Ergonomics Driven Engineering Design & Automation - 5 PDHs
Webinar / Cost: $200 member; $240 non-member / 11:00am-4:00pm; ET
November 08, 2024

NYSSPE has partnered with Sem-Train, LLC -  New York State Approved Sponsor


This course is designed to serve as a crash course in ergonomics and automation in large industrial and commercial facilities where – in the absence of ergonomics consideration in the design of mechanical, electrical, and controls equipment – operators/workers would be exposed to the risk of acute and/or chronic musculoskeletal (MSD, Musculoskeletal Disorder) injuries. Such injuries not only impact the physical and mental wellbeing and moral of workers but also affect productivity, quality, cost of products and services, and of course the “bottom line.” In this course, Professor Bobby Rauf, a certified ergonomist and author of multiple books, shares his vast knowledge and experience in the areas of ergonomics and automation engineering in large industrial plants in the US and abroad. 

Mr. Rauf shares examples of challenges and proven solutions for minimizing the risk of MSD injuries through proper engineering of manufacturing cells, equipment, tools, and ergonomic operating procedures. This course begins with raising the awareness of engineers and other professionals about obvious and not so obvious hazards and risks in manufacturing and large commercial operations through coverage of “Red Flags” and cumulative escalation of risk unless adequately engineered solutions and methods are devised to mitigate the objectively identified and quantified risk of injury. This course shows you how the vital design parameters like the height of controls, clearances, and dimensions of work surfaces must be assessed and engineered based on anthropometric and statistical data analysis. 

This knowledge and pertinent principles are illustrated and reinforced through participative classwork exercises and a quick review of musculoskeletal anatomy. Methods and processes for quantitative assessment and mitigation of MSD risk are explained. This course covers the use of commercially available tools and equipment as well as the design and application of custom engineered automation solutions for mitigation of MSD risk in industrial and commercial operations. This course is designed for engineers, professional engineers, manufacturing engineers, industrial engineers, energy professionals, engineering managers, technical professionals, facilities managers and other professionals who are not intimately familiar with principles and practices of ergonomics in engineering design. Participants are kept engaged through questions and answers, discussions and classwork. 


Syllabus/Topics

1. MSD/Ergonomics RED FLAGS – Informed Engineering/Design of Tools, Equipment & Workplace

2. Fundamentals of Ergonomics & Significance of Anthropometry in Engineering/Design of Tools, Equipment & Workplace

3. Musculoskeletal Disorders

4. Risk Measurement and Quantification Tools 

5. Forming an Ergonomics Team and Defining Mission and Strategy 

6. Ensuring Management Commitment to Ergonomics Program and Projects

7. Development of Ergonomics Project List and Methods for Mitigating Exposure to Musculoskeletal Disorder Hazards

8. Ergonomics & Automation Related Project Implementation

9. Steps for Effective Ergonomics Design

10. Examples of Engineered Ergonomic Tools for MSD Injury Prevention

11. Examples of Automation & Robotics in Manufacturing and Commerce.

12. Claiming Credit for Prevention of Injury - Through Automation - in Financial Analysis and Justification of Your Project


Learning Objectives & Take-Aways

1. After attending this course, you will know the principles and concepts associated with ergonomics and its application in engineering/design of tools, equipment & workplace.

2. You will know the role played by anthropometry and statistical analysis in sound engineering/design of tools, equipment, and workplace to ensure the safety and well-being of workers in industrial and commercial operations. 

3. You will understand how to identify and objectively quantify MSD (musculoskeletal disorder) injury risk which can help prioritize and justify engineering design and capital investment to mitigate the risk of injury and reduce the cost of operation.

4. You will be able to apply “Red Flag” method to identify and address hazardous postures, stressful approach to task, and unsafe work methods before they result in injuries.

5. You will know the fundamentals of musculoskeletal anatomy and musculoskeletal disorders.

6. You gain familiarity with objective and effective ergonomics risk measurement and quantification tools.

7. You will get introduced to examples of myriad proven custom engineered and commercially available ergonomic, tools, equipment, and work methods.

8. You will learn how to develop, prioritize, manage, and implement ergonomics and automation related projects and programs to ensure that sound ideas get transformed into ergonomically sound systems, tools, equipment and work processes.

9. You will understand how engineered automation and robotics systems can be used to minimize MSD risk in industrial and commercial environment, illustrated through copious examples.


SPEAKER: Professor Bobby Rauf, P.E, C.E.M, MBA, NSPE Member

Professor Bobby Rauf is the President, Chief Consultant and a Senior Instructor at Sem-Train, LLC. Bobby has over 25 years of experience in teaching undergraduate and post graduate Engineering, Science, Math, Business Administration and MBA courses, seminars and workshops. Prof. Rauf is registered (PE) Professional Engineer, in the States of Virginia, North Carolina, and Wyoming, a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Ergonomist.

Prof. Rauf was inducted as "Legend in Energy" by AEE, in 2014.  He is a published author of multiple engineering and energy books, and professional Development courses.  He holds patents in process controls technology.