Evaluating the effectiveness of a participatory ergonomic intervention aimed at improving musculoskeletal health.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 119
Description: Objectives. To describe the evaluation of a participatory ergonomics (PE) intervention designed to reduce the burden of WMSD.Methods. A PE process was implemented at one depot belonging to a courier company, while another depot served as referent. A team of employee and management representatives at the intervention site implemented 14 changes over the 14 month intervention period. The evaluation was based on pre and post questionnaires collected on a total of 122 employees across the two depots.Results. Overall, the PE process was considered successful, with 12 of the 14 changes rated as significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05). Greater participation in the process was associated with increased levels of influence and communication (p = 0.0059 and p = 0.0940 respectively). Improved communication was associated with reduced pain intensity and improved work role function (p = 0.0077 and p = 0.0248 respectively).Conclusions. Interventions utilizing PE approaches may effectively improve jobs and work organizational risk factors among those involved.
Notes: Adviser:  Donald C. Cole.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-03, page: 0837.

MICR copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).