title: Evaluation of a participatory ergonomic intervention process in kitchen work.
abstract: We evaluated a participatory ergonomic intervention process applied in 59 municipal kitchens. In groups of three to five kitchens, the workers participated in eight workshops, and generated and evaluated solutions to optimize musculoskeletal load in their work. An ergonomist initiated and supported the process. By the end, 402 changes were implemented. Evaluative data were collected using research diaries, questionnaires, and focus group interviews. The intervention model proved feasible and the participatory approach was mostly experienced as motivating. The workers' knowledge and awareness of ergonomics increased, which improved their ability to tackle ergonomic problems by themselves. The changes in ergonomics were perceived to decrease physical load and improve musculoskeletal health. As hindering factors for implementation, lack of time and motivation, and insufficient financial resources were mentioned. In addition, the workers expressed a wish for more support from the management, technical staff, and ergonomists.
authors.affiliation: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FIN-00250 Helsinki, Finland. irmeli.pehkonen@ttl.fi
authors.forename: Irmeli
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pehkonen
authors.forename: Esa-Pekka
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Takala
authors.forename: Ritva
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ketola
authors.forename: Eira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Viikari-Juntura
authors.forename: Päivi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leino-Arjas
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hopsu
authors.forename: Tuija
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Virtanen
authors.forename: Eija
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Haukka
authors.forename: Merja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Holtari-Leino
authors.forename: Elina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nykyri
authors.forename: Hilkka
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Riihimäki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D006804:Ergonomics; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009141:Musculoskeletal System; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D017132:Workplace