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Improving healthy work culture measures using participatory ergonomic interventions
Abstract
Purpose of the article: The productivity outcomes from the proper implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions in the industrial developing countries (IDCs) are important to have management support. However, the role of awareness promotion in engaged groups of intervention has been overlooked. This paper, explains the health effects of some ergonomic interventions including nutrition awareness, training, and workstation redesign on the labor productivity indices of an industry using participatory ergonomics. Material and methods: The study design was a semi-experimental study. After the field study, the proper model of participatory ergonomic was presented to implement the interventions. The International Labour Organization (ILO) checkpoint, Quick Exposure Check (QEC) checklist, Nordic questionnaire were applied to assess ergonomic risk factors. Labor productivity was measured using some indicators of health and production. Statistical tests including paired sample T-test were done to data analysis using SPSS version 22.0. Results and Conclusion: The ergonomic interventions with focus on awareness promotion was resulted in the positive outcomes (P-value <0.05) including; decrease of blood pressure (equally 3.1%), improvement in optimum monthly performance of labors, better QEC number, and also time saving about 18.93% in doing tasks. Awareness promotion and productivity outcomes were found to be important in management commitment and support to persuade participatory ergonomic interventions.
... Métodos como el Nordic Body Map (NBM) y el Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) han sido efectivos en PYMEs para evaluar la comodidad y la postura laboral, conduciendo a intervenciones ergonómicas necesarias que han logrado disminuir los riesgos de TME. [21], [23], [25], [26] Integración de Ergonomía y Lean Manufacturing: La integración de los principios de Lean Manufacturing con la ergonomía ha generado modelos innovadores como el Ergonomic Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (ESMED), reduciendo significativamente el tiempo de configuración y los riesgos de TME. En sectores como la agricultura y los supermercados, se han identificado y mitigado riesgos ergonómicos con el uso de nuevas herramientas y dispositivos. ...
... [1], [7], [9], [13], [19] Adaptación del diseño de espacios de trabajo: En la industria textil de Etiopía, se identificó una relación directa entre el diseño de sillas en estaciones de costura y el dolor en los trabajadores, llevando a una intervención para rediseñarlas y así mejorar la seguridad y productividad. Este estudio resalta la importancia de adaptar los espacios de trabajo a las necesidades ergonómicas para evitar trastornos musculoesqueléticos. [21], [23], [26] Efectividad de Intervenciones Ergonómicas en Diversos Sectores: En las PYMEs manufactureras de Indonesia, se utilizaron métodos como el Nordic Body Map (NBM) y el Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) para evaluar y mejorar la postura laboral, demostrando la efectividad de las intervenciones ergonómicas. ...
... La participación activa de los trabajadores en la investigación ergonómica es fundamental. Los futuros estudios deberían incluir directamente a los empleados en la evaluación y diseño de las intervenciones ergonómicas, lo que podría mejorar su relevancia y efectividad, así como incrementar la aceptación y compromiso de los trabajadores con estas prácticas [3], [22], [23]. ...
The objective of this Systematic Literature Review (RSL) is to analyze the implementation and effectiveness of ergonomic methods in SMEs to improve working conditions and productivity. The methodology included the review of 46 articles. The main findings indicate that, although ergonomic interventions have shown benefits in reducing musculoskeletal disorders and increasing productivity, there is a lack of long-term data and comparisons with other methodologies. The main conclusion highlights the need for a comprehensive approach in SMEs that includes education, collaboration and practical solutions, as well as conducting more research to develop specific guides and tools adapted to these companies. The importance of government support and sectoral organizations to promote effective ergonomic practices is highlighted.
... Métodos como el Nordic Body Map (NBM) y el Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) han sido efectivos en PYMEs para evaluar la comodidad y la postura laboral, conduciendo a intervenciones ergonómicas necesarias que han logrado disminuir los riesgos de TME. [21], [23], [25], [26] Integración de Ergonomía y Lean Manufacturing: La integración de los principios de Lean Manufacturing con la ergonomía ha generado modelos innovadores como el Ergonomic Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (ESMED), reduciendo significativamente el tiempo de configuración y los riesgos de TME. En sectores como la agricultura y los supermercados, se han identificado y mitigado riesgos ergonómicos con el uso de nuevas herramientas y dispositivos. ...
