Participatory Ergonomics Intervention Research Articles

Risks, solutions and implementation of a participatory ergonomic intervention in 16 day nurseries: A process evaluation of the TOY wait-list cluster-randomized controlled trial

More evidence-based initiatives to reduce physical work demands during childcare work to prevent ill health and promote the ability to care for the children among childcare workers are needed. In a process evaluation performed alongside a two-arm, cluster-randomized study with a waiting-list control among 16 day nurseries lasting 20-weeks that significantly reduced musculoskeletal pain-related sickness absence we investigated 1) risk factors and solutions perceived by the childcare workers, and 2) implementation of the intervention. Most of the perceived risk factors were categorized as physical (70 %) with most of the suggested solutions also being categorized as physical (61 %). The remaining risk factors were categorized as organizational risk factors (16 %) and psychosocial risk factors (13 %). The remaining solutions were distributed almost equally between the organizational (20 %) and psychosocial categories (19 %). About half (51 %) of the action plans showed high implementation success. Of 16 workshops, 100 % were delivered with a fidelity of 83 %. Average participation, exposure, responsiveness and implementation were 68 %, 56 %, 83 % and 47 %. The implementation score differed for timing of intervention but not for nursery characteristics. This study showed that complex and diverse participatory ergonomic interventions should focus on physical, organizational and psychosocial factors to have a positive effect.

A participatory ergonomics intervention to re-design work and improve the musculoskeletal health of paramedics: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

BackgroundIn this paper, we present the protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a participative risk management intervention to address work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The aims of the study include to evaluate the implementation process and the impact of the intervention on work related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort and exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards in paramedics over a 12-month period.MethodsThe intervention in this study is to implement A Participative Hazard Identification and Risk Management (APHIRM) toolkit in an ambulance service. Eighteen work groups containing eligible participants (registered paramedics) will be randomised into the intervention or wait-list control arm in one of three rolling recruitment periods. The APHIRM toolkit survey will be offered at baseline and 12 months later, to all current eligible participants in each work group allocated to the trial. The intervention work groups will receive the remainder of the APHIRM toolkit procedures. Identifying data about individual participants will not be collected in the survey, to protect participant privacy and encourage participation. Changes in primary (musculoskeletal pain and discomfort) and secondary (exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards at work) outcomes measured in the survey will be analysed comparing the baseline and follow up response of the cluster. A process evaluation is included to analyse the implementation and associated barriers or facilitators.DiscussionThis study is important in providing a comprehensive approach which focusses on both physical and psychosocial hazards using worker participation, to address WMSDs, a well-known and significant problem for ambulance services. The effectiveness of the intervention in work groups will be rigorously evaluated. If significant positive results are observed, the intervention may be adopted in ambulance services, both nationally and internationally.Trial registrationISRCTN77150219. Registered 21 November 2021.

Participatory Ergonomics Intervention to Prevent Work Disability Among Workers with Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Workplace Setting

Purpose In order to support people with low back pain (LBP) to stay at work, work arrangements are regarded important. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace intervention using a participatory approach on work disability of workers with ongoing or recurrent LBP. Methods A total of 107 workers with LBP, with duration of pain for at least two consecutive weeks or recurrent pain of any duration during the last year, were randomized either to the intervention (n = 51) or control group (n = 56). The intervention included arrangements at the workplace, along with individual guidance provided by an occupational physiotherapist (OPT). The randomized intervention study used standard counselling and guidance by an OPT without workplace intervention as a comparison. Surveys were completed at baseline, and 6 and 12 months after baseline. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups on the primary outcome measure, i.e. self-assessed work ability. We found no between-group differences in perceived health, self-assessed work productivity, number of sickness absence days and severity of back pain. However, there were significant positive within-group changes in the intervention group in the intensity of LBP, perceived health and the number of sickness absence days due to LBP. Conclusion Workplace arrangements are feasible using participatory ergonomics, but more quantitative and qualitative research is needed on its utilization and effectiveness among workers with LBP.

