Ergonomics in education and training / at work

MSDs are not only a problem of adults but also a problem of children, adolescents and teachers. And sometimes, the education system itself is a source for musculoskeletal problems.
Improving musculoskeletal health through the life course by starting as early as possible has a decisive impact:
MSDs are preventable! The good practice examples on "Ergonomics in education and training / at work” illustrate the life-course approach taken in particular by the priority area "MSDs and future generations" of the EU-OSHA campaign 2020-22 on prevention of work-related MSDs. The integration of ergonomics into education and training is a perfect vehicle to make another approach, the "Whole School approach", concrete: How can safe and healthy learning spaces - including virtual learning spaces - be designed to improve the quality of education? How can ergonomics help to support the learning process in schools?

Schools in particular can contribute to the early and long-term prevention of MSDs.

The European Network Education and Training in Occupational Safety and Health (ENETOSH) was an official partner in the EU-OSHA campaign 2020-22”Lighten the Load”.

 

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Examples

OHTAlogo

The OHTA training materials are available at four levels: Awareness, Foundation, Intermediate and Specialist. More information about the training scheme and qualifications framework can be found on the website.

The published training materials in current use are listed on the website as well. Examinations (where appropriate) are based on these materials.

 

enso

The HOORAY(Youth for Youth’s Mental Health through Physical Activity) project aims to address this challenge by exploring the impact and positive influence physical activity and sport can have on improving the overall well-being and mental health of young people.

Chartered Institute

This guide explores practical ideas and links to improve children’s ergonomics with simple, positive changes.

Almost all nursery practitioners have experienced pain in the workplace, with back pain a particular issue, according to new research. In this article, Charlotte Goddard finds out what managers can do to alleviate the problem.

Green Ginger

The Research and Test Lab (RATLab) introduces young people to biomechanics and the importance of bone, joint and muscle health. It uses a combination of science, hi-tech projections and puppetry devised by theatre company Green Ginger. During a visit to RATLab, children interact with a team of engaging characters – mostly rats, dogs and pigs – who use engineering to solve everyday problems.

HSE

As an employer, you must protect your workers from the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling in the workplace. Manual handling means transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. It includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads. A load can be an object, person or animal.

University of Derby

Many people working in the early years sector regularly undertake significant physical tasks as routine aspects of their role. Despite this, work investigating the associated risks has so far been limited. This collaborative research project, led by the University of Derby, seeks to address this gap in understanding, providing new evidence and practical insights that can inform and support both individuals working in these roles and the sector as a whole.

radix

Purzelbaum (Somersault) brings momentum into everyday kindergarten life.
Using simple and practical means, Purzelbaum ensures more exercise and healthy nutrition in kindergarten.

zfa

The publication presents an overview of the use of digital human models (DHM) in academic education at five exemplary universities in Germany and Austria. In addition to the presentation of different human models, the integration of them into the respective lectures is discussed.

napo logo

Because of the measures to contain the coronavirus, many people are required to work from home. This may not always be as good as working in the office.

UNESCO_PEER

Fit for Life is UNESCO's sport-based flagship designed to accelerate COVID-19 recovery, support inclusive and integrated policy making, and enhance the wellbeing of youth around the world.

spar

Each apprentice goes through different departments during their practical period in the supermarket. During on-site instruction, apprentices are made aware of the respective risks. Detailed information is provided in the state vocational schools in their own Spar academy classes, whose curriculum is tailored to work at Spar.

University of Birmingham logo

Two booklets providing practical guidance and recommendations for employees, employers and managers to better support employees in their efforts to manage a chronic musculoskeletal disorder at work.

Online training course on design of human-centred workplaces

The main objective of TRAIN4HCWORK is the development and implementation of a new online course (in English, Spanish, German and French) to strengthen the knowledge and skills of targeted professionals in the design of human-centred workplaces.

Det Nationale Forskningscenter for Arbejdsmiljo logo

Health environment is an approach to health promotion in the workplace, where employees' health is promoted through the organisation, organization and content of the work. The vision for Sundhedsmiljø is that the work itself contributes to employees being healthier at the end of the working day than at the beginning of the working day.

suva logo

For apprentices, regular sports lessons are essential. Unfortunately, accidents often happen here. Various preventive measures help to reduce the risk of accidents.