... [1], [7], [9], [13], [19] Adaptación del diseño de espacios de trabajo: En la industria textil de Etiopía, se identificó una relación directa entre el diseño de sillas en estaciones de costura y el dolor en los trabajadores, llevando a una intervención para rediseñarlas y así mejorar la seguridad y productividad. Este estudio resalta la importancia de adaptar los espacios de trabajo a las necesidades ergonómicas para evitar trastornos musculoesqueléticos. [21], [23], [26] Efectividad de Intervenciones Ergonómicas en Diversos Sectores: En las PYMEs manufactureras de Indonesia, se utilizaron métodos como el Nordic Body Map (NBM) y el Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) para evaluar y mejorar la postura laboral, demostrando la efectividad de las intervenciones ergonómicas. ...
... La participación activa de los trabajadores en la investigación ergonómica es fundamental. Los futuros estudios deberían incluir directamente a los empleados en la evaluación y diseño de las intervenciones ergonómicas, lo que podría mejorar su relevancia y efectividad, así como incrementar la aceptación y compromiso de los trabajadores con estas prácticas [3], [22], [23]. ...
... Métodos como el Nordic Body Map (NBM) y el Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) han sido efectivos en PYMEs para evaluar la comodidad y la postura laboral, conduciendo a intervenciones ergonómicas necesarias que han logrado disminuir los riesgos de TME. [21], [23], [25], [26] Integración de Ergonomía y Lean Manufacturing: La integración de los principios de Lean Manufacturing con la ergonomía ha generado modelos innovadores como el Ergonomic Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (ESMED), reduciendo significativamente el tiempo de configuración y los riesgos de TME. En sectores como la agricultura y los supermercados, se han identificado y mitigado riesgos ergonómicos con el uso de nuevas herramientas y dispositivos. ...
... [1], [7], [9], [13], [19] Adaptación del diseño de espacios de trabajo: En la industria textil de Etiopía, se identificó una relación directa entre el diseño de sillas en estaciones de costura y el dolor en los trabajadores, llevando a una intervención para rediseñarlas y así mejorar la seguridad y productividad. Este estudio resalta la importancia de adaptar los espacios de trabajo a las necesidades ergonómicas para evitar trastornos musculoesqueléticos. [21], [23], [26] Efectividad de Intervenciones Ergonómicas en Diversos Sectores: En las PYMEs manufactureras de Indonesia, se utilizaron métodos como el Nordic Body Map (NBM) y el Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) para evaluar y mejorar la postura laboral, demostrando la efectividad de las intervenciones ergonómicas. ...
... La participación activa de los trabajadores en la investigación ergonómica es fundamental. Los futuros estudios deberían incluir directamente a los empleados en la evaluación y diseño de las intervenciones ergonómicas, lo que podría mejorar su relevancia y efectividad, así como incrementar la aceptación y compromiso de los trabajadores con estas prácticas [3], [22], [23]. ...
... Thus, by administering questionnaires to workers, their participation and involvement in the appropriate application of participatory ergonomic interventions can be enhanced, thereby promoting and raising awareness among the groups involved, which is often neglected [15]. Studies show that through worker participation, effective and sustainable transformations of workplace interventions have been achieved. ...
The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is a red flag in industries and is considered an occupational health issue that affects the operator’s well-being, safety, and health. This study contributes to understanding the impact of Industry 5.0 on the workforce and emphasizes the importance of promoting a safe and healthy working environment. Thus, it focuses on the assessment of anthropometric characteristics and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in a real industrial environment, specifically in the metal polishing sector of a metallurgical industry in Portugal. The research collected data on physical attributes, health status, and musculoskeletal symptoms using the Portuguese version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and incorporated sociodemographic data, including age, gender, and professional status, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the active workforce. The results were analyzed by gender and age clusters and revealed a prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly in the spinal column and upper limbs, with a significant impact on the ability to perform work tasks. The need for preventive measures and ergonomic interventions to minimize the high predominance of musculoskeletal symptoms in Portuguese industries is also highlighted to improve the working conditions and enhance the well-being and health of operators.