The Effect of Participatory Ergonomic on Fatigue Disorders of Workers in PT. Industri Kapal Indonesia (Persero)

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of participatory ergonomics intervention on worker fatigue. METHODS: The research conducted in PT. Industri Kapal Indonesia (Persero) Makassar. The method used quasi-experimental with repeated measure design with 3 times repeated in within 15 days for total 60 participants. The sample was collected by simple random sampling. Data analyzed using Paired-Samples T-Test. RESULTS: The results found that there was an effect of participatory ergonomics intervention on fatigue (p-value of each repeated = 0.001). COCNLUSION: Participatory ergonomics is appropriate for preventing and reducing fatigue on workers. It is recommended that the company, including workers and management of policymakers, pay attention to this finding.

Participatory Ergonomic Interventions for Improving Agricultural Work Environment: A Case Study in a Farming Organization of Korea

Farmers are often exposed to risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders through lifting, carrying heavy loads, and sustained or repeated full-body bending. Several relevant studies on ergonomic interventions have been conducted for specific agricultural tasks, such as harvesting and pruning, by experts without involving farmers. This study introduces ergonomic interventions to mitigate risk factors in a farming organization that cultivates peaches as the main crop based on ergonomic analysis of the entire peach farming cycle; subjective and objective evaluations of the proposed interventions are also performed. The ergonomic analysis and interventions were established based on consultations provided by an ergonomist, the government, and the organization members. Engineering controls were introduced for powered carts, sorters, and stools to reduce load carrying and awkward postures; moreover, thermal or cooling vests, winter shoes and gloves, and farmer hats were provided to alleviate cold or heat stresses. Administrative controls such as education/training and adjusting work–rest cycles were also recommended after considering the characteristics of the risk factors identified. The scores of the questionnaire survey from the organization members were high (>4.1 out of 5 for five questions), and postural loads for unstable postures by RULA were significantly reduced so as to avoid fast or immediate changes for the postures or working methods assessed. The study results are expected to help promote farmers’ health and enhance farming efficiency.

Cost-Effectiveness and Return-on-Investment of a Participatory Ergonomics Intervention Among Childcare Workers: An Economic Evaluation in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and return-on-investment (ROI) of 20-week ergonomic intervention to reduce physical exertion at work compared with usual-practice among childcare workers. One hundred ninety workers from 16 institutions were cluster-(institute)-randomized to intervention (n = 96) and usual-practice (n = 94) group. The intervention group participated in three workshops to develop/implement action plans improving ergonomic conditions. The rating of physical exertion (RPE) was measured at baseline and 20-weeks. Employer-perspective-based costs of intervention, absenteeism, and presenteeism were estimated. Although statistically non-significant, one-unit reduction in RPE was associated with saving of 592 EUR/worker. Per-EUR invested by the employer was associated with 1.6 EUR (95% CI: -3.1; 6.5) return in the intervention compared with usual practice. The intervention tended to gain monetary benefit for the employer. The results should be replicated in larger populations for improved precision of economic evaluation estimates.Trial registration: ISRCTN10928313.

Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on musculoskeletal disorders and work ability among young dental professionals: A cluster-randomized controlled trail.

ObjectivesThis study is to evaluate the efficacy of participatory ergonomic (PE) intervention on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work ability among young dental professionals in China.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled trail was conducted during 2015–2016. Twenty‐nine departments from five hospitals in the South of China were randomized into intervention (14 departments) and control (15 departments), with individuals of 125 and 138 dental professionals, respectively. Main participatory ergonomic interventions involved work posture, repetitive motions, tool usage, work break relaxation and work time re‐arrangement with total 235 ergonomic changes in the trail. Individual ergonomic risk exposure was assessed by investigator's observation using quick exposure check (QEC). Work ability index (WAI) and MSDs were collected by questionnaires at baseline, and every 3 months during the 1‐year follow‐up.ResultsFollow‐up rate was 91% and 96% for the intervention and control group, respectively. Significant reductions in ergonomic risk exposure and MSD prevalence on six anatomic sites were found in the PE group during the different follow‐up stages. WAI scores improved by 1.1 (95% CI 0.43, 1.89) after the 9‐month intervention. Compared to the control, the PE participants significantly reduced MSDs on neck (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.03) and wrists/hands (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.08, 4.21), marginally increased WAI scores by 0.53 (95% CI: −0.02, 1.56) due to the interventions.ConclusionPE intervention is effective in reducing ergonomic risk exposure and MSDs on neck and wrists/hands among young dental professionals. PE ought to be offered in the early dental career for preventing MSDs.