SPF logo

A game to raise awareness of the importance of good posture and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. In this game developed for young people in the 3rd cycle of secondary education, the hero “Flexaminator” fights musculoskeletal disorders.

EU-OSHA logo

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among children and adolescents is quite high and many young people enter the labour force with pre-existing musculoskeletal problems which can potentially be exacerbated by work.

BETTER HEALTH logo

A website presenting information and ideas for a healthier nutrition.

rutgers logo

The mission of the Center for Public Health Workforce Development is to provide a link between our faculty and practice partners in teaching, research and the practice of public health. The continuing education activities are designed to strengthen the cooperation between the Center for Public Health Workforce Development and state and local public health practitioners.

BGW logo

Complete administrative tasks faster and easier. Reduce workload and achieve more time with the children.

UK Rheinland Pfalz logo

Far too many children have accidents every year in school sports, whose injuries could have been prevented with the right preparation for lessons and the right forms of exercise, games or organization. With the web application schulsportideen.de, the Unfallkasse Rheinland-Pfalz gives physical education teachers a tool that provides basic theoretical information on school sports and the right content for safe and attractive physical education classes.

work ability house model

This mixed methods research (MMR) study explored older employees’ experiences of chronic musculoskeletal disorders (CMSDs) in relation to their employment, their perspectives on managing these conditions in the workplace and the strategies used to facilitate and maintain their roles and responsibilities. The services offered to them were also identified.

MSD guide for Employees cover

This booklet provides practical guidance and recommendations for employees with chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
  

MSD guide for employers and managers cover

This booklet provides practical guidance and recommendations for employers and managers to better support employees in their efforts to manage a chronic musculoskeletal disorder at work.

SOM logo

Good musculoskeletal (MSK) health is integral to a full working life. This MSK Health Toolkit for employers and further education institutions from SOM, the British Society for Rheumatology and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities was launched in October 2022.

Digital devices logo

In January 2020, Virginia legislators passed House Bill 817 requiring the Department of Education (VDOE), in collaboration with the Department of Health and medical professional societies, to develop health and safety guidelines related to the use of digital devices in the classroom. The VDOE convened a Digital Devices in the Classroom Workgroup to develop guidelines.

Department of Education logo

There are a number of physical health and safety matters to consider when using technology devices within schools including use of wireless networks, ergonomics, using interactive whiteboards and projectors and the risk of photosensitive epilepsy.

SOM logo

This document highlights best practice pre COVID-19 and provides new information concerning what is a rapidly evolving situation. It was informed by a review of research, evidence-informed resources and tools offered by professional bodies, and a webinar involving experts on work and wellbeing.

Action for healthy kids logo

Are your students receiving quality physical education each day? A quality PE program that meets national guidelines is the cornerstone for a physically active school and helps support improved classroom behavior, physical fitness, and standardized test scores.

Shools for Health in Europe logo

Schools for help in Europe provides more than 60 practical examples of health promotion in education from various European countries.

Finnish National Agency for Education logo

Move! is a national physical functional capacity monitoring and feedback system for Finnish 5th and 8th grade pupils. It produces information that can be combined with the extensive health check-ups performed for the 5th and 8th grade pupils. The main purpose of the system is to encourage pupils to independently take care of their physical functional capacity.

PHE Canada logo

Quality Daily Physical Education (QDPE) is a well-planned school program of compulsory physical education provided for a minimum of 30 minutes each day to all students (kindergarten to grade 12) throughout the school year.

AKH Wien logo

With the help of staff, the intervention creates a work environment designed to be compatible with an ageing workforce, taking into account employees’ needs and abilities in different stages of their lives.

UAB Vonin Lithuania manufactures fishing trawls and fish farming cages. Established in Šiauliai in 2013, the company has since expanded its production capacities and workforce. Currently, it employs 242 workers, of whom 80% are women.

In 2020, an automated sewing machine was purchased that performs loop sewing work four times faster than operators and eliminates the physical workload for employees. However, some customers require the ropes/nets to be sewn by hand in the traditional way.

