Reducing MSD hazards in the workplace: A guide to successful participatory ergonomics programs

Cover of Participatory Ergonomics Guide showing a man working in a woodshop

Published: January 2009

In participatory ergonomics (PE) programs, workers, supervisors and other workplace parties jointly identify and address work-related hazards. PE can help reduce low-back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), resulting in fewer workers’ compensation claims and lost days from work. This booklet, based on a systematic review by IWH researchers, outlines six key steps that have been shown to contribute to the success of a PE program.

Who should use the booklet

Workplace parties, managers, supervisors, ergonomists, health and safety professionals and joint health and safety representatives can use this lay-friendly guide as an introduction to what makes PE programs successful, and apply the six steps to the evaluation or creation of their own PE program.