Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the processes of a participatory ergonomics program among 594 eldercare workers with emphasis on identified risk factors for low back pain and solutions, and reveal barriers and facilitators for implementation.Sixty-nine per cent of the identified risk factors were physical ergonomic, 24% were organisational and 7% were psychosocial risk factors. Most solutions were organisational (55%), followed by physical (43%) and psychosocial solutions (2%). Internal factors (e.g. team or management) constituted 47% of the barriers and 75% of the facilitators. External factors (e.g. time, financial resources, collaboration with resident or relatives) constituted 53% of the barriers and 25% of the facilitators.This study revealed the processes and implementation of a participatory ergonomics program among eldercare workers. The findings can be transferred to workers, workplaces, health and safety professionals, and researchers to improve future participatory ergonomics programs.
Highlights
Eldercare workers have a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP) (Holtermann et al, 2013; Torgen et al, 1995)
This study aimed to investigate the processes of a participatory ergonomics program among 594 eldercare workers with emphasis on identified risk factors for low back pain and solutions, and reveal barriers and facilitators for implementation
This knowledge is important for gaining a better insight into the perceived risk factors for LBP among the workers, which may be different from the evidence-based risk factors, such as for instance physical loading of the back, e.g. heavy lifting, bending and twisting and sustained non-neutral postures (Hoogendoorn et al, 1999, 2000)
Summary
Eldercare workers have a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP) (Holtermann et al, 2013; Torgen et al, 1995). Prevention of LBP is often focused on ergonomics programs aiming to decrease the physical workload by reducing heavy lifting and awkward postures (Verbeek et al, 2012). Due to the participatory approach, we do not know much about what will be the actual content of a participatory ergonomic intervention, e.g. risk identification or solution development. This knowledge is important for gaining a better insight into the perceived risk factors for LBP among the workers, which may be different from the evidence-based risk factors, such as for instance physical loading of the back, e.g. heavy lifting, bending and twisting and sustained non-neutral postures (Hoogendoorn et al, 1999, 2000)
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