Work training and MSDs prevention: Contribution of ergonomics

Abstract

In ergonomics, the intervention can be an integral part of the research. The presented study was carried out in the meat-processing sector with the dual objective of generating new knowledge about job training for musculoskeletal disorders prevention and of responding to the request of a company that wanted training content as well as guidance in the organization of its training. The developed methodology combines the production of knowledge in cooperation with the stakeholders and concrete action proposals. There were two phases to our approach: 1) description of the knowledge and know-how of six experienced workers; and 2) daily follow-up, with audio recordings and interviews, of the training given to three groups of apprentices. Each follow-up led to the analysis of training organization, learning conditions and the evolution of the apprentices' symptoms and difficulties. After monitoring the training, recommendations were made about how the training should be organized and what learning conditions needed to be implemented following each group's training. The instructors and apprentices helped to develop these recommendations. Analysis of the experienced workers' activity allowed the potentially transmissible knowledge to be put into words. A range of learning condition factors were associated with the occurrence of pain in the trainees, such as the cutting quality of the knife and the state of the meat. The results likewise indicated that, with regard to MSD prevention, training itself did not suffice and that it was important to identify conditions requiring improvement. This paper shows how ergonomic research intervention facilitated the development of training content and recommendations on learning conditions, whose goal was to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. The results are of interest for the training of ergonomists interested in this field of intervention. Relevance to industryThis study shows the importance for any company to consider the expertise of their experienced employees to develop training content. It also highlights that injury prevention requires the creation of favorable conditions when learning the craft. Finally, the results show the contribution of ergonomics to support companies in the design of training and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.