registrants must submit a checklist and a written report for each of the two jobs reviewed. Reports should be similar to examples shown in the course.

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 Advanced Office Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (AOEAS®) Certificate will then become available to download as a PDF and you will receive 9 contact hours.

*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  9 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. AOEAS Online is approved as an interactive distance learning - independent activity for 9 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 CEUs in ergonomics 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 50-question exam with a 90% correct score. Registrants must choose two office jobs from the accompanying videos to analyze, using the checklists provided or you may develop and use a checklist of your own design. Registrants must submit a checklist and a written report for each of the two jobs reviewed. Reports should be similar to examples shown in the course.

THESE COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS 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 distance learning courses.

Who Should Register

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

Testimonial

"Thought it was great. As much as I thought I already knew, much of the content was eye-opening."

A.F., MBA, CSP, Worcester, MA

Testimonial

"Excellent course! I feel so much more confident now that I am certified."

R.M., OT, Knoxville, TN

Danielle Barzoloski, MPT, CPE

Danielle Barzoloski, MPT, CPE

Danielle Barzoloski is a physical therapist and board certified professional ergonomist. She has over 20 years of experience in occupational health and injury prevention. Her clinical expertise is in work related musculoskeletal injuries and she has an extensive knowledge base in performing functional capacity evaluations, work hardening, pre-employment screens and ergonomic evaluations.

Since 1998 she has worked for a large multi-campus medical center performing ergonomic evaluations, injuring prevention services and assisting in the return to work process. She currently manages the ergonomics programs for several medical centers, a physician network and an allied health university within this healthcare system. Her healthcare ergonomics experience has included patient handling, laboratory, pharmacy, dietary, environmental services, engineering as well as office ergonomics.

Danielle is a graduate of the University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco State University Physical Therapy Program and is a member of the APTA and the Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals. She is a guest lecturer at Samuel Merritt University in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program.

MODULE 1: WHAT IS ERGONOMICS

  • Ergonomics risk factors of posture, force, repetition, contact or impact stress and vibration
  • Benefits of engineering, administrative and work practice control measures
  • Causes of common (RMD)/(MSD) repetitive motion disorders/musculoskeletal disorder injuries
  • Risk factors inherent in the American worker

MODULE 2: ERGONOMICS IN THE OFFICE

  • Research regarding posture and the impact on office ergonomics
  • Step by step process on how to perform an office ergonomics assessment
  • Chair adjustment and sitting posture
  • Correct keyboard and mouse positioning
  • Monitor placement, sit to stand workstations and eyestrain/visual problems
  • Laptop/notebook, tablet and hand held device use

MODULE 3: ERGONOMICS IN OTHER SETTINGS

  • Ergonomics solutions for nontraditional work environments
  • Risks and guidelines for mobile computing in an automobile
  • How to set up a home office

MODULE 4: EQUIPMENT REVIEW

  • Pros and cons for choosing the correct office ergonomics equipment and accessories
  • Features of an ergonomic chair
  • Using anthropometric measurements when considering adjustability of equipment

MODULE 5: THE ERGONOMICS CONSULTANT AND ONSITE ASSESSMENT

  • Performing an on-site assessment 
  • Which ergonomics screening tools to use 
  • Compiling your ergonomics assessment reports
  • Calculating (ROI) return on investment