Ergonomics Training
Information on Ergonomics Training Series
The Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Department has been offering short courses in Ergonomics since 2015. These short courses are aimed to equip a range of practitioners who have to perform ergonomics activities during the course of their work with the necessary knowledge and skills in ergonomics. These practitioners may come from the fields of health and safety, occupational hygiene, occupational medicine, rehabilitation, and engineering, just to name a few and work across a large range of sectors.
After 5 years of experience running the "Certificate in Ergonomics" short course, and with the recent promulgation of the Ergonomics Regulations, the HKE Department has embarked on reviewing its ergonomics training programme. We are pleased to announce that from 2021, we will be offering five stand-alone short courses that cover the principles of ergonomics in a variety of situations ranging from offices to various industries in the South African context. The contents covered in all 5 courses are aligned with the educational requirements set out by the Professional Affairs Board of the Ergonomics Society of South Africa at the Certified Ergonomics Associate level.
Application forms are available at the bottom of this page.
2025 Short Course Dates and Costs
Course 1: Introduction to Ergonomics and Ergonomics Programmes
16 February - 24 April 2026 (Online only)
Course Duration: 8 weeks.
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW, APPLICATIONS CLOSE 1 FEBRUARY 2026.
The purpose of the course “Introduction to Ergonomics and Ergonomics Programmes” is two-fold. Firstly, to provide an introduction to the theoretical principles of Ergonomics (also referred to as “Human Factors”) and the systems approach to design for the human user while keeping human capabilities and limitations in mind. Particular emphasis is placed on the practice of ergonomics in a Southern African context. Secondly, the course provides an overview of Ergonomics Programmes in relation to the recently promulgated Ergonomics Regulations. This course equips participants with vital knowledge in the theory of ergonomics and the code of conduct to ensure that participants have a sound understanding of how to ensure that ergonomics programmes are successfully implemented and highlight some of the key barriers to success. This course is presented online.
Introduction to Ergonomics and Ergonomics Programs
Course 2: Level 1 Assessment - Ergonomics Risk Assessment and Controls.
15 June - 3 July 2026
Course Duration: 3 weeks.
APPLICATIONS OPEN 1 APRIL 2026, APPLICATIONS CLOSE 31 MAY 2026.
Minimum requirement of 10 participants for the course to proceed.
The primary purpose of the course “Level 1 Assessment - Ergonomics Risk Assessment and Controls” is to provide an introduction to the nature of Ergonomics Risk Assessment. Particular emphasis is placed on the risk assessment cycle, as well as assessing the work system and identifying potential problems at a primary level. Furthermore, this course provides an overview of ergonomics controls in relation to the administration of said controls and the hierarchy of controls. This course structure has a blended learning approach with both online and face-to-face elements. The online components focus on the theoretical background, while face-to-face elements aim to equip participants with practical opportunities, providing a platform for experiential learning.
Level 1 Ergonomics Assessment and Controls
Course 3: Level 2 Assessment - Assessment of Physical Work. (NOT OFFERED IN 2025).
Course Duration: 4 weeks.
Minimum requirement of 8 participants for the course to proceed.
21 September - 16 October 2026.
APPLICATIONS OPEN 1 JULY, APPLICATIONS CLOSE 30 AUGUST 2026
The course “Level 2 Ergonomics Assessment of Physical Work” introduces participants to the domain of physical ergonomics and the risk screening process for physical work. It further provides an overview of select ergonomics tools for physical risk assessment, including the assessment of manual work, body postures and highly repetitive tasks within the work environment. This course structure has a blended learning approach; online elements of the course cover theoretical aspects, while face-to-face interactions provide opportunities for practical engagements.
Course 3 - Level 2 Ergonomics Assessment of Physical Work
Course 4: Level 2 Assessment - Assessment of Cognitive Work.
NOT OFFERED IN 2026
Course Duration: 4 weeks.
Minimum requirement of 10 participants for the course to proceed.
The purpose of the course “Level 2 Ergonomics Assessment of Cognitive Work” is to provide an introduction to cognitive ergonomics and the assessment of cognitive aspects of work. The course provides an overview of ergonomics tools for cognitive risk assessment, including concepts such as human information processing, cognitive performance, and fatigue within the work environment. Similar to the previous course, this course also adopts a blended learning approach with both online and face-to-face elements.
Level 2 Ergonomics Assessment of Cognitive Work
Course 5: Ergonomics Projects.
Course Duration: 8 weeks.
Minimum requirement of 10 participants for the course to proceed.
4 May - 26 June 2026
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW, APPLICATIONS CLOSE 12 APRIL
Participants who intend to register with the Professional Affairs Board as a Certified Ergonomics Associate need to complete 60 hours’ worth of ergonomics projects. Furthermore, the purpose of this course, “Ergonomics Projects” is to integrate the range of theoretical concepts and practical skills learnt over the first four courses by applying them to ergonomics projects. This course systematically takes participants through the process of conducting comprehensive ergonomics studies or assessments.
Course 5 - Ergonomics Projects
Participants who intend to register with the Professional Affairs Board as a Certified Ergonomics Associate will need to complete 60 hours’ worth of ergonomics projects. This course systematically takes participants through the process of a selection of ergonomics research studies and assessments.
Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Short Course application forms are linked below.
Short Course Application Form - RU
Short Course Application Form - HKE
Please download and complete both application forms for each course you want to participate in and submit them with a copy of your ID/Passport to m.mattison@ru.ac.za by the closing date.
Last Modified: Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:26:10 SAST