Implementation of participatory ergonomics intervention in construction companies

How compatible are participatory ergonomics programs with occupational health and safety management systems?

“…The most common statement was that management commitment is required for the program to be effective (31). With respect to resources, it was suggested that appropriate and adequate resources should be supplied to implement the PE program (11,17) and that financial commitment should be sought from the organization's chairman (32). It was also noted that an initial budget was given by management, followed by additional resources allocated by top management upon reviewing a progress report of improvement plans (21).…”

“…They noted that being injured should not prevent workers from participating in the work groups (27). Van der Molen (32) reported that different stakeholders from within an organization and an ergonomics consultant participated in their PE project.…”

“…One noted that information directed to middle management and feedback about using ergonomic measures directed towards employees could strengthen the commitment, communication, and support for incorporating the new policy to use ergonomic measures within the company (32). Another reported that "Breakthrough Thinking" methodology was used to establish purpose, goals, program structure, and plans for the future, one year after the initiation of an Ergonomic Coordinator program (13).…”

“…1995 X X Westlander (34) 1995 X X Bohr et al (11) 1997 X X X Halpern & Dawson (21) 1997 X X X Vink et al (23) 1997 X X Laitinen et al (25) 1997 X X Haims & Carayon (13) 1998 X X X Rosecrance & Cook (24) 2000 X X Loisel et al (27) 2001 X X X de Looze et al (35) 2001 X de Jong & Vink, (30) 2002 X X X Anema et al (29) 2003 X X X Hess et al (20) 2004 X X Laing et al (17) 2005 X X X X Lavoie-Tremblay (28) 2005 X X X van der Molen (32) 2005 X X Polanyi (26) 2005 X X X Rivilis et al (33) 2006 X Burgess-Limerick et al (31) 2007 X X (23) 1997 X X Laitinen et al (25) 1997 X Haims & Carayon (13) 1998 X X X Rosecrance & Cook (24) 2000 X X Loisel et al (27) 2001 X X de Looze et al (35) 2001 X de Jong & Vink, (30) 2002 Anema et al (29) 2003 Hess et al (20) 2004 X Laing et al (17) 2005 X X X Lavoie-Tremblay (28) 2005 X van der Molen (32) 2005 X X Polanyi (26) 2005 Rivilis et al (33) 2006 X Burgess-Limerick et al (31) 2007…”

Improving work ability in construction workers – let’s get to work

“…These interventions include reducing back stress in masons through adjusting work height, eliminating shoulder and neck strain during overhead drilling tasks with a drill support, and a variety of approaches to reduce manual materials handling. At the same time, researchers have identified important factors that facilitate or impede interventions for this industry (28)(29)(30). Interventions that are more likely to succeed have a relative advantage, are compatible with prevailing norms or practices, can be tried before being implemented, and have a readily observable impact.…”