Lab Safety Management

Human Factors and Ergonomics

Course overview
Laboratory work involves complex human–technology interactions — from repetitive motions and awkward postures to cognitive overload and decision fatigue. Human Factors and Ergonomics is designed to help you understand how human behavior, ergonomics, and system design shape lab safety and performance. By taking a proactive, people-centered approach, you can build safer, healthier, and more efficient laboratory environments.
  • Area of Study

    Lab Safety Management

  • Course Duration

    1 hour

  • CEUs

    0.1

    This course is part of the Lab Safety Management Certificate. Looking to enroll in the full certificate?
    Illustration of Lab Safety Management Certificate on computer screen | Lab Manager Academy

    What is this course about?

    This course explores how human factors and ergonomics apply to laboratory settings. You’ll learn to analyze and redesign work environments, tasks, and systems with a focus on reducing human error, improving physical comfort, and supporting cognitive performance. The course covers topics such as physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, socio-technical systems, and how to foster a positive learning culture that embraces improvement through design.

    What are the benefits of this course?

    • Understanding human factors and behavior: Gain a deeper awareness of how human behavior, decision-making, and limitations impact lab safety and performance. Learn how to design systems that support people rather than push their limits.
    • Applying physical and cognitive ergonomics principles: Discover how to evaluate and improve both the physical demands and cognitive challenges of lab work. Apply proven ergonomic strategies to reduce injuries and human error.
    • Navigating socio-technical systems: Explore the complex interactions between people, processes, and technology. Learn how to manage the disruptions and opportunities that new technologies bring to your lab.
    • Fostering a culture of learning and improvement: Embrace a mindset that sees errors as opportunities for growth rather than punishment. Gain strategies to build a learning culture where lab teams continually adapt, innovate, and thrive.

    What are the learning outcomes of this course?

    By the end of this course, engaged learners should be able to:

    • Compare and contrast physical and cognitive ergonomics
    • Identify the key “5 Fs” of physical ergonomics risk factors
    • Explain how cognitive ergonomics affects lab safety
    • Describe the impact of socio-technical systems and disruptive technologies
    • Assess your lab’s learning culture to drive improvement and reduce errors

    Empower yourself with the insights and strategies to design safer, smarter lab environments.

    Enroll in the Lab Safety Management Certificate and take the first step toward building a lab culture that protects your team, prevents injuries, and elevates performance.

    Meet The Instructor

    Jonathan Klane

    M.S.Ed, CIH, CSP, CHMM, CIT

    Years of Experience
    Jonathan Klane is the instructor of the Lab Safety Management Certificate. Jon possesses 35 years of professional experience in environmental, health, safety, and risk (EHSR). Jon was safety director for two colleges of engineering with hundreds of labs doing a wide variety of research. He consulted for many years to private industry, government, non-profits, and higher ed. He also taught EHSR at two colleges and was a management faculty member in an MBA and HR master's program. Jon's master's is in adult education and learning and he is a PhD candidate in Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology at Arizona State University.

    Course Content

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    What are the unique features of this course?

    Our Lab Safety Management courses are designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to make it easier to manage the safety of your lab(s).

    Self-paced Courses

    Each lecture video features supporting slides, skill-testing activities, interactive elements, and a short quiz.

    IACET Accreditation

    Each Lab Safety Management course is accredited by IACET and is worth 0.1 CEUs.

    Comprehensive Content

    We offer a variety of Lab Safety Management courses designed to equip learners with the tools and knowledge needed to prioritize safety, mitigate risks, and drive excellence in lab safety management.
    Lab Manager Academy is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.