... Additionally, some ergonomic interventions, such as nutrition awareness, training, and job redesign, positively impact workforce productivity, improving optimal job performance and saving time. [12]. ...
... Further, the structure focuses on team building and client-employee relationships. Regular training and team rewards ensure a healthy work environment (Yarahmadi et al., 2021;Ostroff, 1999;Campbell, 2004). From the customer's point of view, these structures aim to create values through innovation (Galbraith, 2011). ...
Developing resilience in organizations has become imperative for managers in the never-ending turbulent environment and concerns towards pleasing the stakeholders. Organizations have begun to rely on techno-structural and human process change interventions to attain resilient organizations. While such strategies are widely prevalent in organizational change literature and can be traced back to the 1970s, scholarly research on the process that develops resilient organizations is limited and also absent in the context of developing economies.
The current study uncovered the process of change interventions (primarily techno-structural interventions) at a wealth management firm in India, adopting a case study approach.
Hypertension is a condition when blood pressure is at 140/90 mmHg or more. Every year people with hypertension continue increased, it is estimated that in 2025 as many as 1.5 billion people suffer from hypertension... One way to reduce blood pressure is to do ergonomic exercises. The purpose of this study is to find out ergonomic exercises for decreasing blood pressure on elderly hypertension at Ciparay Elderly Social Rehabilitation Institution. This research used quasi Experiment design by designing a pre and post test group. The population of this study was hypertensive elderly totaling 70 people, The sampling technique uses non probability sampling with the technique purposive sampling, its about 23 respondent. Data collection using questionnaires, observation sheets, and digital sphygmomanometer. The number of respondents was 23 respondents, ergonomic exercises done 3 times repeatedly - according to 3 weeks. Pressure measurement blood is done before gymnastics (pre test) and after 30 minutes after gymnastics (post test). Statistical test results show the average systole pressure before gymnastics is equaldari to160.15 mmHg to and the remaining gymnastics 140.05 mmHg, a decrease of 20.1 mmHg. Diastolic pressure before gymnastics isfrom 96.28 mmHg and as is gymnastics to 86.11 mmHg, a decrease of 10.17 mmHg. Data analysis using Paired Sample T-Test related to ergonomic exercises for impairment blood pressure in hypertensive elderly with systole pressure p value = 0,000 and diastolic pressure p = 0,000.The conclusion Can be accessed the effect of ergonomic exercises on reducing blood pressure in elderly hypertension. The results of ergonomic exercise intervention can be used as a therapy in pressure reduction blood and it is expected that the elderly are routinely approved for ergonomic exercises.
Ergonomic conditions that are ignored in all materials, machinery, equipment and working environments in workplaces negatively affect employee activities. Ergonomically examining and designing work processes is a policy that will prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), as well as increase the efficiency of the employee and production. The way to protect physical and mental health starts with analysis. In this study, the MSD risks of the workers in the progressive molding line, where spare parts are produced in the automotive sector, were examined by QEC and BAUA ergonomic analysis methods. In order to reduce the strain on the operator due to the working, an improvement suggestion has been developed and applied. QEC and BAUA risk scores on current workstation are 73.30% and 30, respectively. With the new production design carried out on the line, the work process that poses a risk has been made independent from the employee and this work has been made dependent on the machine in the molding line. Thus, the risk scores has been reduced to 55.11% and 2 points. This result shows that with the accurate analysis and production design, the MSD risks that employees may encounter today and in the future can be greatly reduced. In ındustries, the employee's maintaining the job in the wrong position and every unnecessary activity is a waste. In addition, the cost and profit of the application has been revealed with the economic analysis made for the situation where such activities are improved. It has been shown that ergonomic working environments have the potential to increase the yield, reduce costs and reflect in profit. With the research results, it is thought that the facilities can prevent MSD by applying ergonomic analyzes, the measures to be taken as a result of these analyzes and the ergonomic production design will have a positive effect on productivity, regardless of the extent of the improvement.
