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Ergonomics


The SFU Ergonomics Program consists of a program manual, awareness training, task and workstation assessments, consultation on purchasing furniture and equipment, and resource documents.

Click here to download the 2023 SFU Ergonomics Program Manual.

For any ergonomics queries, please contact ergo_safe@sfu.ca. 

Manual Materials Handling

Manual materials handling (MMH) means moving or handling objects by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, or gripping. These tasks are most common in the Facilities Services department but can be found in some IT, SCA, library, field activity and bookstore tasks. MMH is the most common cause of occupational fatigue, low back pain and upper limb injuries.

Training

Safe Manual Materials Handling training has been developed to inform learners of musculoskeletal injuries and ergonomics risk factors associated with this type of work and provide guidance on how to reduce injury risk.

This training should be completed by all SFU employees who perform manual materials handling tasks as a part of their job.

Take the course

Identifying and Assessing Risk

In manual materials handling tasks, the most common risk factors for injury are force, posture and repetition. All tasks must be assessed for ergonomics risk factors and control measures must be implemented to mitigate or eliminate the risk. 

It is recommended that Supervisors use the WorkSafe BC MSI Risk Assessment Worksheet to identify and assess ergonomics risk factors present in manual materials handling tasks. This easy to use worksheet helps determine which risk factors pose a greater risk and prioritize risk controls. If Supervisors need help using the worksheet or implementing risk controls, please contact ergosafe@sfu.ca. 

* 07.2022 musculoskeletal-injury-risk-assessment-worksheet-pdf-en.pdf
WorkSafe BC Musculoskeletal Injury Risk Assessment Worksheet

Resource Documents for Specific Tasks