Changing Work Situations Through a Participatory Approach to Ergonomics: An Intervention Research for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Researchers: Marie Bellemare (U. Laval), Sylvie Montreuil (U. Laval)
In recent years, the IRSST's ergonomists have taken an active interest in participatory ergonomics, an approach based on the capacity of an organization's members to take action on hazardous work situations. This IRSST-Université Laval joint study examines the implementation of an intervention program to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in two metallurgical plants. Ergo groups made up of operator-employees and managers were created. Having received training in work analysis, these workers diagnosed risk factors in their workplace and proposed change projects in which they participated. The report presents the evolution of the nine work situations analyzed, eight of which were changed. At the end of the report, the researchers discuss factors that contribute to the completion of a change project. They also make recommendations to improve the implementation of such an intervention program and suggest new avenues for research.
