title: Vocational training courses as an intervention on change of work practice among immigrant cleaners.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to examine how knowledge and skills from vocational training courses on working techniques modified for immigrant cleaners are applied in practice and to identify factors that influence the implementation. The modifications of the standard course included language support with possibilities for translation and an extension of the duration of the course.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study is a prospective intervention study based on qualitative data. Data were collected as structured interviews and observations were carried out at the workplaces before and after the course. The study population included 31 immigrant cleaners from five different workplaces.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Changes were observed in the use of working techniques (i.e., positioning of hands when using the floor mop). In some cases the use of the taught techniques was incorrect, partial, or only used part of the time. Interactions between individual factors (i.e., knowledge, awareness, capability, or work orientation) and environmental factors (i.e., equipment, time, workload, or physical surroundings) influenced the use of the techniques in practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The course provided the participants with new working techniques through which some were able to reduce work related pain. However, with regard to incorrect and partial use of the working techniques, follow-up and post-training support is recommended.
authors.affiliation: National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Flemming W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Karen B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Frydendall
authors.forename: Mari-Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Flyvholm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003479:Curriculum; D003718:Denmark; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D036301:Qualitative Research; D057566:Self Report; D014829:Vocational Education / Q000379:methods*; D016526:Workload; D017132:Workplace