Evaluation of a participatory ergonomic intervention aimed at improving musculoskeletal health

Am J Ind Med. 2006 Oct;49(10):801-10. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20382.

Abstract

Background: Participatory ergonomic (PE) interventions have been increasingly utilized to deal with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD).

Methods: Using a longitudinal quasi-experimental design, a PE process was launched at one depot of a large courier company, with a nearby depot serving as a control. Evaluations focused on 122 employees across the two depots who participated in both pre- and post-questionnaires. An evaluation framework assessed the process of implementation, changes in risk factors, and changes in musculoskeletal health outcomes. Partial and multiple regressions explored the relationships in the evaluation framework.

Results: Changes in work organizational factors had a consistent impact upon changes in health outcomes. Greater participation in the process was associated with increased levels of job influence and communication (P = 0.0059 and P = 0.0940 respectively). Improvements in communication levels were associated with reduced pain intensity and improved work role function (WRF) (P = 0.0077 and P = 0.0248 respectively). Lower levels of pain post-intervention were related to greater WRF (P = 0.0493).

Conclusions: A PE approach can improve risk factors related to WMSD, and meaningful worker participation in the process is an important aspect for the success of such interventions.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Communication
  • Community Participation*
  • Efficiency
  • Ergonomics*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Program Evaluation
  • Risk Factors
  • Transportation
  • Work