Process and implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions: a systematic review

Abstract

Participatory ergonomic (PE) interventions may vary in implementation. A systematic review was done to determine the evidence regarding context, barriers and facilitators to the implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions in workplaces. In total, 17 electronic databases were searched. Data on PE process and implementation were extracted from documents meeting content and quality criteria and synthesised. The search yielded 2151 references. Of these, 190 documents were relevant and 52 met content and quality criteria. Different ergonomic teams were described in the documents as were the type, duration and content of ergonomic training. PE interventions tended to focus on physical and work process changes and report positive impacts. Resources, programme support, ergonomic training, organisational training and communication were the most often noted facilitators or barriers. Successful PE interventions require the right people to be involved, appropriate ergonomic training and clear responsibilities. Addressing key facilitators and barriers such as programme support, resources, and communication is paramount.

Statement of Relevance: A recent systematic review has suggested that PE has some effect on reducing symptoms, lost days of work and claims. Systematic reviews of effectiveness provide practitioners with the desire to implement but do not provide clear information about how. This article reviews the literature on process and implementation of PE.

Keywords:

• general ergonomics
• musculoskeletal disorders
• participative ergonomics
• risk assessment and management
• systematic review

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Dan Shannon (library help), Shanti Raktoe (admin support), Dan Robinson (stakeholder contacts), Andrew Dolhy (stakeholder contacts), Shane Dixon (editorial comments – recommendations), Benjamin Amick III (editorial comments), Shelley Brewer (editorial comments), Heather Widdrington (coordination), WorkSafeBC, Manitoba WCB, WSIB (funding) and stakeholders from British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario (for input and suggestions throughout the review).