Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Ergonomic Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

As our Ergonomic Specialist, you will be the champion and subject matter expert for creating a work environment that is safe, comfortable, and efficient. You are the architect promoção of our company-wide ergonomics program, tasked with proactively identifying and mitigating risks for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This role requires a unique blend of scientific analysis,工程 design, and human-centered problem-solving. You will collaborate extensively across departments—including Engineering, Operations, EHS, and HR—to implement practical, data-driven solutions that make a tangible, positive impact on our employees' health and the company's bottom line.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Kinesiologist / Exercise Physiologist
Physical or Occupational Therapist
Safety Coordinator / Specialist
Industrial Engineer with a human factors focus

Advancement To:

Senior or Principal Ergonomist
Manager, Ergonomics and Workplace Wellness
Director of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)
Global Ergonomics Program Manager

Lateral Moves:

Human Factors Engineer
Safety Manager
Industrial Hygienist
Wellness Program Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive, multi-site ergonomics program to systematically reduce risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Conduct thorough ergonomic risk assessments on manual tasks, equipment, and workstations in office, manufacturing, and logistics environments using tools like RULA, REBA, NIOSH Lifting Equation, and Snook Tables.
Lead in-depth Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) and Physical Demands Analyses (PDA) to objectively quantify and document the physical requirements of various job roles.
Develop, schedule, and deliver engaging and effective ergonomics training प्रोग्राम for employees, managers, and engineering teams on topics消费者 of risk factors, proper techniques, and early symptom reporting.
Analyze injury data, OSHA logs, and workers' compensation trends to identify high-risk departments, tasks, and root causes, driving targeted intervention strategies.
Collaborate directly with engineering and design teams on new process development, facility layouts, and equipment procurement to ensure ergonomic principles are integrated from the initial design phase (Design for Ergonomics).
Provide expert recommendations for ergonomic improvements, including administrative controls, engineering solutions, and selection of appropriate tools and personal protective equipment.
Manage and conduct individual workstation evaluations for office and remote employees, providing customized adjustments and equipment recommendations.
Lead and mentor site-level ergonomics committees or teams, empowering them to conduct basic assessments and drive local continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and maintain a standardized process for evaluating and tracking ergonomic improvements and countermeasures to validate their effectiveness.
Partner with medical and HR teams to support the return-to-work process for employees with musculoskeletal issues, providing guidance on job accommodations and modifications.
Create and manage the budget for the ergonomics program, including forecasting costs for equipment, training materials, and external consultant services.
Author detailed technical reports on assessment findings, recommended solutions, and project progress for stakeholders at all levels, from front-line supervisors to executive leadership.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the ergonomics program, such as MSD rate reduction, employee feedback scores, and ROI on interventions.
Perform high-level qualitative and quantitative analysis of work activities using video analysis and direct measurement tools (e.g., force gauges, goniometers).
Evaluate and recommend new ergonomic technologies, including wearables, exoskeletons, and software, by conducting pilot studies and feasibility analyses.
Provide direct, hands-on coaching to employees on the production floor and in the office, reinforcing correct body mechanics and work practices.
Act as the primary ergonomic consultant for capital projects, ensuring human factors are a key consideration in project scope and execution.
Standardize ergonomic assessment methodologies and reporting formats across all company locations to ensure consistency and enable global data analysis.
Facilitate Kaizen events and other continuous improvement workshops focused on ergonomic challenges to generate employee-driven solutions.
Translate complex biomechanical and anthropometric data into practical design specifications and guidelines for engineers and vendors.

Secondary Functions

Serve as the primary subject matter expert on ergonomics during internal and external regulatory audits (e.g., OSHA, ISO 45001).
Partner with the purchasing and procurement departments to establish ergonomic criteria for the selection and approval of new tools, furniture, and equipment.
Maintain a central database of ergonomic assessments, solutions, and employee training records for compliance and trend analysis.
Stay current with the latest industry research, emerging technologies, and legislative changes related to ergonomics and occupational health.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Professional Certification: Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), Associate Ergonomics Professional (AEP), or equivalent certification is strongly preferred.
Assessment Methodologies: Deep proficiency in applying quantitative ergonomic assessment tools (RULA, REBA, NIOSH Lifting Equation, OCRA, etc.).
Data Analysis: Ability to analyze injury statistics, assessment data, and business metrics to identify trends and prove ROI.
Technical Knowledge: Strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology.
Regulatory Compliance: Expert knowledge of relevant OSHA, ANSI (e.g., ANSI/HFES-100), and ISO standards.
Job Analysis: Proven experience conducting Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) and Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).
Ergonomics Software: Experience with ergonomics management software (e.g., VelocityEHS, Humantech, ErgoPlus).
Design for Ergonomics: Ability to read engineering drawings and provide input on equipment and workstation design.
Measurement Tools: Competency in using physical measurement tools like force gauges, goniometers, and anthropometric calipers.
Project Management: Skills to manage multiple ergonomic projects, from conception to implementation, on time and within budget.

Soft Skills

Communication & Influence: Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and influence decision-making without direct authority.
Training & Presentation: Proven skill in developing and delivering dynamic and effective training sessions to both small and large groups.
Problem-Solving: A creative and analytical approach to identifying root causes and developing innovative, practical solutions.
Collaboration: A strong team-player mindset with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Operations, HR, Legal).
Empathy & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and trust with employees at all levels of the organization.
Analytical Thinking: Data-driven mindset with the ability to turn observations and metrics into actionable insights.
Change Management: Adept at guiding teams and individuals through changes in processes, tools, and work habits.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree (M.S. or M.A.) in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Kinesiology or Biomechanics
Industrial Engineering or Systems Engineering
Human Factors Engineering
Occupational Safety & Health
Physical or Occupational Therapy

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of professional experience dedicated to implementing ergonomics programs in a corporate, manufacturing, or industrial setting.

Preferred:

Experience in a fast-paced environment such as manufacturing, logistics/distribution, automotive, or technology.
Direct experience leading a multi-site ergonomics program and managing a project portfolio.
A proven track record of quantifiable reductions in musculoskeletal injury rates.