Participatory ergonomics applied in installation work.
This paper evaluates a step-by-step participatory approach to better work, applied in reducing the musculoskeletal workload in installation work. To arrive at a reduction in workload, a steering group led the project through the following steps: 1.


BACKGROUND
defining the goal and informing all 7000 employees. 2.


METHODS
finding major loading tasks. 3. Solution phase: creating solutions in group sessions and prioritise. 4.


METHODS
promising solutions were tested during real operations. 5. Implementing: spreading the knowledge through the whole company and asking for additional solutions. 6.


RESULTS
the effect and process were evaluated. The result was that 138 devices were bought. Seven out of nine devices were used daily. Users reported a good or very good reduction in musculoskeletal loading and were satisfied. The project was cost-effective within 1 year. Adding organizational measures or system solutions could have increased the effect, and more direct participation could have increased the impact. The first steps (introduction, analysis of work, solution generation and user tests) were well organized and contributed to the success. The processes in the last steps were unstructured and the evaluation was not representative. Sixty additional devices were suggested by employees of which 12 were selected. These devices seemed a success, but no data could be obtained on the use and experience with these solutions.
de Jong
Annelise M
AM
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Division Building Engineering, The Netherlands.
Vink
Peter
P
D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee; D017770:Lifting; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009426:Netherlands; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016526:Workload