COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Ergonomics Essentials for Office Comfort course. This program will equip you with the knowledge and capabilities required to understand what ergonomics means, why it is important in the modern office environment, and how a good working posture supports comfortable, effective, and sustainable performance. You will explore the differences between sitting and standing, how posture significantly impacts spinal health, the characteristics of the ideal sitting posture, and the consequences of using a footrest when not required or working without one when needed.

This course begins by examining the horizontal line of sight and preferred viewing area, and how these influence muscle load, comfort, and visual fatigue. This section explains how to maintain and monitor good postures in the workplace, how to identify early signs of postural strain, and how ongoing adjustments can prevent long-term discomfort. You will explore the design of workstation furniture, including the typical design and height of desks, the principles of work surface design and layout, and how ergonomic considerations improve efficiency and reduce physical stress.

Another area of learning focuses on chairs and seating systems. You will examine the typical design of office chairs, the purpose of seat height adjustment, and the ways in which poor chair selection affects comfort and musculoskeletal function. This section explains the possible problems caused by using a chair with armrests alongside an L-shaped desk, the complications of using a chair with armrests next to a “wave” effect surface, and the challenges created by asymmetric workstation surfaces that position the main workspace to the left or right of the user.

A further area of learning explores workspace reach and movement. You will examine the zone of convenient reach and the normal work area, and how these inform the placement of frequently used items. This section explains the importance of backrest adjustment, the role of armrests in encouraging neutral postures, and the function of adjustment mechanisms that allow individuals to customise their workstation setup to their body dimensions and task requirements.

The next area of learning examines the design, layout, and use of ergonomic accessories. You will explore the functions of footrests, wrist rests, document holders, screen risers, telephone headsets, and reading slopes, and how these accessories support comfort, reduce strain, and maintain neutral joint alignment. This section explains how accessories should be selected, positioned, and integrated into daily workflow to improve posture, minimise repetitive strain, and optimise ergonomic safety.

By the end of this course you will be able to understand ergonomic principles, adopt and maintain healthy postures, recognise the impacts of workstation design on comfort, adjust seating and desk systems effectively, prevent ergonomic problems associated with workstation mismatches, optimise reach zones, utilise ergonomic accessories correctly, and create office environments that support safe, efficient, and long-term workplace comfort.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:

• What is meant by ergonomics?
• The importance of ergonomics
• How a good working posture can ensure that people can work comfortably and effectively?
• Sitting versus standing
• How the posture adopted by an individual has a significant impact on the health of their back?
• The ideal sitting posture
• The effects of using a footrest when not required
• The effects of working without a footrest when one is required
• The horizontal line of sight and preferred viewing area
• How to maintain and monitor good postures in your workplace?
• The design of workstation furniture
• The typical design and height of desks
• The work surface design
• The work surface layout
• The typical design of chairs and seat height adjustment
• The possible problems caused by using a chair with armrests alongside an L-shaped desk
• The possible problems caused by using a chair with armrests alongside a “wave” effect surface
• The asymmetric surfaces used in a paired formation, resulting in workspace to the left or right of user
• The zone of convenient reach and the normal work area
• Backrest adjustment and armrests
• Adjustment mechanisms
• The design, layout and use of accessories , such as; footrests, wrist rests, document holders, screen risers, telephone headsets and reading slopes.

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.