Over 99% of SAP’s employees work at the office, from home, or are mobile. Desk-based work is the norm in the software industry, which is also the case for most SAP employees. As a result, they are exposed to ergonomic problems in the work environment.

triglav logo

Zavarovalnica Triglav, d.d. implements a number of measures to manage and prevent MSDs in the organisation. The company maintains that it is critical to raise awareness and encourage employees to live a healthy lifestyle.

TIC COUNCIL logo

In light of the Official Campaign Partners of EU-OSHA ‘Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load 2020-2022’, TIC Council and DEKRA organized a joint webinar series comprised of three webinars.

besslab logo

The besslab is a scientific institution at the University of Paderborn that aims to provide well-founded support for exercise, games and sports in everyday life for children and young people.

TPR stands for Total Physical Response. It's a way of helping students learn a language through physical actions. These actions can be done in small environments, either at home or in class.

Jolly Back offers several information sheets on topics dealing with ergonomics and prevention od MSDs, like: How to improve back health in primary schools with physical activity, How to choose an office chair, How much should I exercise ...

visual systems designed for active environments

Lü produces state of the art audio visual systems designed for active environments.

a national action programme

Finnish Schools on the Move is a national action programme aiming to establish a physically active culture in Finnish comprehensive schools.

A free online resource

As new technology continues to offer us lots of amazing devices that do incredible things, our understanding of what their long-term use can do to our bodies has failed to keep pace.

Children creating their own “Munching garden”

The "Naschgarten" (Munching garden) at Holzminden is a local prevention project for more nature experience ...

Helping to make a good and healthy school

The design and furnishing of classrooms are important factors for successful learning and teaching ...

This is a project providing online and offline learning modules for engineers to increase their knowledge on ergonomics. This project was initiated by KAN (Commission for Occupational Health and Safety and Standardisation), Germany.

Since the 1980s, the BG BAU is supporting the interplant training centres ...

University of Applied Sciences Erfurt

The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt and the health insurance company " AOK PLUS " started this project in 2009. A project group with representatives of the insurance company and the University (University Board, Staff, Student Council, Project Manager / initiator etc.) put together the tasks for the period until the end of 2011. Project Director is Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz Stange from the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences.

Examples of good practice for ergonomically designed machines

What characterizes an ergonomically designed machine? What aspects must be considered during design? Where can I find relevant information?

In Health and Physical Education, students develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding to strengthen their sense of self, and build and manage satisfying, respectful relationships.

Bewegte Schule Österreich (school on the Move Austria) provides a guideline for Good Practice to help schools prevent and fight MSDs for their students, to improve that and to motivate schools to do more and to share experiences.

As images are more powerful and easier to understand and to remember than words, the sector decided to visualise the abstract term 'ergonomics' in a playful and clear manner, this by developing a ‘3D floorplanner’.

Practical tools with regard to ergonomics and skin prevention were developed for hairdressers, such as a desk research with good practices from 17 countries, an instruction video, 2 manuals with background information for teachers (ergonomics and preventing skin complaints), visually supporting material, namelijk ‘take care of yourself’ sheets with some main concerns.

The Healthy school Planner is an online tool designed to help Canadian schools create healthier environments. It offers individual schools a way to assess the overall state of their environment as well as the choice to further explore one or more specific topics such as healthy eating, physical activity, positive mental health or tobacco.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seminally changed the way that education systems within Canada function. Now, with schools moving to re-open, we know that it will not simply be a return to learning as it was.

Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) champions healthy, active kids by promoting and advancing quality physical and health education opportunities and healthy learning environments.

This smartphone application (app) delivers a basic ergonomic assessment by stepping the user through a series of diagrams and questions to pinpoint musculoskeletal pain, identify possible sources, and discover practical solutions.

Supermarket chain Lidl Hrvatska, in cooperation with the Faculty of Kinesiology - University of Zagreb, started a unique initiative “Good health through correct movement” ...

It is well known that MSDs are a global, public health problem because they have high prevalence around the world, which means enormous expenses for health insurance and community in general, and are the most common cause of chronic non-malignant pain and incompetence.

Good results of the project “Good health through correct movement” (Pravilnim kretanjem do zdravlja) that was launched in 2014, triggered the new sequel as the second phase named “With proper movements to health” (part 2).

