Paper: The evidence on effectiveness and implementation of participatory ergonomics

Author(s) and Affiliation(s):
Dwayne Van Eerd, Institute for Work & Health, Applied Health Sciences University of Waterloo
Donald C. Cole, Institute for Work & Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto
Kiera Keown, Institute for Work & Health
Emma Irvin, Institute for Work & Health
Day/Time: Friday at 10:30
Room: St. David Room, 3rd Floor
Objectives:

Participatory ergonomics (PE) is an effective approach to improving worker health(1,2). This presentation will cover evidence from two systematic reviews of the literature on the effectiveness and implementation of participatory ergonomics (PE) interventions. One review focused on effectiveness of PE in reducing adverse health outcomes of workers and the other focused on the implementation and process of PE interventions in workplaces. In addition, an evidence-based tool on how to implement PE will be presented.

Methods:

Two systematic reviews were done with researchers and ergonomists, and input from occupational health and safety stakeholders. The review on PE effectiveness focused on peer-reviewed literature which reported on evaluating PE on worker health outcomes. Quality criteria addressed internal and external validity. Data extraction and best evidence synthesis focused on three outcomes: Lost days/sickness absence, worker compensation costs, symptoms/disorders. The review on PE process included peer-reviewed and grey literature describing PE. Documents were relevant if they described a PE intervention, and quality criteria were adapted for non-scientific documents. Data was synthesized according to most often reported process and implementation approaches. An evidence-based tool for PE implementation was developed by review team members with input from stakeholders from across Canada. Stakeholders suggested the format and provided feedback about the content. The evidence came from the review on PE process and was augmented by case studies.

Results:

The effectiveness review yielded 442 articles, 23 were relevant and 12 met quality criteria. Using best evidence synthesis we found some evidence that PE can reduce lost days/sickness absence and MSD injuries/compensation claims and moderate evidence that PE can reduce MSD symptoms. The process review yielded 2151 documents, 190 were relevant and 52 met content/quality criteria. Different ergonomic teams and training were described. PE interventions tended to be ongoing, use group consultation, focus on physical changes and report positive impacts. Resources, program support, training, and communication were the most often noted facilitators/barriers. An evidence-based tool was developed and disseminated.

Conclusions:

Research evidence suggests that PE can be effective in improving worker health. However, more high quality research is needed to achieve higher levels of evidence for effectiveness of PE. To implement successful and sustainable PE interventions the literature suggests that the right people need to be involved with appropriate training and clear responsibilities. Addressing key facilitators and barriers such as program support, resources, and communication is paramount(3). An evidence-based tool has been developed that summarizes the research evidence along with case study examples. Health and safety practitioners and workplace parties can use this tool to initiate PE interventions in workplaces.

References:

1. Hignett, S., Wilson, J.R., and Morris, W., 2005, Finding ergonomic solutions—participatory approaches. Occupational Medicine, 55, pp. 200-207.
2. Rivilis I, Van Eerd D, Cullen K, Cole DC, Irvin E, Tyson J, Mahood Q. Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions: a systematic review. Applied Ergonomics 2008; 39: 342-358.
3. Van Eerd D, Village J, Clarke J, Cole D, Cullen K, Irvin E, Keown K, Mahood Q, St-Vincent M, Theberge N. Participatory ergonomics interventions: implementation and process, a systematic review. Toronto: Institute for Work & Health; December 2007.