title: Economic evaluation of a participatory ergonomics intervention in a textile plant.
abstract: In this study we report on the economic evaluation of a participatory ergonomics process undertaken at a clothing manufacturer in Southwestern Ontario, Canada that employs approximately 300 workers. We undertake a cost-benefit analysis from the company perspective. Intervention costs amounted to $65,787 and intervention benefits $360,614 (2011 Canadian dollars). The net present value was $294,827, suggesting that the intervention was worth undertaking based on the costs and consequences over the measurement period spanning more than four years. Based on these costs and benefits, the benefit-to-cost ratio is 5.5. Overall, the findings from this study suggest that participatory ergonomics interventions can be cost beneficial from the company perspective. Even though the changes were typically low-cost and low-tech interventions implemented by the plant mechanics and maintenance personnel, benefits were realized on both the health and financial fronts.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Avenue, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2E9. etompa@iwh.on.ca
authors.forename: Emile
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tompa
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dolinschi
authors.forename: Julianne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Natale
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D009864:Ontario; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013783:Textile Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data