The problem
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), such as back pain, are the biggest cause of lost time and disability in the construction sector.
- Construction work is heavy and the fluid nature of the worksite can make it difficult to make changes to reduce loads on the body
Possible solutions
- Participatory Ergonomics (PE) is a process that involves workers and supervisors working together to identify, and change highly demanding tasks and activities to reduce high loads on the body by working smarter.
- Bringing people together to solve a problem can improve the solution and increase its chance of being used.
- One form of PE is the creation of workplace-based cross-functional Ergonomic Change Teams (ECTs).
- PE usually requires a champion to form and facilitate the cross-functional team.
- The ergonomic process includes identifying hazards, prioritizing jobs for improvement, evaluating concerns using ergonomic tools and techniques, implementing and evaluating how well the change is working, and performing follow-up evaluations to see if new problems have been created.
- ECTs are responsible for running the ergonomic process. They require:
- participation and consultation,
- management support,
- adequate resources,
- education and training
Possible tools
- The Participatory Ergonomics Implementation Blueprint developed by Richard Wells and his colleagues in 2001 is a recommended resource. This describes steps to form and maintain ergonomics processes that can improve work design and thus reduce injury risk, improve comfort, and optimize quality and productivity.
- Ontario Health and Safety Council of Ontario’s (OHSCO) MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario (PDF)
- Institute for Work & Health’s: Reducing MSD hazards in the workplace: A guide to successful participatory ergonomics programs.
Benefits
- PE interventions have a positive impact on musculoskeletal symptoms, reduce injuries, and reduce workers’ compensation claims and lost days from work.
- PE enhances communication and improves team members’ perceptions of the program usefulness.
References
Cole D, Rivilis I, Van Eerd D, Cullen K, Irvin E, Kramer D. Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on health outcomes: A systematic review. Toronto: Institute for Work and Health; 2004.
Van Eerd D, Cole D, Irvin E, Mahood, Q, Keown K, Theberge N, Village J, St. Vincent M, Cullen K, Widdrington H. Report on process and implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions: A systematic review. Volume 1. Toronto: Institute for Work and Health; 2008.