BECOME A CERTIFIED ERGONOMICS ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST®!

Updated with new information and nearly two hours of video from our live certification!

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The process for setting up an Ergonomics Program as outlined by the OSHA Ergonomics Program Standard (repealed) is covered, as well as how to provide Prevention and Reeducation Programs to employees, employers, and clients that reduce the risks and costs associated with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.

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.

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.

*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, NPs
Certified Safety Professionals, Risk Managers, Claims Managers, Safety Committee Members
Human Resources Professionals, Industrial Engineers, Industrial Hygienists, Ergonomists
Athletic 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

Ron Porter, Director, PT, CEAS III

Ron Porter, Director, PT, CEAS III

Ronald W. Porter is a nationally recognized expert in the field of Occupational Safety and Health, and Ergonomics.

In the past 38 years, since becoming Director of the Back School, he has instructed over 1000 workshops and seminars on Ergonomics Awareness and Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention to physical and occupational therapists; medical doctors; chiropractors; occupational health nurses; industrial health and safety professionals; employee health and human resource professionals; and insurance claims managers.

Ron has worked with over 350 companies, including Lockheed Martin Aeronautics; US Foods; Mars Incorporated; E.I. Du Pont; DS Services; Shell Oil; International Paper; WestRock; A-dec Dental; Patterson Dental: Arizona Public Service Company; Association of California Water Agencies/Joint Powers Insurance Agency and the United States Navy; consulting on the development and implementation of innovative ergonomics programs for both individual plant sites and entire corporations.

He was chosen as the 2012 ASSE Ergonomics Practice Specialty Safety Professional of the Year, one of the 50 Most Influential People in Workers’ Compensation by the 2014 SEAK National Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Medicine Conference and received a 2016 President’s Award presented   by the ASSE.

His recent presentations include:

The 2007 - 2017 and 2019 American Society of Safety Professionals Professional Development Conferences • The 2018 & 2019 Applied Ergonomics Conference • March 2018 Webinar for the American Association of Hand Therapists • The 2016 Region IV ASSE Professional Development Conference • The 1995 – 2005 and 2011 American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Annual Conferences • The 2010 and 2018  National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition • SEAK Annual National Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Medicine Conferences in 2005 – 2007 and 2013 •  March 2010 national webinar on the Aging Workforce for the ASSE Virtual Classroom.

His Bachelor of Science degree is from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and his Graduate Degree in Physical Therapy from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, American Society of Safety Professionals, the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

MODULE 1: ERGONOMICS AND THE POWER ZONE

  • Definition of ergonomics and ergonomist

  • Introduction to the Workplace Athlete

  • Understanding your Power Zone for sitting and standing

  • Benefits of ergonomics

MODULE 2: OSHA W1 BASIC SCREENING TOOL

  • 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

MODULE 3: RISK REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION

  • Introduction to options for risk factor reduction or elimination
  • Administrative controls & Engineering controls
  • PPE - personal protective equipment & Work practice controls/employee training

MODULE 4: OFFICE ERGONOMICS, THE VDT (VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL) WORKSTATION

  • 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

MODULE 5: APPLYING ERGONOMICS TO THE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

  • Pros and cons for a variety of different improvements/modifications to the office environment
  • Product option review
  • Step-by-step process for performing an ergonomics office assessment

MODULE 6: 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

MODULE 7: OSHA RESEARCH AND REVIEW OF ERGONOMICS RISK FACTORS AND POSSIBLE OPTION FOR RISK REDUCTION AND CONTROL

  • Review  the OSHA research to validate ergonomics assessment forms W-1: Basic Screening Tool & Appendix D-2:VDT Workstation Checklist 
  • Understand the relationship between the ergonomics risk factors and specific musculoskeletal disorders
  • Review the anatomical areas most susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders and possible options for risk reduction and control 

MODULE 8: STEPS FOR OSHA ASSESSMENT

  • 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

MODULE 9: ADDITIONAL OSHA ASSESSMENT 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 

MODULE 10: REFERENCES AND MATERIALS

  • Assistance for identifying hazard reduction and control measures from ergonomics websites
  • Overview of contents and samples for final ergonomics assessment reports
  • Introduction to concepts for successful employee training and potential topics
  • Ergo Break- review of warm-up and stretching exercises for the workplace athlete

MODULE 11: 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