In Romania there are approximately 200,000 employees in the automotive industry, ranking 4 th in the EU, after Germany, France and Poland. Many workers in these industries complain of musculoskeletal disorders caused by the high pace of work, awkward positions, handling of masses, etc., often being cumulated. It is therefore essential that these risks related to ergonomics are correctly identified, assessed and treated. The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) is an advanced exposure assessment method that combines observational assessment and self-reporting. This paper presents an applied study of the QEC methodology, a technique based on questions that will be answered by both the observer and the evaluated worker. The research analysed the activity of manually transferring metal parts (components from the automotive industry) from a trolley on a conveyor belt for processing and, vice versa, taking the processed parts from a conveyor belt and placing them on a trolley, because these activities generate many risks to workers’ health. Analysing the results of the evaluation of the ergonomic risks generated by incorrect and / or awkward positions during the activities, using the QEC method, it is found that there are some areas of the body that are much affected during these activities.
Background and Objective: Ergonomic training does not impose the same costs as the other interventions, such as changing the work procedures, using new technologies, and redesigning the work environment. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of continuous ergonomic training on the rate of productivity and exposure to ergonomic risk factors.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 51 employees of a food industry factory in Tehran in the year 2018 selected by random sampling method. Demographics collected the demographic and productivity data and achieved questionnaires, respectively. Exposure to ergonomic risk factors evaluated by Quick Exposure Check (QEC). This information recollected after a four-month ergonomic audiovisual training course. The paired t-test examined the efficacy of the training course.
Results: Our findings indicated that almost half of the participants were in the worst possible posture, and the number of people who had the improper posture did not change pre-and post-intervention. The results demonstrated that two-thirds of the samples had an average productivity score, and training was not effective in this regard. Despite the lack of significant changes in terms of productivity and exposure to risk factors of ergonomics. Scores of these two variables altered significantly. In other words, the change was not significant in a way that could alter the levels of these two variables in the studied subjects.
Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, continuous ergonomic training could reduce the QEC score and increase productivity in the work environment.
The Ergonomics Intervention Programme (EIP) can be a means of guaranteeing the most efficient use of the labour force of an industrially developing country (IDC) by creating safe and appropriate working conditions. Many problems at work can be resolved with ergonomics intervention, but persist due to a lack of ergonomics awareness and ‘know-how', as well as poor social awareness in education. This thesis represents an attempt at investigating how the Ergonomics Intervention Programme (EIP) and Ergonomics Intervention Programme Techniques (EIPTs) can be implemented in an organization by using an Ergonomics Intervention Technique (EIT) process (i.e. EIP activities, EIP team, and EIP process). The objective was to develop an action-oriented intervention process for the improvement of health and safety, as well as trying to improve work systems in IDC industries. To respond to these purposes, two main questions and four different sub-questions were formulated in this study as follows: I. Why are the efforts of these industries to implement and internalise the EIP being constrained? a. What are the main causes of these constraints? b. Is it that the EIP is difficult to implement? II. How should the EIPTs be delivered to the Iranian Industries and possibly to other organizations in IDCs, so that they can easily learn how to use them successfully? c. How can EIPTs be successfully implemented and internalised by such organizations? d. What practical activities are required for the EIPTs' implementation? This thesis also describes the development and results of using various methods during the last 10 years and illustrates the challenges of introducing EIP to Iranian industries. In this thesis, two complementary strategies have been used to collect and analyze evidence. Empirical evidence has been collected through case studies from pre-intervention phase of the EIP in Iranian Industries (as archival analysis), and action research in the three subsidiary companies while theoretical evidence has been collected through a literature study. Put simply, the conception of action research that I used is one of ‘learning by doing; individually and collectively'. One popular action research model is ‘reflecting, planning, acting, and observing'. The main difference between action research and the case study approach is noted in this study. Furthermore, in this study I mention many kinds of action research described as ‘Action Research' (AR), ‘Participatory Action Research' (PAR), and ‘Participatory and Appreciative Action Research' (PAAR). The purpose was to distinguish between the different kinds of reflections in joining up practice with theory, or ‘knowing-in-action' (i.e. the context was the EIP), including: ‘reflection-in-action' (i.e. the EIP was by ETWs), ‘reflection-on-practice, (i.e. EIP was by EIPTs) and ‘Meta-reflection' (i.e. this is thinking again about our reflection-on- practice). Based on data analyses and outcomes, an understanding was derived about factors which impact on the implementation of the EIPT Process Model. The main EIP activities were: Awakening for changing (A), Vision (V), Method of the EIPT (M), Learning (L), and Integrating (I)). Furthermore, the EIPT method in Study H was formulated to include, Participatory Ergonomics (PE) and Ergonomics Awareness Building (EAB). EAB includes; Ergonomics Training (ET), Ergonomics Application (EA), and Evaluation (E). Research Activities (RA) and Network Building (NB). The EIP team includes: action groups (AGs), a Steering Committee (SC), and Facilitator (s) (FA). The EIP process includes; routine (pre-intervention) tasks, modified (EIP process) tasks, and new EIP (post-intervention) tasks. Two key research questions emerged in the process of reflecting on the EIP. They were: (1) ‘What is it we want more of here, and how can we amplify this?' and (2) ‘How does the future unfold from an appreciation of the positive present?' These new research questions are the other side of this study. The author has discussed trying to get the EIP conversations to ‘Tip' positively. This opened up the possibility of having new kinds of conversation through EIP studies and for further research. For example, firstly, focusing on the root cause of a ‘problem' and risk of managing it, is essentially a conversation about what we may want less of here. Secondly, if we use our appreciative intelligence (i.e. the ability to perceive the positive inherent generative potential within the present), we open up the possibility of trying to understand the root cause of success. These conversations are about what we may want more of here. The main knowledge contribution of this study was the development and evaluation of a generally-applicable EIP and a range of EITs based on macro- ergonomics theory. Thus, the focus was mainly on improving workplace action and using participatory ergonomics processes through, the use of the EIPTs. Implementing and sustaining change were made possible by commitment to continual learning and focus on new improvement in action. The major outcome was a ‘Proposed model for the ergonomics ‘know-how' transfer at individual, group, and organizational levels in an IDC (at Micro/Macro ergonomics levels)'. The outcomes of this study are also used to provide industrial managers with a set of principles and processes to practically deal with ergonomics ‘know-how' transfer. Furthermore, Participatory, and Appreciative Action Research (PAAR) can help to develop an understanding of different ways to apply (research) ergonomics intervention techniques in an IDC. It is therefore a positive outcome and further development of this study. Pursuing the general question of PAAR; ‘what is it we want more of here and how can we amplify this?' I use an acronym ‘C.R.E.A.T.I.V.E' to point out some interesting avenues for future research. I hope this will be the next part of the EIP journey in the IDC. It will involve ‘heart, head, and hands' and especially behaviours that are ‘Human centered, Participatory, and Appreciative'!
Doctoral thesis / Luleå University of Technology 1 jan 1997 → …, ISSN 1402-1544 ; 2008:28
Participatory ergonomics programs have been proposed as the most effective means of eliminating, or redesigning, manual tasks with the aim of reducing the incidence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders. This review assesses the evidentiary basis for this claim; describes the range of approaches which have been taken under the banner of participatory ergonomics in diverse industries; and collates the lessons learned about the implementation of such programs.
Efficiently designed workstations are essential to provide both flexibility and mass production in an effective way. Unfortunately, it is common to find industrial workstations built without a purposeful design. The design of the workstation, oriented to both users and tasks requirements, allows organisations to increase their production indicators (less time, space and cost) and quality levels. Within the present paper, an assessment tool was developed to address a literature gap regarding the lack of tools to evaluate Workstation Design, particularly in assembly lines. The concept of “Hierarchy of Workstation needs” is introduced for prioritising the requirements to achieve full performance in workstations. The concept is visualised as a pyramid split in four levels to achieve excellence: functionality, effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. Seven requirements were identified for Workstation Design, namely: “Health and Safety”, “Work environment, cleanliness and orderliness”, “Waste elimination”, “Inventory and material logistics”, “Flexibility”, “Visual Management” and, lastly, “Quality”. An evaluation model and a tool to assess each requirement was developed based on lean and ergonomic aspects and specific for workstation design, which it is difficult to found in other assessment tools. This model has the form of a checklist that is based on the current best practices in Workstation Design of assembly lines. The assessment tool was validated in an automotive assembly line and based on the results obtained, improvements in the associate working zones, workstation dimensions, storage areas or parts feeding system are introduced to improve “Waste elimination” and “Inventory and material logistics”.
The importance of ergonomics across several scientific domains, including biomechanics, psychology, sociology, and physiology, have been extensively explored. However, the role of other factors that may influence the health and productivity of workers, such as nutrition, is generally overlooked. Nutra-ergonomics describes the interface between workers, their work environment, and performance in relation to their nutritional status. It considers nutrition to be an integral part of a safe and productive workplace that encompasses physical and mental health as well as the long-term wellbeing of workers. This review explores the knowledge, awareness, and common practices of nutrition, hydration, stimulants, and fortified product use employed prior to physical employment standards testing and within the workplace. The influence of these nutra-ergonomic strategies on physical employment standards, worker safety, and performance will be examined. Further, the roles, responsibilities, and implications for the applicant, worker, and the employer will be discussed within the context of nutra-ergonomics, with reference to the provision and sustainability of an environment conducive to optimize worker health and wellbeing. Beyond physical employment standards, workplace productivity, and performance, the influence of extended or chronic desynchronization (irregular or shift work) in the work schedule on metabolism and long-term health, including risk of developing chronic and complex diseases, is discussed. Finally, practical nutra-ergonomic strategies and recommendations for the applicant, worker, and employer alike will be provided to enhance the short- and long-term safety, performance, health, and wellbeing of workers.
Background and aims: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most important causes of workers disabilities, increasing compensations and reducing productivity in developed and developing countries. According bureau of labor statistics in 2010, 29 percent of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders are diseases that cause absence from work. The objective of this study is determining the role of response efficacy as one of the component of protection motivation theory to reduce ergonomic risk factors in one of manufacturing industries. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study 158 workers of an assembly industry were studied .In order to assess the ergonomic work stations .Quick Exposure Check method was used. The data gathered via exclusive interviews with selected workers using the questionnaire designed based on protection motivation theory and were analyzed .Content Validity Index and Content Validity Ratio values were calculated for validity and reliability was obtained by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Result: Results of the assessment to the QEC method showed that 37.97% and 36.71% respectively of those at moderate and high risk groups. Also there was a significant negative correlation between response efficacy and QEC scores and action level Conclusion: Regarding negative significant correlation between self efficacy and QEC scores and action levels, designing educational program based on Protection Motivation Theory to decrease ergonomic risk factors is recommended.
Background and objectives. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the main causes of pain, suffering, absenteeism, disability and reduction in productivity. This research aims to determine the role of training intervention based on protection motivation theory in reducing WMSDs and promoting productivity. Methodology. The conducted study was based on a quasi-experimental design (control) that was carried out on 158 employees of the Kabl Khodro factory which were divided into two groups of 79 people. After splitting the 158 workers, an experimental and control group was formed. The data collection instruments were made up of two questionnaires and were analysed using a quick exposure check (QEC) method. Result.Before intervention in both the experimental and control groups, there were no significant differences among the average protection motivation theory constructs, productivity and QEC scores (p < 0.05). However, following training intervention there was a significant increase in these factors within the investigated group apart from the perceived response costs and efficacy. Conclusion. The conducted study shows that ergonomic training based on the protection motivation theory is effective in reducing musculoskeletal risk factors and that increased knowledge of the subject can lead to an increase in productivity.
