Write your message
Volume 7, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2019)                   Iran J Ergon 2019, 7(2): 19-29 | Back to browse issues page


XML Persian Abstract Print


Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

Mahdavi N, Shafiee Motlagh M, Darvishi E. Implementation of Ergonomic Interventions using Participatory Program Method of PErforM. Iran J Ergon 2019; 7 (2) :19-29
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-530-en.html
1- Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran , darvishi.hse@gmail.com
Abstract:   (8085 Views)

Background and Objectives: Exposure limit of employees with ergonomic risk factors should be managed based on domestic and international laws and regulations. Manual tasks are tasks due to which a person is required to use part of the body to lift, lower, push, pull, carry and hold the material. The purpose of this study was to introduce ergonomics with the implementation of the PErforM Participatory ergonomics program.
Methods: The present study was carried out on all employees working in the Reactor Charging Unit of a resin company during the year 2017. The participatory ergonomics for manual tasks (PErforM) Method was used to manage ergonomic risks due to manual tasks. After holding several training sessions, ergonomic risks have been identified and evaluated using the ManTRA (Manual Tasks Risk Assessment) tool and also by staff. Then interventions suggested by the staff using the DotMocracy tool were eventually implemented. Also, the proposed interventions were simulated before implementation, in order to assess interventions’ implementation.
Results: The tasks of pushing pallets containing 800 kg bags and machines with 25 kg bags were identified as risky manual tasks using ManTRA. After the interventions using participatory ergonomics, the intensity of repetitive tasks and force in the areas of the hands, shoulders and lower back were reduced.
Conclusion: Generally, the PErforM has a high capacity to modify employee’s exposure to ergonomic risk factors, as well as to discover effective, simple, and effective control strategies. However, achieving this goal requires the promotion of ergonomic knowledge and management commitment.

Full-Text [PDF 810 kb]   (10700 Downloads) |   |   Extended Abstract (HTML)  (3570 Views)  
Type of Study: Review |
Received: 2018/07/25 | Accepted: 2019/07/8 | ePublished: 2019/11/11