Effect of non-surgical interventions on pain relief and symptom improvement in farmers with diseases of the musculoskeletal system or connective tissue: an exploratory systematic review based on randomized controlled trials.

Objective: There are many observational and clinical studies on pain treatment in farmers; however, little is known about the effects of interventions based only on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on diseases of the musculoskeletal system or connective tissue (D-MSCT). This review aimed to summarize evidence on the effects of non-surgical interventions for pain relief and symptom improvement in farmers with D-MSCT.Materials and Methods: We searched seven databases, including MEDLINE, and three clinical trial registries, including the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, from inception up to February 15, 2021, to identify studies that included at least one treatment group wherein nonsurgical interventions were applied. We focused on 1) pain relief and symptom improvement and 2) quality of life and improvement in physical fitness.Results: Four studies (three on low back pain and one on knee osteoarthritis) met all the inclusion criteria. Overall, the risk of bias was high, and meta-analysis could not be performed due to heterogeneity. However, a participatory ergonomic approach, exercise centered on strength training with a transtheoretical model, and/or a combination of both could be included in effective educational programs, at least in the short term, to prevent and/or reduce exacerbation of D-MSCT in farmers. Based on internal and external validity, we could postulate a future research agenda and a conceptual education model to prevent D-MSCT in farmers.Conclusion: Participatory ergonomic intervention, exercise centered on strength training, and/or a combination of both could be included for effective educational programs to prevent and reduce exacerbation of D-MSCT in farmers. High-quality RCTs with a less risk of bias will be implemented for many agricultural work types in various parts worldwide (especially developing countries and regions) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improving healthy work culture measures using participatory ergonomic interventions

Objectives. The productivity outcomes from proper implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions in industrial developing countries (IDCs) are important to have management support. However, the role of awareness promotion in engaged groups of intervention has been overlooked. This article explains the health effects of some ergonomic interventions including nutrition awareness, training and workstation redesign on the labor productivity indices of an industry using participatory ergonomics. Methods. The study design was a semi-experimental study. After the field study, the proper model of participatory ergonomics was presented to implement the interventions. The International Labour Organization (ILO) checkpoint, quick exposure check (QEC) checklist and Nordic questionnaire were applied to assess ergonomic risk factors. Labor productivity was measured using some indicators of health and production. Statistical tests including paired-sample t tests were performed for data analysis using SPSS version 22.0. Results. The ergonomic interventions with a focus on awareness promotion resulted in positive outcomes (p < 0.05) including a decrease of blood pressure (equally 3.1%), improvement in optimum monthly performance of labors, better QEC number and also time saving of about 18.93% in doing tasks. Conclusion. Awareness promotion and productivity outcomes were found to be important in management commitment and support to persuade participatory ergonomic interventions.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomics risk assessment and implementation of participatory ergonomics program for pistachio farm workers.

Background and objectives: Pistachio farmers are exposed to a variety of risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, no study has been conducted to investigate MSDs in pistachio workers. Therefore, in the present study, besides investigating the prevalence of MSDs and their ergonomic risk factors, the participatory ergonomics (PE) method is used to provide an intervention program to reduce MSDs in this population in harvesting and processing pistachio. Methods: The present study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase 138 workers participated. The prevalence of MSDs was assessed with Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the ergonomic risk factors was identified with ManTRA method. In the second phase PE was used to perform ergonomic interventions for reducing MSDs and the effect of the intervention was investigated. Sixty-four workers participated in the second phase (32 in the case group and 32 in the control group). Results: The highest prevalence of MSDs was in shoulders (63.7%), followed by the lower back (63%) and wrists/hands (52.1%). The comparison showed that after implementing the PE intervention program, the prevalence of MSDs in the intervention group was not significantly different from that in the control group. However, in the reassessment by the ManTRA method for five tasks that were identified as high risk in the first phase, a decrease in ManTRA final score was observed for all the five tasks. Conclusions: MSDs were prevalent in all body regions of workers. After implementing PE interventions exposure to ergonomic risk factors decreased.

