Participatory Ergonomics Process Research Articles

Using stakeholder intervention refinement teams to develop approaches for real-time integration of patient-reported safety information during older adults’ hospital-to-home-health care transitions

Background The hospital-to-home transition remains a high-risk care interval for older adults. Skilled home health (HH) agencies are uniquely positioned to address care-transitions-associated patient safety threats. We previously developed the Hospital-to-Home-Health Transition Quality (H3TQ) Index to identify safety issues after hospital discharge. Our objective is to evaluate a participatory ergonomics process engaging stakeholders to develop strategies to implement the H3TQ into HH agency workflow to improve transition-associated safety issues in real-time. Methods Stakeholders participated in three, two-hour Intervention Refinement Team (IRT) meetings with a focus on: (1) identifying facilitators and barriers to collect H3TQ data in real-time, (2) integration of H3TQ into workflows, and (3) sharing H3TQ safety threat information to improve care transition safety outcomes. We used the human factors engineering-informed Systems Ambiguity Framework to guide the structure of IRT meetings and qualitative data analysis to evaluate the IRT process itself. Results Stakeholders (N = 9) represented patients, family caregivers, and HH staff. Stakeholders identified three key strategies for H3TQ implementation: (1) mechanism and timing of H3TQ data collection using multiple platforms; (2) data sharing conditions for safety reporting across the health system; and (3) identification of targeted care transitions outcomes for improvement. Participants highly rated IRT meetings regarding meeting usefulness, comfort, and degree of input into the discussion. Conclusions The IRT participatory ergonomics process was successful. Stakeholders identified strategies to facilitate implementation of the H3TQ implementation to improve the hospital-to-HH. IRTs have potential application to other health system issues related to the care of people with complex needs.

Implementing Practical Ergonomics Knowledge Transfer Using Ergonomic Checkpoints to Support the Participatory Ergonomics Process in an Industrially Developing Country

Occupational Applications Ergonomics knowledge transfer is one of the potential challenges in organizations in industrially developing countries. For the effective implementation of a systemic ergonomics knowledge transfer process, the involvement of all organizational levels is necessary, especially workers, with the facilitation of ergonomics expert. Applying a participatory ergonomics process with different participatory approaches for participant involvement – including a top-down approach, as a pushing tactic for intentional learning, and a bottom-up approach, as a pulling tactic for voluntary learning – can play a key role in the transfer and application of practical ergonomics knowledge. The results of this study showed that active involvement of all organizational levels, especially workers through action learning and a learner-centered approach, and using the ILO ergonomic checkpoints, could improve participant learning of ergonomics principles. In addition, this process can lead to improved competence of personnel in identifying problems and providing and implementing solutions to improve working conditions, especially low-cost solutions. Accordingly, if this process continues as a constant improvement process through multiple learning cycles, it can improve participation and ergonomics culture and achieve additional practical benefits of the Human Factors/Ergonomics.

Can participatory ergonomics process tactics improve simulator fidelity and give rise to transdisciplinarity in stakeholders? A before–after case study

Production of high fidelity simulators requires stakeholders to remain engaged throughout the process, and development of research-oriented simulators requires the sharing of knowledge beyond individual disciplines. Failings in simulator design that compromise the goals of the End-user evidence a participatory problem associated with how actors are coordinated during its development. Participatory ergonomics has been shown to improve collaboration between eclectic groups in a variety of psychosocial settings and may help people transcend disciplinary boundaries, enabling them to anticipate problems, create solutions and produce innovation. A before–after approach involving design evaluations and Design Decision Group sessions with three stakeholder groups was used to evaluate and re-design a high fidelity rail simulator. Prior to re-design, the evaluation identified issues with functional design, task design, visual ergonomics, and tractability for the End-user, which meant that the simulator was unfit for purpose. Following the participatory ergonomics process, the second evaluation identified significant improvements in all these areas and solutions, providing compelling evidence that transdisciplinarity had occurred. Based on the pattern of continued engagement, the process produced further innovation and opportunity for collaboration in the long term. This study supports the utility of collaborative initiatives that energise iterative design processes, find common ground, and ensure that knowledge and methods are utilised in ways that transcend the boundaries of conventional disciplines. The study reveals a unique perspective and research scope on the design of a simulator facility, with insights about research-industry partnerships that highlight the value and necessity of participatory processes. This work contributes to the literature on participatory methods calling for more research on team function, and a corresponding framework incorporating participatory ergonomics and collective function is proposed for further study. Relevance to IndustryThe approach and lessons from this study are broadly generalisable to a variety of industry contexts, particularly those that would benefit from conditions where people with disparate views must work together with end-users to achieve a common goal and where exchange of knowledge is a crucial predictor for success.

