Ergonomic Trained Person (ETP) Course: DOSH Rules and Buyer’s Guide

What is an ergonomic trained person (ETP)?

Section 1.4.7 of the DOSH Guidelines on Ergonomics Risk Assessment at Workplace 2017 defines a trained person as someone who has undergone ergonomics risk assessment training and can conduct the assessment and in-house training for employees. DOSH calls this person an Ergonomics Trained Person (ETP) on its forms and lists.

In practice, the ETP leads the assessment team (section 2.3.1), starts each ERA with the initial ERA checklist, suggests solutions and reports the findings to management and the employees concerned (section 2.2).

Must the ETP course be run by a DOSH-registered training provider?

Yes, according to DOSH. Its ergonomics page states that ergonomically trained persons must attend an Ergonomic Management Course (Initial or Advanced ERA) at a registered training provider approved by the Department. Separately, section 31B(1)(b) of Act 514 says no person shall conduct an occupational safety and health training course unless registered as a training provider.

Breaching section 31B carries a fine of up to RM100,000 (section 31B(2)). Section 18B separately requires employers to assess workplace risks and apply the controls needed; a breach carries a fine of up to RM500,000, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both (section 19).

Initial or advanced: which ETP course do your staff need?

Start with initial. A trained person screens each task with the initial ERA checklist; an advanced ERA follows only when scores reach the Table 3.15 minimums, using methods such as RULA, REBA, MAC, OCRA or ROSA. DOSH authorises the two courses separately and keeps separate ETP lists.

For the scoring and the five advanced steps, see our guide to initial vs advanced ERA.

How do you check the DOSH lists before you book?

Use two DOSH lists. The registered training provider list for the ETP course, updated 16 October 2026, names 13 organisations across 30 entries, with each approval period and the authorised trainers. The Recognized List of Ergonomics Trained Persons shows registered individuals, with separate tables for initial and advanced ERA.

1. Open the DOSH ETP training provider list: check the provider, approval period, course type and trainers.
2. Search the initial or advanced ETP list by full name. On 28 October 2026, the lists held 5,986 and 2,003 entries respectively.
3. File the certificate of passing with your ERA records; training records are among the records to keep (section 10.2).

How do you become an ergonomic trained person?

Choose a DOSH-registered provider, attend the course and pass its assessment: DOSH’s module checklist expects written tests, report assignments and certificates of attendance and passing. With the passing certificate and a current employer letter, the participant can apply on DOSH’s Ergonomics Trained Person (ETP) registration form.

To prepare for the workplace report, you will need:

• A candidate with floor time and access to management, such as a safety and health officer or your OSH coordinator.
• Returned self-assessment and complaint forms (Appendices 1 and 2), or a plan to start them.
• HIRARC, job safety analysis or health risk assessment records, which can trigger an ERA (section 2.1).
• A list of work units, tasks and shifts, with photos of the main manual handling tasks.

How do you compare ETP course providers and quotes?

Compare facts you can verify: the provider’s entry and approval period on DOSH’s list, the levels it is authorised for, the named trainers, the assessment method, report feedback, and whether the course can run at your premises. Ask for these points in writing with the quote.

Every listed provider is approved by DOSH, so compare fit: level, timing, location and support after the course.

Should you train an in-house ETP or hire a consultant?

Train in-house when ERAs will recur: several work units, frequent process or staffing changes, or ongoing musculoskeletal complaints. Hire a consultant for a one-off need or specialist advanced work. The guidelines let the trained person engage external consultants when expertise is inadequate, particularly for advanced ERA (section 9.3).

Either way, the employer must apply timely controls and inform affected employees (section 8), and keep assessment reports for at least 30 years (section 10.3). Prefer us to do the assessment? See our ergonomic risk assessment (ERA) service.

What does the OSHMed ETP course cover?

The OSHMed Ergonomic Trained Person for Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment course runs over two days and follows the DOSH 2017 guidelines. Assessment is a one-hour written test worth 30 marks and a workplace initial ERA report worth 70 marks, submitted within 14 days after the course. The pass mark is 60%.

OSHMED Solutions Sdn Bhd in Kajang, Selangor, is a DOSH-registered training provider for the ETP course (SL/22/22/181036, valid until 21 July 2028), authorised for both Initial and Advanced ERA courses. Participants practise with self-assessment and complaint forms, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (CMQ) and the DOSH ERA checklists. We also run in-house OSH training at employers’ premises. For the workplace case, read 5 reasons ETP training is essential.

Before you decide: three common objections

Three objections often delay ETP training: the checklist looks simple enough to use without a course, someone already attended an ergonomics talk, and two days away from work feels costly. Each is checked below against the 2017 guidelines, so you can judge the gap before committing budget.

"We can download the checklist and do it ourselves."

The initial ERA checklist is in the guidelines (Appendix 6), but every initial ERA report must name the trained person and their training certificate (section 6.1). DOSH expects that training from a registered provider.

"Our safety officer already attended an ergonomics talk."

Awareness training for employees (section 9.2.1) is not trained person training. Initial ERA training must at least cover hands-on use of the checklist and report writing (section 9.2.2.1).

"Two days away from work is too much."

A simple work process can be assessed in one to two hours (section 2.4.1), and ERAs are reviewed after significant changes or complaints (section 7). An in-house ETP makes each review routine.

Frequently asked questions

Your next step

Run the self-check above, then confirm your shortlisted provider and trainers on DOSH’s list. When ready, see the ETP course page for intakes and registration.

Planning other assessments at the same site? Scope the ERA together with a noise risk assessment so one visit covers both.

Sources and references

Disclaimer: This article is general information for employers and is not legal advice. Requirements depend on your workplace, processes and the current law. For a decision on your premises, speak to a DOSH-registered competent person or contact DOSH (JKKP).