The Intervention of Participatory Ergonomics in Repetitive Truck Loading Improvement Activities for Mineral Water Product

This research was conducted at a bottled drinking water company located in Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. Workers loading gallon water bottles into trucks experiencing musculoskeletal complaints (MSDs). Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Job Strain Index (JSI) assessment of the work also shows high-risk work. Participatory ergonomics interventions were conducted to overcome these complaints through two stages of Focussed Group Discussion (FGD). The first stage of the FGD with the workers produced several inputs which became material in the second phase of the FGD with the management. In the second phase of the FGD, approval was obtained for the implementation of the repair solution for 20 working days (4 weeks), namely the provision of Occupational Safety and Health material, the application of gallon water bottle transfer operating procedures to the truck, and the application of Job Control by the supervisor. Every week, ergonomic interventions are evaluated and at the end of the fourth week, there are no complaints of extreme pain in all segments of the worker’s body.

Management Support in Enhancing Participatory Ergonomic Interventions in Palm Oil Industry

This study is conducted in a palm oil industry in North Sumatera. The palm oil industry, which has great potential to end poverty, is usually performed by manual workers in such a way that it may cause musculoskeletal disorders. This is a challenge for future palm oil industry’s continuity. Participatory ergonomic intervention is one way to reduce this risk and needs management support for its success in implementation. A questionnaire is then spread to find the most influential type of management support that may promote active participation from workers. The recapitulation of the questionnaire shows that “being involved” as the highest score, followed by work authority and management commitment. Workers’ participation in ergonomic program implementation can only be realized if the management is committed.

Hazard identification of repetitive truck loading activities in mineral water industry

A good work system is one of the most important factors in the company’s progress, and is the main key to success to increase productivity, company efficiency, and reduce the risk of injury. This research was carried out in a mineral water industry located in North Sumatra. The activity of loading the product to be distributed includes lifting the gallon from the conveyor to the truck. The problem faced by the company was the lack of supervision of the appointment activities, workers complained about the muscles and skeletons due to the Manual Material Handling (MMH), and because workers were also assigned to other work stations. Complaints were identified using the Standard Nordic Questionnaire, Job Strain Index, and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment. The SNQ results show that before doing work in several parts of the body it does not feel sick, but after doing the activity arises a complaint is very sick. This shows that lifting activities are the cause of complaints. The JSI score shows an index value of 12, which means that the activity enters a hazardous job. The results of the RULA score indicate that there must be action now too. To solve this problem, Participatory Ergonomics intervention methods were carried out. PE intervention is carried out on workers who aim to get input on remedial solutions needed by workers and to management for the implementation of selected solutions.

A low-cost and efficient participatory ergonomic intervention to reduce the burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in an industrially developing country: an experience report

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the first cause of occupational illness in Brazil and the number of cases in the industrial sector has increased progressively in the last 6 years. In order to prevent WMSDs, workplace ergonomics interventions are frequently implemented worldwide. This article describes the implementation strategy of a participatory ergonomic intervention conducted in the quality control department of a medium-sized Brazilian garment company. The intervention was carried out based on the nine steps presented by Vink, Imada and Zinck, and workers’ exposure to risk factors was investigated using the rapid upper limb assessment method. A low-tech and low-cost solution that successfully reduced workers’ exposure to WMSD risk factors was proposed, prototyped, tested and, finally, introduced. Participatory ergonomic interventions can be a feasible and effective approach to reduce the exposure to work-related risk factors for WMSDs in industrially developing countries.

The effect of training for a participatory ergonomic intervention on physical exertion and musculoskeletal pain among childcare workers (the TOY project) - a wait-list cluster-randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveMany employees have high physical exertion at work and suffer from musculoskeletal pain (MSP) leading to sickness absence with large costs. Participatory ergonomics is a potentially effective intervention for reducing physical exertion, MSP and sickness absence. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 20-week workplace participatory ergonomic intervention among childcare workers on physical exertion and MSP.MethodsIn a two-arm cluster-randomized trial, 190 workers were recruited from 16 childcare institutions and randomly assigned to either a 20-week participatory ergonomics intervention consisting of three training workshops or a control group receiving usual care. Primary outcomes were physical exertion during work, maximal pain intensity, number of pain regions, and pain-related work interference. Secondary outcomes were MSP-related sickness absence, need for recovery (NFR), employee involvement, and self-efficacy. We followed the intention-to-treat principle and adhered to the registered study protocol (ISRCTN10928313).ResultsAfter 20 weeks, half the workers noticed some positive changes in their work. However, there were no statistically discernible effects in physical exertion, maximum pain intensity, pain-related work interference, or number of pain regions. We found a significant reduction of MSP-related sickness absence in the intervention compared to the control group [-0.48 days per month (95% confidence interval (CI), -0.8– -0.1]. We found no significant effects in NRF or involvement of employees, but self-efficacy was reduced in the intervention compared to the control group [-0.2 (95% CI, -0.3– -0.0)].ConclusionThis 20-week training for a participatory ergonomic intervention in childcare workers did not show effects on physical exertion and MSP, but was both feasible and effective in reducing MSP-related sickness absence.

Ergonomics in Mining: Participatory Approach in Indonesian Tin Mining

This paper presents the investigation of the acceptability and suitability of Participatory Ergonomics (PE) interventions within tin mining companies. The study was conducted by scenario-based-design (SBD) method and questionnaire with participants from small medium enterprises (SMEs) tin companies. Five companies and fifteen participants were involved in this study. The acceptance of participatory ergonomics through SBD study revealed positive in Indonesian tin mining companies The study shows that support from occupational safety and health (OSH) authorities are needed in order to strengthen workers’ knowledge in ergonomics and good safety practices and to allow them to implement ergonomics through training and the participatory approach. The results of this study may contribute towards the implementation of PE. As a consequence of improved implementation, tin mining accidents may be reduced.

Strategies to commit senior subcontractor managers in participatory ergonomics interventions

The commitment of managers is one of the facilitators of participatory ergonomics (PE). However, to achieve this, practical practitioners’ strategies vary depending on the organizational context and type of stakeholder and are poorly described in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to describe and to analyze the process and strategies that led to senior managers commitment during a decision-making intervention in a subcontracting context. A reflexive practice method was used to describe strategies implemented during a multi-site research project focusing on musculoskeletal disorders prevention in the meat processing sector. A 3 levels commitment method was developed which included: each subcontractor individually, subcontractors together, and subcontractors with their main contractor. Four strategies from the literature were firstly implemented: the creation of a steering committee, the identification of tendencies to act, the transfer of knowledge and moderation of collective discussion. An additional new strategy based on the sharing of a common interest – knife sharpening and maintenance was necessary to achieve the commitment. These results reinforce the importance of stakeholder strategies commitment in PE. A greater consideration for developing a valid framework is needed.

Effects of a Participatory Ergonomics Intervention With Wearable Technical Measurements of Physical Workload in the Construction Industry: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundConstruction work frequently involves heavy physical work, and a reduction of the physical workload should have high priority. Technological development has made it possible to obtain field measurements with surface electromyography (sEMG), kinematics measured with inertial measurement units (IMUs), and video recordings. However, no studies have used these methods simultaneously to detect situations with excessive physical workload (events) during a working day. Thus, knowledge about these specific events may combat work-related risk factors. Participatory ergonomics (PE) has shown promising results, but whether it can be used as a tool to reduce the physical workload during construction work remains unknown.ObjectiveThis cluster randomized controlled trial investigated whether a PE intervention with technical measurements consisting of IMUs, sEMG, heart rate monitoring, and video recordings of physical workload could reduce the number of events with excessive physical workload during a working day. Furthermore, other outcomes were obtained from questionnaires.MethodsA total of 80 male full-time construction workers (aged 19 to 67 years) were randomized at the cluster level (gang) to a PE intervention consisting of 3 workshops (7 gangs and 32 workers) or to a control group (8 gangs and 48 workers). The physical workload was recorded by technical measurements, that is, IMUs, sEMG, heart rate monitoring, and video recordings during a full working day at baseline and 3 and 6 months’ follow-up. On the basis of the technical measurements, a custom-made computer program detected the situations (events) where the construction workers were exposed to excessive physical workload and used in the intervention. Differences in the number of events from baseline to follow-up between intervention and control were evaluated using linear mixed models (intention-to-treat), with individual nested in cluster as a random factor. Furthermore, questionnaires were filled out on test days.ResultsThe results of the primary outcome showed no change in the number of events with excessive physical workload. However, compared with the control group, the other outcomes showed decreased general fatigue after a typical working day (P=.001) and increased influence on own work (P=.04).ConclusionsThis PE intervention with technical measurements did not reduce the number of events with excessive physical workload during construction work. However, the intervention led to decreased general fatigue and increased influence on own work.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02498197; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02498197 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74SZ3DIWS)

