Ergonomic Work Exposures and their Relation to Musculoskeletal Disorders and Sickness Absence

This course will summarize new findings regarding the association between physical exposures at work and musculoskeletal disorders/sickness absence. The course will also focus on study results obtained through exposure measurements using objective methods. Part of the course will provide an overview of the current state of the art in technical measurement possibilities.

Course objectives

Discuss new findings compared to previous knowledge based on subjective measurements of exposures and their associations with musculoskeletal disorders and sickness absence. Discuss the needs for future research and identify gaps in current knowledge.

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Main topics

• State of art of technical measurement methods 
• Study examples
• Review on research the past 10 years

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Target groups

Researchers, practitioners

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Subject background

Subjective measurements of physical exposures at work have been shown to be less accurate compared to objective measurements. The development of new sensors in recent years has made it easier and cheaper to measure biomechanical exposures accurately. These new findings may contrast with previous ones and lead to new conclusions regarding the organization of work.

New research findings may lead to different conclusions and implications for practical work. Accurate risk estimates of biomechanical exposures can help adapt work tasks to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and sickness absence. For example, if results can accurately describe how many minutes spent with an exposure are associated with a health outcome, practitioners can adjust work tasks to decrease the exposure level below a specific threshold.

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General course fee and cancellation information

The courses and workshops vary in price. Please note that the course fee does not cover meals or accommodation. The course fee and day-package fee are invoiced after the registration deadline.

Travel arrangements

Please refrain from booking any travel tickets until we have confirmed the course. The confirmation, which will be sent at the latest after the registration deadline, will include detailed information on the payment of the course fee and day-packages, as well as information on practical arrangements. Please note that you are not insured by NIVA.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations received by 1th of August 2025: full refund
Cancellations received by 2th of August 2025 or later: no refund

NIVA will issue an invoice or send information on how to pay the course with credit card (depending on the option chosen in the registration form) after the registration deadline.

The price is subject to minor changes.

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Contact persons

Course leader

Markus Koch, Research Associate Professor | Research group of Work Psychology and physiology
E-post: Markus.koch@stami.no

In practical matters, please contact:

Nathalie Räihä
Project Manager
NIVA
email: nathalie.raiha@niva.org