In the world of work often heavy goods have to be carried by workers. Lifting and carrying heavy goods involves risks for health and safety. In 10 short episodes Napo shows which hazards can occur when lifting and carrying heavy goods and how to lift and carry the right way.

‘Conversation starters for workplace discussions about musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)’ is a great new resource. It can be used to facilitate group discussions in the workplace or during training.

The Napo website offers a collection of 14 different Napo videos dealing with prevention of MSDs.

This guide aims at helping the user to assess the risk s of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It details potential risk situations for musculoskeletal disorders and criteria for good preventive practices.

OSH Wiki article providing information on Risk Factors and Effects of MSDs in Teachers and Teaching Assistants.

OSH Wiki article about Musculoskeletal Disorders in Children and Young People.

This online course is a result of years of teaching. All activities and teaching methods have been tested in a school environment with students. The participants will obtain a comprehensive picture of the schools on the Move activities that have been developed in Finland, the integrated research, and new methods of physically active learning.

HeiaHeia is an App to promote physical activities at workplaces and schools.

As a part of the key project the schools on the Move Programme was expanded to upper secondary education in 2017. The goal of the Mobile Learning program is to increase mobility and the ability to study at secondary level and in higher education.

The Joy in Motion programme is realised in accordance with each unit’s own situation, utilising the Baby steps ideology and models for continued development.

The PIBYRP technique is a simple and ergonomic cutting technique for preventing MSD. The PIBYRP technique is labeled by OMC (Organisation Mondiale de la Coiffure) and is a simple and quick cutting technique developed by Raphael Perrier.

Website providing information on noise at school and at the workplace, interior design and ergonomics.

"TigerKids - Kindergarten aktiv" is a nationwide program for health education in kindergartens ...

The central question is what supports day-care centers in developing their organization in such a way that both the children and the pedagogical specialists expand their options for a healthy lifestyle in the long term.

The education is divided into different modules of coherent units. Duration and course of the studies is self-determined by each student, according to private and on-the-job duties.

The e-learning platform Integral II by the Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics (IAW) of the RWTH Aachen offers several courses for industrial engineering and ergonom

Gut Drauf (In a good mood) is a program of the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) to improve the health of girls and boys between 12 and 18 years. One special focus called Tutmirgut is aimed at children aged 5 to 11 years.

A series of training events at companies, called “fresh ergonomics”. Ergonomics specialists visit companies and provide entertaining training for ergonomical behaviour and work to reduce back problems.

Upsi is a comic character, created by the Accident Insurance Berlin to rise awareness for OSH topics in a playful way. Eight books and one radio play have been released until now.

UPSI logo

Upsi is a comic character, created by the Accident Insurance Berlin to rise awareness for OSH topics in a playful way. Eight books and one radio play have been released until now.

Products can be designed with appropriate consideration for safety and health aspects by the application of standards governing ergonomics. In order for greater consideration to be given to the standards in this area during the design process than has previously been the case, knowledge of these standards and their content must be communicated more strongly during the training of engineers and designers.

This Report contains the key results from the project "Ergo KiTa – prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among educators in children's day care facilities ...

The Report "Movement and learning – the concept of moving schools” (“Bewegte Schulen”) by Gerold Brägger, Heinz Hundeloh, Norbert Posse and Hermann Städtler is supposed to promote the concept for improvement of children’s health by sports and physical activities at school.

The German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the public sector in Hesse has picked up this important topic in volume 21 of the series, "Physical activity offers in day-care facilities".

Actually sitting is not really a problem. You sit down, and after a little time you stand up again. But the time span between sitting down and getting up has steadily grown longer in our modern society.

A time table for 30 minutes of physical exercises per day for school children to keep them active and healthy. All execises are shown in YouTube videos that are linked in the time table.

A program for physical exercises for school children to keep them active and healthy.

A program for physical exercises for school children to keep them active and healthy.

The Federal Working Group for Posture and Exercise Promotion eV (BAG) is a non-profit association that was founded in 1961. Since then, the BAG has been dealing with movement in the context of development, health and education in a differentiated manner in theory and practice.

schoolbag Safety – How can you support your child’s spine at school Carrying schoolbags has a major impact on a child's back health. An inappropriately or incorrectly packed schoolbag may contribute to low back pain in children.

An onsite department is able to provide OSH and ergonomics teaching in other departments, including on the MBA business studies course.

A campaign for teachers and students in Hungary to prevent musculoskeletal disorders with physical activities.

In ITI Latur Welder Trade Instructors and trainees during training course use to complain about work related MSDs, resulted in abscentism from training practicals. An attempt was made to aware and prevent MSDs.

The sudden increase in teleworking from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has put workers at greater risk of musculoskeletal disorders and mental health problems. A new report looks at these risks, the benefits and problems arising from teleworking, and the EU regulations in place to protect workers.

Napo wants to ensure that everyone can work at home productively, and as safely and healthily as possible. With the support of the Boss and co-worker Napette, Napo has some good advice, and says: "Stop the pandemic, work at home… and work safely!"

It is sometimes a challenge for the public and influential stakeholders to know where to find suitable resources for HF/E education or training.

school plays a vital role in the formation and preparation of the child in all areas of life, including education in the prevention of diseases. The book "Ergonomics at school - The school of ergonomics" (in Italian: “Ergonomia a scuola.

A fact sheet by INAIL, offering information for pupils and students on COVID-19 and ergonomics.

The "Arbocatalogus" provides practical information on how to achieve the desired level of healthy and safe working in hairdressing salons. This concerns physical stress, allergenic effects and psychosocial stress.

Nidaros kindergartens in Trondheim working on a completely new way. Child care centers are added to the right so that the children can make the most even. The adults working as tutors.

During the educational process the students acquire current knowledge regarding ergonomics, safety and health protection, analysis and assessment of occupational risk, safety and work hygiene management.

This package is supposed to make it easier for lecturers to teach interdisciplinary knowledge about safety, ergonomics and hygiene. The package contains eight modules with lessons, guidebooks and excercises.

Sveral curricula for safety and health in schools of the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education,University of Maribor, Faculty of Education.

The main objective of the PE-ABLE project is the development of the contents and the application of a formative tool to assure to European Occupational Safety professionals a worthy education and training along their professional career regarding to Ergonomics, Participatory Ergonomics (PE) and Personal Abilities and Skills, as well as develop the necessary actions to enhance it.

This short, wordless video (apart from the title in Spanish) provides basic advice and tips on improvising to make using a laptop at home more ergonomic, for example in the context of sudden home working enforced by Covid-19.

Generation Pep is a non-profit organisation initiated by the Swedish Crown Princess Couple, with the vision that all children and young people in Sweden should have the ability and desire to live an active and healthy life.

In cooperation with the Beltz Verlag, IQES has created online and IQES seminars, a set of 50 methods for active learning: The set of cards contains 50 Exercises, which are not inserted in the phase of the rhythm of instruction, or seminars, mobile and support, to attract the attention of the Participants.

The Toolkit is a free resource. It brings together information, guidance, fact sheets, case studies, training materials, presentations and more to help you tackle occupational health problems.

Ergonomics is the science of optimising environments, equipment and tasks so that children can work, study and perform at their best. This guide is intended to help parents and carers support children of all ages in studying from home ...

Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists designed five exercises that pupils should complete every day for 15 minutes over a six week period. These exercises were designed to improve core stability and body strength.

The 'Risk-reduction through design’ Award is sponsored by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).

Back pain and associated conditions are a common problem in childcare. 82% of United Kingdom early years and primary practitioners experience work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) — which include back, hip, shoulder and knee pain — at least once a week.

An interactive website and PDF file with information about how to stay healthy when working at home.

A project for better design of learning environments to make schools ha healthier place, prevent MSDs and let ergonomics be a part of design. Website, magazine, events, and more.

Information about bone health, healthy nutrition, ergonomics for the whole family. Our bones support us and allow us to move. They protect our brain, heart, and other organs from injury.

SHAPE America's National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education define what a student should know and be able to do as result of a highly effective physical education program.

BGW logo

As a teacher who teaches young people in the various nursing professions, you do invaluable preventive work every day for the professionals of tomorrow. Many work-related dangers and illnesses affecting nursing staff can be prevented at an early stage by suitable technical, organizational and personal preventive measures.

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