Planning on diving into the world of office ergonomics? Like any profession, the road to becoming a successful Ergonomic Service Provider is fraught with potential pitfalls. Before you get started, it's crucial to be aware of the common mistakes that many Ergonomic Professionals often make, so you don't make them yourself! In this episode, I’ll be sharing 5 key pitfalls to avoid and some actionable steps you can put in place today.
Dive in and learn what common mistakes you should steer clear of:
→ [02:01] - Mistake #1: Thinking that an undergrad or graduate level course will have enough information for you to succeed in ergonomics. Getting the necessary education and training is a crucial step toward becoming a competent Ergonomic Service Provider. Doing assessments without foundational knowledge can lead to recommendations that may cause major damage to your client. Find out what to look for before taking an ergonomics course!
→ [05:40] - Mistake #2: Not getting a mentor. While ergonomic courses equip you with theoretical knowledge, a mentor provides an invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practical application. Learn the benefits of getting a mentor.
→ [09:37] - Mistake #3: Focusing on posture and stretching as solutions instead of fixing the equipment set-up. Relying solely on posture and stretching as solutions without addressing the underlying equipment set-up can be ineffective in achieving long-term ergonomic improvements. Whenever we’re doing an ergonomics assessment, engineering controls are the most valuable solution to recommend.
→ [13:20] - Mistake #4: Not doing continuous improvement. The field of ergonomics is evolving. Staying informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, new research, and innovative ergonomic solutions is essential. This ongoing commitment to learning will ensure that your skills remain relevant and effective.
→ [15:54] - Mistake #5: Taking random courses to get CEU credits without the intent of offering ergonomic services. There’s value beyond CEUs! Offering office ergonomic assessments isn’t only financially beneficial for you, but also contributes to your professional development.
Listen to the full episode here.
If you’re serious about getting started with office ergonomics, make sure to check out these links below:
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