Implementing "Job Enrichment" with using Ergonomic Checkpoints in an 'Appreciative Way' at a Manufacturing Company in an Industrially Developing Country and its Meta-reflection

The aim of this study was to create ergonomics and human factors awareness and wakefulness in a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company with emphasis on understanding the importance of improving safety, health, and work condition. The study sought to develop and implement one kind of “Job enrichment” with the purpose of improving employees’ competence and also to motivate participation at the workplaces in an ‘appreciative way’. The survey approach was used. Data was collected from 60 selected individuals from different organizational levels using the participatory ergonomics process that entailed the use of an actionchecklist and ergonomic checkpoints, as well as the review of organizational documents. Eighty seven percent of these study participants were male while the remaining 13% were female. The participants had an average age of 38 years with the standard deviation of 9.74. They had 11.81 years of service in average with the standard deviation of 9.76. In the data collection procedure, technical sessions, based on action learning, which lasted for 30, 25 h, or 1657 man h, was also held for the participants. In the data collection, the participants were made to study the action-checklist before and after completing the ergonomic checkpoints. This resulted in a 0.3 percent improvement in the technical capabilities of the participants and improved their social skills and their interest in participation in the company during this study. Based on the analysis of participants’ feedbacks on the implementation of different work evaluation approaches and their reflection from learning, key findings were made through intentional learning, based on a systemic pre-intervention ergonomics work process on how the participants could be empowered in technical and social skills.

Economic evaluation of a participatory ergonomics intervention in a textile plant

In this study we report on the economic evaluation of a participatory ergonomics process undertaken at a clothing manufacturer in Southwestern Ontario, Canada that employs approximately 300 workers. We undertake a cost-benefit analysis from the company perspective.Intervention costs amounted to $65,787 and intervention benefits $360,614 (2011 Canadian dollars). The net present value was $294,827, suggesting that the intervention was worth undertaking based on the costs and consequences over the measurement period spanning more than four years. Based on these costs and benefits, the benefit-to-cost ratio is 5.5.Overall, the findings from this study suggest that participatory ergonomics interventions can be cost beneficial from the company perspective. Even though the changes were typically low-cost and low-tech interventions implemented by the plant mechanics and maintenance personnel, benefits were realized on both the health and financial fronts.

Participatory Ergonomics Applied to Sonographers' Work

A participatory ergonomics process has been initiated, the aim of which is to work with cardiac, vascular, and diagnostic medical sonographers to develop interventions that will improve their work conditions and reduce their occupational exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. Numerous surveys have been conducted that have identified sonographers as experiencing high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, intervention research involving them is limited. The presentation describes the research methodology and results from the first stages of the intervention process.

Participatory Ergonomics Applied to Mammographers' Work

A participatory ergonomics process has been initiated, the aim of which is to work with mammographers to develop interventions that will improve their work conditions and reduce their occupational exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. Mammography is an understudied occupation, but worthy of attention, based on the number of workers and the elevated prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort they experience. The presentation describes the research methodology and results from the first stages of the process.