References
1. Dul J, De Vlaming PM, Munnik MJ. A review of ISO and CEN standards on ergonomics. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 1996 Mar 1;17(3):291-7. [DOI:10.1016/0169-8141(95)00068-2]
2. American Conference on Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Thresholds limit values and biological indexes. New York: ACGIH; 2010.
3. Dempsey PG, Hashemi L. Analysis of workers' compensation claims associated with manual materials handling. Ergonomics. 1999 Jan 1;42(1):183-95. [DOI:10.1080/001401399185883] [PMID]
4. Muggleton JM, Allen R, Chappell PH. Hand and arm injuries associated with repetitive manual work in industry: a review of disorders, risk factors and preventive measures. Ergonomics. 1999 May 1;42(5):714-39. [DOI:10.1080/001401399185405] [PMID]
5. NOHSC. Compendium of workers' compensation statistics, Australia 1996-97. NOHSC; 1998. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/collection/australian-workers-compensation-statistics
6. Brown O. On the relationship between participatory ergonomics, performance and productivity in organisational systems. The Ergonomics of Manual Work. 1993:495-8.
7. Jensen PL. Can participatory ergonomics become'the way we do things in this firm'-The Scandinavian approach to participatory ergonomics. Ergonomics. 1997;40(10):1078-87. [DOI:10.1080/001401397187612]
8. Noro K. Concepts, methods and people. Participatory ergonomics. 1991:3-29.
9. Haims MC, Carayon P. Theory and practice for the implementation of 'in-house', continuous improvement participatory ergonomic programs. Applied ergonomics. 1998 Dec 4;29(6):461-72. [DOI:10.1016/S0003-6870(98)00012-X]
10. Laing A, Frazer M, Cole D, Kerr M, Wells R, Norman R. Study of the effectiveness of a participatory ergonomics intervention in reducing worker pain severity through physical exposure pathways. Ergonomics. 2005 Feb 1;48(2):150-70. [DOI:10.1080/00140130512331325727] [PMID]
11. Wilson JR. Solution ownership in participative work redesign: The case of a crane control room. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 1995 May 1;15(5):329-44. [DOI:10.1016/0169-8141(94)00080-M]
12. Imada A. Participatory Ergonomics: a strategy for creating human-centred work. Journal of Science of Labour. 2000 Mar;76(3 Pt 2):25-31.
13. Maciel R. Participatory ergonomics and organizational change. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 1998 Nov 1;22(4-5):319-25. [DOI:10.1016/S0169-8141(97)00084-X]
14. Burgess-Limerick R, Straker L, Pollock C, Dennis G, Leveritt S, Johnson S. Implementation of the Participative Ergonomics for Manual tasks (PErforM) programme at four Australian underground coal mines. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 2007 Feb 1;37(2):145-55. [DOI:10.1016/j.ergon.2006.10.008]
15. St-Vincent M, Lortie M, Chicoine D. Participatory ergonomics training in the manufacturing sector and ergonomic analysis tools. Relations industrielles/Industrial Relations. 2001;56(3):491-515. [DOI:10.7202/000080ar]
16. Halpern CA, Dawson KD. Design and implementation of a participatory ergonomics program for machine sewing tasks. International journal of industrial ergonomics. 1997 Dec 1;20(6):429-40. [DOI:10.1016/S0169-8141(96)00070-4]
17. Moore JS, Garg A. Participatory ergonomics in a red meat packing plant, Part I: Evidence of long-term effectiveness. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 1997 Feb 1;58(2):127-31. [DOI:10.1080/15428119791012964]
18. De Jong AM, Vink P. The adoption of technological innovations for glaziers; evaluation of a participatory ergonomics approach. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 2000 Jul 1;26(1):39-46. [DOI:10.1016/S0169-8141(99)00061-X]
19. Bohr PC, Evanoff BA, Wolf LD. Implementing participatory ergonomics teams among health care workers. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 1997 Sep;32(3):190-6. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199709)32:3<190::AID-AJIM2>3.0.CO;2-1 [DOI:10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199709)32:33.0.CO;2-1]
20. Evanoff BA, Bohr PC, Wolf LD. Effects of a participatory ergonomics team among hospital orderlies. American journal of industrial medicine. 1999 Apr;35(4):358-65. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199904)35:4<358::AID-AJIM6>3.0.CO;2-R [DOI:10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199904)35:43.0.CO;2-R]
21. Diceman J. Dotmocracy Handbook: A simple tool to help large groups find agreement2010.
22. Straker L, Burgess-Limerick R, Pollock C, Egeskov R. A randomized and controlled trial of a participative ergonomics intervention to reduce injuries associated with manual tasks: physical risk and legislative compliance. Ergonomics. 2004 Feb 5;47(2):166-88. [DOI:10.1080/00140130310001617949] [PMID]
23. Burgess-Limerick R. Participatory ergonomics: evidence and implementation lessons. Applied Ergonomics. 2018 Apr 1;68:289-93. [DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2017.12.009] [PMID]
24. Kogi K. Participatory methods effective for ergonomic workplace improvement. Applied ergonomics. 2006 Jul 1;37(4):547-54. [DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2006.04.013] [PMID]
25. Kogi K. Facilitating participatory steps for planning and implementing low-cost improvements in small workplaces. Applied ergonomics. 2008 Jul 1;39(4):475-81. [DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2008.02.017] [PMID]
26. Rivilis I, Van Eerd D, Cullen K, Cole DC, Irvin E, Tyson J, Mahood Q. Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on health outcomes: a systematic review. Applied ergonomics. 2008 May 1;39(3):342-58. [DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2007.08.006] [PMID]
27. St-Vincent M, Bellemare M, Toulouse G, Tellier C. Participatory ergonomic processes to reduce musculoskeletal disorders: summary of a Quebec experience. Work. 2006 Jan 1;27(2):123-35.
28. Van Eerd D, Cole D, Irvin E, Mahood Q, Keown K, Theberge N, Village J, St. Vincent M, Cullen K. Process and implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions: a systematic review. Ergonomics. 2010 Oct 1;53(10):1153-66. [DOI:10.1080/00140139.2010.513452] [PMID]
29. Cervai S, Polo F. The impact of a participatory ergonomics intervention: the value of involvement. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science. 2018 Jan 2;19(1):55-73. [DOI:10.1080/1463922X.2016.1274454]
30. de Jong AM, Vink P. Participatory ergonomics applied in installation work. Applied ergonomics. 2002 Sep 1;33(5):439-48. [DOI:10.1016/S0003-6870(02)00033-9]
31. Saunders RP, Evans MH, Joshi P. Developing a process-evaluation plan for assessing health promotion program implementation: a how-to guide. Health promotion practice. 2005 Apr;6(2):134-47. [DOI:10.1177/1524839904273387] [PMID]

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:
CAPTCHA

Send email to the article author


Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

© 2024 CC BY-NC 4.0 | Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb |