Participatory ergonomics
IWH has been researching participatory ergonomics (PE) since the early 2000s. PE programs encourage an organization’s workers, supervisors and other workplace parties to jointly identify and remove the hazards or risk factors in their workplace that can cause or aggravate work-related injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). PE programs aim to reduce the incidence of MSDs, decrease the losses associated with injury-related absences and claims, and increase productivity by improving work methods and product quality.
Featured
Video
Participatory approach to health and safety in long-term care
Involve front-line staff when identifying and controlling hazards at long-term care homes. Those who do a job every day know the associated hazards best. A participatory approach can help prevent injuries.
Published: October 2, 2019
Systematic Review
Systematic Review
Process and implementation of participatory ergonomics interventions: appendices
This report contains appendices to the 2008 systematic review on the process and implementation of participatory ergonomics interventions.
Published: January 2008
Systematic Review
Systematic Review
Process and implementation of participatory ergonomics interventions: a systematic review
In participatory ergonomics (PE), a team works together to identify risks and change tools, equipment and work processes to improve workplace conditions. PE interventions have been shown to reduce work-related injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. What elements of a participatory ergonomic intervention can help ensure its success in workplaces? This systematic review report answers this important question.
Published: January 2008
At Work article
At Work article
Team evaluates participatory ergonomic programs
A unique partnership involving workplaces, researchers and health and safety experts is tackling a problem in electrical and utilities companies that concerns many workplaces: musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Published: November 2007
At Work article
At Work article
Reviews show ergonomics’ role in MSD prevention
How effectively do ergonomic interventions prevent or reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)? What role does ergonomics play in alleviating complaints in office workers, such as shoulder pain or eye discomfort? These are just some of the questions that interest researchers at IWH
Published: November 2006
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Worker participation in ergonomic programs has benefits
A participatory ergonomic approach can improve risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders, and meaningful worker participation in the process is an important aspect for the success of this approach.
Published: January 2006
Sharing Best Evidence
Effectiveness of participatory ergonomics: summary of a systematic review
By improving the ergonomics of work and workplaces, it should be possible to prevent or reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and increase productivity. This systematic review summarizes the evidence on the effectiveness of workplace-based participatory ergonomics interventions in improving workers' health.
Published: February 2005
Systematic Review
Systematic Review
Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions: a systematic review
The inappropriate design of workplaces and work processes contributes significantly to the development of common work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). By improving ergonomic aspects of work and workplaces, it should be possible to prevent or reduce these disorders and increase productivity. One practice advocated for improving workplace design and processes is participatory ergonomics. This report shares the findings of a systematic review on the effectiveness of workplace-based participatory ergonomic interventions in improving workers' health.
Published: January 2005
Tools and guides
Participative Ergonomic Blueprint
This step-by-step facilitator's guide is designed to help with the implementation of a successful participatory ergonomics program as part of an organization’s health and safety program.
Published: January 2003
Project
Project
Process and implementation of participatory ergonomics interventions: a systematic review
Status: Completed 2008
Project
Project
Effectiveness of participatory ergonomics interventions: a systematic review
Status: Completed 2005