1. What is ergonomics?
2. Why use an ergonomist?
3. What is a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE)?
4. We’ve already invested in good equipment. What more do we need?
5. How can you predict who will have the next injury?
6. What is Disability Management?
7. What is a Disability Management Program?
8. What is a Certified Disability Management Professional?
9. How much do your services cost?
10. What experience do you have in my industry?

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with interactions among humans and other elements of a system (e.g. the tools, equipment, products, tasks, organization, technology, and environment). It is the science of people at work and seeks to fit a job to the worker through the evaluation and design of the work environment. Ergonomics looks at such things as posture, force, repetition and vibration, with the purpose of ensuring the work environment fits the capabilities and limitations of the worker.

Why use an ergonomist?

Ergonomists participate in the design of systems to optimize overall system performance. From an ergonomics point of view, a system is comprised of devices, tools, technologies, environments, and/or organizational structures with which people interact to accomplish defined objectives. Ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people. Ergonomists use a holistic approach and will ensure that physical, cognitive, social, organizational, environmental and other relevant factors are taken into account when making recommendations regarding the design or modification of a system. Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE)

What is a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE)?

Presently there is no law that limits who can call themselves an Ergonomist, which can be confusing for those seeking ergonomic services. One way to ensure that you are receiving service from a qualified individual is to seek a Certified Professional Ergonomist. Certified professionals will have the designation Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE), or in the US: Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), or Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP).These certifications have been obtained through demonstration of designated qualifications such as relevant university education, several years of professional experience, and demonstrated competence in the practice of Ergonomics to the satisfaction of a Board of their peers Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE)

Certified professionals have agreed to operate within the scope of a Code of Practice for their respective certifying body with a complaints process to report individuals who appear to have breached this Code of Practice. Both CCCPE and BCPE also have designations for individuals who have met educational requirements, but are still working towards the completion of professional experience. These designations are AE in Canada, and CEA or AEP in the US.

Many organizations request certification for their ergonomics services as a way to ensure they are receiving the quality service they need.

We’ve already invested in good equipment. What more do we need?

Studies show that employees don’t always know how to use equipment properly. In many cases, we can make modifications without recommending new products. Our goal is to show your employees how to effectively use the equipment you already have and we will only recommend new equipment if your current equipment does not suit your employee needs.

How can you predict who will have the next injury?

Studies show that employee discomfort is the most reliable warning of a pending overuse injury. As part of our services, we can help you develop proactive employee discomfort surveys to gather data in order to identify people with the greatest risk of injury.

What is Disability Management?

Disability Management in the workplace is a growing professional industry. With a focus on assisting workers who have been injured or ill return to meaningful and productive work, disability management is an important part of any health and safety framework.

Effective disability management in the workplace can decrease these human and financial costs by getting the worker back on the job in a safe manner. It is a partnership involving employers, employees, health care providers, unions and employee representatives, and insurance providers.

Individual return-to-work plans are established for injured or ill employees requiring assistance, and usually provide short-term accommodations based on their abilities and limitations. Return-to-work plans have time frames and schedules that are transitional and reflective of the employee’s needs and abilities.

What is a Disability Management Program?

A Disability Management Program is a formal program, customized to meet your needs, that improves communication and clarifies roles and responsibilities of all participants involved in the program. It gives partners access to a structured process that assists in resolving many of the issues encountered during the return-to-work or stay-at work process.

What is a Certified Disability Management Professional?

Certified Disability Management Professionals (CDMPs) are required to demonstrate knowledge and skills in nine domain areas of disability management and it is a recognized designation in eight international jurisdictions. Certification is obtained following an exam format and maintained through continuing education requirements. CPMPs frequently work internally within an organization or externally as a provider. They can provide direct services to workers with disabilities, perform DM program functions including administration of DM services, develop policies and procedures, promote RTW strategies through education and training, consult with labour-management committees and undertake program evaluation. National Institute of Disability Management and Research

How much do your services cost?

Health and safety is the most common reason for initiating a workplace health or ergonomics project. Often jobs with health and safety issues also have productivity issues. We realize that justifying workplace health consulting costs can be challenging until the results speak for themselves. We can help you decide on what scope of service would best suit your needs and budget and identify ways to assess return on investment so you can say with confidence that well planned and executed Workplace Health/ Ergonomics isn’t expensive, but has significant return on investment!

Our preferred method is to discuss your specific objectives and provide you with options to address those needs so you can select the best service to fit your budget and organizational needs.

What experience do you have in my industry?

We recognize that you are the experts at what you do. With over 20 years’ experience in a wide range of industries, we will likely be familiar with aspects of your industry. As we want to ensure we address your specific workplace health or ergonomic needs  our job is to work with you, listen, and obtain an understanding of your issues so we can help you develop the most effective solution for your needs. We do not believe in reinventing the wheel but we also want to make sure the wheel is the right one for you.