Positive outcomes of participatory ergonomics in terms of greater comfort and higher productivity

Abstract

Ergonomics sometimes has a negative connotation as it is seen to be connected to illness or guidelines that limit innovations. This paper is focused on the positive aspects of ergonomics in improvement of the working environment. It consists of a part that studies the literature on success factors in the process towards higher productivity and greater comfort, the formulation of a model and a hypothesis, which is illustrated by four cases.The model distinguishes the success factors in 'goal', 'involvement' and 'process'. Goals: evidence is found in the literature that a positive approach has benefits in terms of shareholder value and productivity, and for comfort. Involvement: the literature shows that participation of end-users and management contributes to success. Process: in the process it is essential to have a good inventory of the problems, a structured approach, a steering group responsible for the guidance, and end-users involvement in testing of ideas and prototypes.It is hypothesized that the chance of success increases by empowerment (making the end-user responsible for deciding on the next step in the process) and positive experiences of end-users with the potential improvement (end-users feel or see the benefits). The four cases illustrate that the hypothesis can be used in evaluating cases.

Effectiveness of an integrated care intervention on supervisor support and work functioning of workers with rheumatoid arthritis

“…[27] Participatory ergonomics empowers workers to design and change their own work, and consequently in decreasing risk factors at work. [28,29] The aim of the workplace intervention was to discuss obstacles at the workplace for work functioning and achieve consensus between patient and supervisor regarding feasible solutions for these obstacles. After consensus, the occupational therapist, patient and supervisor agreed on which solutions had to be implemented and described these in a plan of action.…”

Identificación de malestares músculo-esqueletales en una planta de manufactura en Los Olivos, Lima-Perú

“…La encuesta forma parte de una visión innovadora de la empresa por empezar a incorporar consideraciones ergonómicas dentro de sus estaciones de trabajo. Este hecho impacta directamente en el bienestar de los trabajadores y en general de la propia empresa, aspecto comprobado en publicaciones que abordan la relación entre la productividad y la ergonomía (Gómez, 2002;Vink et al, 2006). Además, la ergonomía es considerada un factor de ventaja competitiva por parte de una empresa (Kuorinka y Patry, 1995;López, 2012;Maciel, 1998).…”

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

“…�y understanding these challenges, researches have developed effective interventions that can reduce physical demands in construction (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26), many of which are based on a participatory approach (19,20,25,27). 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.…”