Certified Ergonomics Healthcare Specialist (CEHS)
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Course Description
Nurses and other healthcare workers face numerous safety and health hazards in their work environments. Healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses of any industry sector. In 2012, injuries and illnesses reported for nursing and residential care workers were significantly higher than those in construction and two to three times higher than in retail or manufacturing.Almost half of the injuries and illnesses reported for nurses and nursing support staff were musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Rates of MSDs for nursing assistants (225.8) were almost four times as high as the average for all workers (37.8). MSDs affect the muscles, nerves, and tendons, posing a significant risk to healthcare workers.
Work-related MSDs, including those affecting the neck, upper extremities, and lower back, are a leading cause of lost workday injuries and illnesses for healthcare and social assistance workers, particularly in nursing homes and residential care facilities. Examples of MSDs include muscle strains, low back injuries, rotator cuff injuries (shoulder problems), and tendinitis.
What You'll Learn
- Define ergonomics and work-related issues, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), and recognize signs and symptoms of MSD injuries.
- Identify risk factors for MSDs and specify controls and practices to eliminate and reduce these risks and hazards.
- Specify how to report symptoms and hazards effectively.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for healthcare and related personnel who are involved in patient care, workplace ergonomics, or injury prevention. The target audience includes: Nurses, nursing assistants, and patient care technicians Physical and occupational therapists Healthcare facility safety officers and EHS personnel Hospital administrators and supervisors overseeing staff ergonomics
Certified Ergonomics Healthcare Specialist (CEHS) Blueprint
1. Overview
The Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CEHS) blueprint summarizes the examination structure and core knowledge areas aligned to the IASHEP General Industry course. The source course emphasizes 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations and standards, OSHA policies and procedures, hazard recognition, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety program implementation.
2. Examination Parameters
| Duration | 4 Day course alignment |
| Total Questions | Standardized assessment |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice and scenario-based |
| Passing Score | Standard passing requirement |
3. Prerequisites & Qualifications
Candidates for this certification generally have responsibilities in workplace safety, compliance, supervision, industrial hygiene, facility operations, risk management, or program administration. Preparation should include:
- Familiarity with OSHA general industry requirements and 29 CFR 1910 standards.
- Ability to recognize common workplace hazards and recommend controls.
- Understanding of inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
- Practical experience supporting or managing safety and health programs.
4. Examination Domains
| Domain Name | Weight (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance | 25% | 25 |
| 2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment | 20% | 20 |
| 3. Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls | 20% | 20 |
| 4. Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions | 15% | 15 |
| 5. Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning | 10% | 10 |
| 6. Communication, Training, and Professional Application | 10% | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100 |
5. Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance
Weight: 25%
Knowledge of:
- OSHA general industry regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- 29 CFR 1910 safety regulation/standard structure and application.
- Regulatory compliance requirements for workplace safety and health programs.
- Use of OSHA standards as a guide for identifying high-hazard areas.
Domain 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Recognition of common workplace hazards including chemical, electrical, machinery, ergonomics, and environmental risks.
- Risk assessment methods for prioritizing hazards and exposures.
- Hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention concepts.
- Selection of practical control strategies based on observed workplace conditions.
Domain 3: Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Implementation of effective safety programs and hazard control measures.
- Accident prevention strategies and corrective action planning.
- General industry safety and health principles as applied to real-world situations.
- Integration of safety procedures into routine operations.
Domain 4: Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions
Weight: 15%
Knowledge of:
- Planning and conducting workplace inspections.
- Documenting inspection findings and identifying corrective actions.
- Evaluating facility, maintenance, production, and healthcare work environments.
- Communicating inspection results to supervisors, coordinators, and managers.
Domain 5: Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Incident investigation principles and root-cause awareness.
- Corrective action planning following accidents, near misses, or identified hazards.
- Use of incident findings to improve hazard control and prevention programs.
- Follow-up activities to verify corrective actions are completed.
Domain 6: Communication, Training, and Professional Application
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Communicating OSHA requirements and safety expectations to workers and management.
- Supporting training, orientation, and safety awareness activities.
- Applying course knowledge immediately in workplace settings.
- Professional responsibilities for safety supervisors, coordinators, industrial hygienists, facility managers, line supervisors, and program administrators.
6. Additional Information
Course Alignment:
- IASHEP CSHS-GI course page identifies the course as a 4-day intermediate General Industry course.
- The course description identifies 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations/standards as the primary focus.
- The course outcomes include OSHA compliance, hazard identification, safety program implementation, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
Source: IASHEP course page, Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CEHS), accessed May 14, 2026.