An economic evaluation of a participatory ergonomics process in an auto parts manufacturer

Problem We assess the costs and consequences of a participatory ergonomics process at a Canadian car parts manufacturer from the perspective of the firm. Method Regression modeling was used with interrupted time series data to assess the impact of the process on several health measures. Consequences were kept in natural units for cost-effectiveness analysis, and translated into monetary units for cost-benefit analysis. Results The duration of disability insurance claims and the number of denied workers' compensation claims was significantly reduced. The cost-effectiveness ratio is $12.06 per disability day averted. The net present value is $244,416 for a 23-month period with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 10.6, suggesting that the process was worth undertaking (monetary units in 2001 Canadian dollars). Discussion Our findings emphasize the importance of considering a range of outcomes when evaluating an occupational health and safety intervention. Impact on industry Participatory ergonomics process can be cost-effective for a firm.

Field study of the effects of a self-implemented feedback program on housekeeping performance

Much of the evidence on the efficacy of occupational health and safety feedback programs has come from investigations in which the program was implemented by researchers without the active involvement of the workers. The effectiveness of feedback interventions in actual work situations thus requires testing. The housekeeping performance of three road maintenance areas and one garage was monitored over a 6–17-month period. Follow-up measurements were made after 3–4 years. A multiple baseline across-groups design was used to assess the impact of infrequent (at gradually increasing intervals), publicly posted housekeeping feedback on the housekeeping level. On-site personnel were included in the implementation process. The housekeeping performance improved in all units, and was maintained over a 3–4-year period in two out of four units after gradual termination of the feedback. The results indicate that good and partly permanent results can be achieved in conditions where the responsibility of the implementation is delegated mainly to the workplace. Relevance to industry The study describes an application of a participatory ergonomics process. The methodology worked well in a situation where the responsibility of the implementation was delegated mainly to the workplace. The feedback program could be easily incorporated within a line organization's routine, and therefore it seems suitable for everyday use.

Identification and analysis of unsatisfactory psychosocial work situations: a participatory approach employing video–computer interaction

A method for psychosocial evaluation of potentially stressful or unsatisfactory situations in manual work was developed. It focuses on subjective responses regarding specific situations and is based on interactive worker assessment when viewing video recordings of oneself. The worker is first video-recorded during work. The video is then displayed on the computer terminal, and the filmed worker clicks on virtual controls on the screen whenever an unsatisfactory psychosocial situation appears; a window of questions regarding psychological demands, mental strain and job control is then opened. A library with pictorial information and comments on the selected situations is formed in the computer. The evaluation system, called PSIDAR, was applied in two case studies, one of manual materials handling in an automotive workshop and one of a group of workers producing and testing instrument panels. The findings indicate that PSIDAR can provide data that are useful in a participatory ergonomic process of change.

Analysis of the Difficulties Encountered by the Participants in a Participatory Ergonomic Process

This communication discusses the difficulties encountered by an ergonomics group's participants in two different plants in an ergonomic analysis of varied tasks. During work meetings attended by the ergonomists, the two ergonomics groups analyzed three jobs using an analysis tool developed by the researchers. The participants' difficulties were identified from an analysis of the content of the ergonomists' interventions during the meetings. The results obtained from the analysis of the second job revealed significant differences between the two plants. In plant 1, the participants' difficulties were expected learning-related difficulties, while in plant 2, the difficulties were unexpected and major. In this latter plant, most of the ergonomists' interventions were integrated into discussion cycles and were related to high intensity difficulties. The results indicate that the participants had difficulties that related to their representation of the basic concepts and objectives of ergonomics; they also had difficulty detailing the solutions and did not recognize the benefit of collaborating with company engineers. The results suggest that ergonomics committees' learning is related to company culture and establishes the limits of the ergonomist's role when he fails to change the participants' representations.

The use of participatory action research and ergonomics in the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the newspaper industry.

The newspaper industry is one of many in which employees are reported to be at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities and low back. The purpose of this 18-month demonstration project was to assess the usefulness of a participatory ergonomics process as a strategy to reduce the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders at a metropolitan newspaper company. The company involved had 455 employees and a daily circulation of 75,200. Employees from both office and production areas participated. The participatory action research approach utilized required investigators to work collaboratively with the study population. Using a five-step continuous improvement process, the ergonomics committee identified and evaluated jobs having ergonomic risk factors. This was followed by the development, implementation, and evaluations of interventions aimed at reducing risk factor exposure. The committee's productivity and participant feedback were used as measures of the committee's effectiveness. During the project period, interventions were implemented in 11 of 12 targeted departments. Participant ratings of effectiveness for different aspects of the ergonomics process were generally favorable. The mean and median cost for ergonomic interventions were $376 and $25, respectively. This project demonstrated that participatory action research could be used to develop and implement ergonomic solutions that reduce the risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Validation of a participatory ergonomic process in two plants in the electrical sector

The purpose of the project was to implement and validate a participatory ergonomic process in two industries in the electrical sector. The process consisted of creating joint ergonomics groups made up of workers and technical representatives. After initial training, the groups were to focus on hazardous jobs and analyze them by using a job analysis tool which is presented here. The groups were guided by two ergonomists. The results show that for the seven jobs studied, various solution strategies were developed. In total, 50 solution elements were implemented, and in the majority of cases (78%), a reduction in risk factors was observed. The comparison of the results obtained by the ergonomists with those obtained by the working groups shows that users can identify rather reliably the risk factors in the jobs. Finally, it appears that the most difficult aspect in the analytical process is to take the variations in the work into account. Relevance to industry The study presents a job analysis approach and tool that can be used in industry to prevent musculoskeletal injuries related to repetitive work. The paper describes the participatory ergonomic process and presents a concrete example of workstation reorganization.

Improving physical and psychosocial working conditions through a participatory ergonomic process A before-after study at an engineering workshop

A development process lasting nearly 3 years in an engineering plant employing 300 people was evaluated for psychosocial effects by using a before-after design. In the beginning, the plant had a high absenteeism rate, mostly due to musculoskeletal injuries. The plant required several procedural and technical improvements which were inhibited by adversarial industrial relations. A participatory process focusing on tools and materials was carried out in all departments. As a result, numerous technical and procedural improvements were achieved. The effects were assessed with questionnaire studies conducted before the process and after it. Even though the changes were mostly technical, several positive effects on the psychosocial work environment were observed. Absenteeism fell by 25% and the positive effects on musculoskeletal loading were obvious. Technical improvements were therefore a concrete way of achieving a favorable psychosocial impact. Relevance to industry The study describes an application of a participatory ergonomics process. The methodology worked well in a situation in which the management and workers were unable to initiate a development process. The study presents a model for an ergonomics implementation process which had clear positive effects on ergonomic and psychosocial factors.

Ergonomic development work: Co-education as a support for user participation at a car assembly plant. A case study

This study deals with the design, trials and evaluation of a co-education programme at the Volvo Uddevalla plant in Sweden. Involving operators, manufacturing engineers and managers, the programme served as a support for the creation of a participatory ergonomics process, intended for continuous use at the plant. It consisted of a basic ergonomics knowledge package, and a dialogue model defining the roles and relations of actors involved. As a practical part of the programme, trial development projects were also carried out by the participants. The main and long term objective of the project was to start the participants cooperating in a continuous change and development process on the shop-floor. The outcome of the co-education programme was evaluated immediately after the first two regular courses, and, as a longterm follow-up, after seven subsequent courses shortly after the closing of the Uddevalla plant. The co-education programme was shown to be successful. Later on, the expertize of both operators and manufacturing engineers became obvious to everyone at the plant, and the cooperation between operators and manufacturing engineers increased steadily. The main conclusion drawn was that the co-education programme is a good starting point for a process of participation and industrial change work. However, in order to get a permanent impact, the whole organization must nurse and nourish the further development, and implementation of the process.