Extending Participatory Ergonomics to Work Stress Prevention Adapted to Local Situations

Abstract

Recent trends in extending participatory ergonomics to work stress prevention were examined. The practical ways to plan and implement broad-ranging workplace risks were compared between customary participatory ergonomics steps and participatory job stress prevention processes. Participatory stress prevention programs reviewed included those for small enterprises, health care facilities and local government offices. Key common steps similarly comprised application of action checklists listing typical local good practices as well as workplace-level group work for proposing multifaceted improvements, followed by reporting of benefits achieved. These steps were relatively simplified in the case of stress prevention programs so as to address broad-ranging stress-related factors such as internal communication, work planning and social support. These steps were usually preceded by short-term training of facilitators selected from among local workers. The trained facilitators played a key role by assisting co-workers in conducting locally feasible improvements within a broad mental health scope. It was confirmed that extending participatory ergonomics to stress prevention could be effectively organized by applying the simplified procedures addressing broad psychosocial factors. The participatory steps taken with the support of trained facilitators were shown to have real impact on stress prevention at work. It is suggested to involve locally trained facilitators and organize simplified participatory steps focusing on feasible improvements reflecting local good practices.