Evaluation of the effects of two alternative participatory ergonomics intervention strategies for construction companies

To improve the use of ergonomics tools by construction workers, the effect of two guidance strategies – a face-to-face strategy (F2F) and an e-guidance strategy (EG) – of a participatory ergonomics intervention was studied. Twelve construction companies were randomly assigned to the F2F group or the EG group. The primary outcome measure, the percentage of workers using ergonomics tools, and secondary outcome measures – work ability, physical functioning and limitations due to physical problems – were assessed using surveys at baseline and after 6 months. Additionally, a cost-benefit analysis was performed on company level. No differences in primary and secondary outcomes were found with the exception of the use of ergonomics tools to adjust working height (F2F +1%; EG +10%; p = .001). Newly-implemented tools were used by 23% (F2F) and 42% (EG) of the workers (p = .271). Costs were mainly determined by guidance costs (F2F group) or purchase costs (EG group).Practitioner Summary: Participatory strategies aim to stimulate behavioural change of stakeholders to increase the use of ergonomics tools. Two guidance strategies – face-to-face or e-mail interventions – among construction companies were studied. Both guidance strategies led to an increase in the use of new ergonomics tools.

Improving work for the body \u2013 a participatory ergonomic intervention aiming at reducing physical exertion and musculoskeletal pain among childcare workers (the TOY-project): study protocol for a wait-list cluster-randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is persistently high throughout the world. Work-related factors such as high physical workload (lifting, bending and twisting of the back) are considered to be among the main causes of MSP. Work in childcare includes the need to lift, carry, and support children in a range of activities, requiring several demanding postures and movements, such as bending forward and twisting of the back and sitting on the floor. Participatory ergonomics may represent a solution for decreasing the physical workload to reduce MSP. We present the protocol of a study aiming to evaluate the effect and process of a participatory ergonomics intervention designed to reduce physical exertion during work and MSP (including MSP interfering with work) among childcare workers.Methods/designThis study will use a two-arm cluster-randomized design employing a wait-list control, with childcare institutions forming the clusters. Three workshops will be conducted during the 4-month intervention period. Participants will identify risk factors for strenuous work and MSP, develop solutions for reducing the identified risk factors, and implement them in their team. An ergonomic consultant will guide the process. The data collection will consist of questionnaires and objective measures of heart rate and physical activity, observations of physical workload, and information on sickness absence based on company records. Primary outcomes are physical exertion during work and MSP (including pain-related work interference) measured at 4 months. Secondary outcomes measured at 4 months are sickness absence due to MSP; objectively measured occupational physical activity and heart rate; and self-reported self-efficacy, employee involvement, and need for recovery. Alongside the trial, a process evaluation and an economic evaluation will be conducted.DiscussionThe study will evaluate the effect and process of a participatory ergonomics intervention to reduce physical exertion at work and MSP among childcare workers. By performing a cluster-randomized controlled trial with an effect evaluation based on both objective and self-reported measures with the addition of a process evaluation and economic evaluation, this study will contribute to the evidence for prevention of MSP among a less studied occupational group. Results are expected in 2018–2019.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN10928313. Registered on 11 January 2017.