Macroergonomics: A Systems Approach to Human Factors and Ergonomics (ERG150)

Now Registering for May 26 - July 20, 2025 (Online).

This 8-week, asynchronous online course presents fundamental concepts from multiple disciplines that are essential to understanding and implementing macroergonomics principles. The course begins with introducing core topics from systems theory, socio-technical systems approach, organizational behavior and design, participatory ergonomics, and implementing integrated organizational interventions. The class continues with an exploration of various case studies where macroergonomics interventions occurred along with recognizing successful factors in designing and implementing organizational change efforts to enhance well-being, safety, performance, and organizational effectiveness. Finally, a systems analysis planning process for designing and evaluating organizational interventions with the goal of creating greater organizational and employee commitment to improving performance, job satisfaction, safety, and quality of work-life is discussed.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Define macro-ergonomics and the various disciplines that contribute to the field
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of using a systems approach when designing, implementing and evaluating workplace interventions
• Describe the various macroergonomic methods and approaches to assess work systems and to consider the systems sociotechnical characteristics
• Discuss the rationale for integrating safety and ergonomics programs utilizing participatory approaches to improve employees’ well-being and performance
• Conduct organizational training assessments to design effective and efficient training programs
• Describe macro ergonomics and participatory approaches to surveillance, assessment and controls to prevent Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and to optimize organizational effectiveness
• Recognize and identify new ways of working in office and computer work environments and their associated risk factors from a macroergonomics perspective
• Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the macroergonomic issues in organizational change efforts
• Perform a systems analysis planning process for designing organizational interventions and developing business cases using the Intervention Design and Analysis Scorecard (IDEAS) tool

Accreditation:

This course is offered on a pass / fail basis for continuing education credit. Learners must obtain a final grade of 70% or higher, and a final exam grade of 60% or higher, to pass the course and to obtain a Certificate of Completion.

Certified Professional Ergonomists

Certified Professional Ergonomists may be eligible to earn up to 45 contact hours for this course. Visit https://bcpe.org/continuance-of-certification/ for more information.

Certified Athletic Trainers

COEH (BOC AP#: P10242) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Certified Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of 45 Category A hours. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

Industrial Hygienists

ABIH® Diplomates may be eligible to earn up to 45 contact hours for this course. Visit https://gobgc.org/applicants_CIH/ for more information.

Certified Safety Professionals

Certified Safety Professionals may be eligible to earn up to 45 contact hours for this course. Visit https://online.fliphtml5.com/pbcyp/eprz/#p=19 for more information.

Registered Nurses

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 12983, for 45 contact hours.

Registered Environmental Health Specialists

This course has been approved for 45 contact hours, REHS. The Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) UC Berkeley is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Program Continuing Education Accreditation Agency approved by the California Department of Public Health.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists may be eligible to earn up to 45 contact hours for this course. Visit http://www.bot.ca.gov/board_activity/laws_regs/cc_regulations.shtml for more information.

Registration Cancellation Policy

Written cancellation notification must be received no later than one week before the start date of an Online Ergonomics Program class in which you are registered in order to qualify for a refund, less a $65.00 administrative fee per registration. Substitute attendees are welcome.

Transfer Policy

You can transfer your registration and payment to a later Online Ergonomics Program class one (1) time with no penalty within ten days of the start date of a class. Subsequent transfers will incur a $65.00 administrative fee per registration. Course Credits must be used within 12 months and are not transferable.

Course Withdrawal Policy

Within the first ten days of an Online Ergonomics Program class, you may withdrawal from the class and receive a refund, less 10% of your course payment. There is no tuition refund following the tenth day of the start date of a class.

Class Cancellation Policy

In the unlikely event that an Online Ergonomics Program class must be cancelled, the entire submitted registration fee will be refunded without further liability on the part of COEH. COEH is not responsible for travel or other costs incurred by students for canceled classes.