Background: Safety culture of an institution is the reflection of actions, attitudes and behaviour of its members concerning safety. A good safety culture in an academic institution impacts on the quality of teaching and learning which subsequently improves overall performance. This paper aims to explore the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on work safety culture (WSC) among a sample of academic and non-academic staffs in a public university in Malaysia.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 215 academic and non-academic staffs in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
Result: In general, 73.8% have good WSC knowledge, 54.5% reported positive attitude towards WSC and 74.1% practiced good WSC. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to examine the association between KAP and sociodemographic characteristics, as well as employment factors. Knowledge on WSC was significantly associated with length of services, where participants who worked for less than eight years reported better WSC knowledge compared to those with longer service duration (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=1.76; 95% confidence interval, CI=1.21,3.53). Positive WSC attitude was significantly associated with being permanently employed compared to temporary employment (AOR=2.72; 95%CI=1.11,6.64), whereas good WSC practice was significantly associated with having good WSC knowledge (AOR=4.91, 95% CI: 2.42,10.75), having good attitude towards WSC (AOR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.07,4.62) and being married (AOR=2.64, 95% CI: 1.13,6.16).
Conclusion: This study concludes that good knowledge and positive attitude being important factors in determining good safety practices among the participants. While employment characteristics have shown significant association with knowledge and attitude, these did not determine their safety practices.
Keywords: Safety culture, knowledge, attitude, practice, Malaysia
Most of the past research has found that the average health and nutritional status in developing countries falls considerably short as compared to the developed countries. But in the recent decades the changes in such indices in the developing countries have been enormous and in many cases the absolute gaps between the developing countries and developed countries have been reduced. In the recent decades the economists have attended the determinants and impact of health and nutritional status towards exploring in the economic developmental practice by appropriate policy design. Health and nutrition are positively related to labour productivity or production organization and ultimately to the household income at the micro level and economic growth at the macro level of a country. Since, there is no sufficient data on nutrient status of the individuals in Bhutan which makes comprehensive difficulties in the said things of the country. Bhutanese mainly consume less vegetables and fruits and consume more cereals. Low dietary intake, inadequate child care and a high incidence of infections are causes for Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM). The non-exclusive breast feeding and inadequate complementary feeding of a mother influences uncertain growth status in young children. As a result of high priority given by RGoB to education the gross primary enrolment ratio increased to 81 percent in 2003 from 55 percent in 1991, an annual increase of 6 to 7 percent. The girls enrolment ratio has also risen significantly, to 47 percent from 39 percent for the same year. The economic growth of Bhutan was estimated as 6.5 percent in 1997-1998 and it was increased to 7.3 percent in 2001-2002. Real GDP of the country has stabilized at 5.6 percent per annum. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Bhutanese economy, however it grew more slowly. The contribution from this sector to GDP of the country in the first year of the ninth five year plan was 30 percent. The construction, manufacturing and electricity are the other main income sources of the country.
The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) was developed to enable health and safety practitioners to undertake assessments of the exposure of workers to musculoskeletal risk factors (Li and Buckle, 1998). QEC focuses on exposure assessment and change in exposure, thus allowing benefits of workplace interventions to be assessed rapidly. The development of the tool involved a novel participatory approach and had input from approximately 160 health and safety practitioners. The method has been published and is freely available in electronic form. Further research and development to improve the scope, usability and validity of QEC has been carried out. Four facets of usability were investigated: attitude; learnability, training and support; flexibility; and effectiveness (Shackel, 1991). Experienced users were interviewed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the assessment tool. A focus group was also conducted to determine the experiences of ergonomists in the use of QEC . These data provided the basis for an improved version of QEC. Modifications wer also made to the QEC forms and guidance material, in accordance with good practice on the presentation of graphic information. The improved versions of the tool have been tested by practitioners and the reliability and validity evaluated with practitioners and experts in the workplace. Revisions based on these trials have provided an improved QEC and a support package. ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES FOR EXPOSURE TO WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS RISKS Various methods have been developed for assessing exposure to musculoskeletal disorders risk factors (Li and Buckle 1999). The majority are posture-based techniques that concentrate on the back neck shoulder and arms. Most have been used in studies that have investigated the relationship between occupational risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders of the upper body regions, and have not investigated the lower limbs. The choice between the range of methods available will depend upon the application concerned and the objectives of the study, but clearly there is a need for assessment methods that can be applied effectively by non-specialist practitioners who may have limited time and resources to conduct assessments in the workplace.
Current assembly enterprises are under a lot of pressure, as they are faced with increasing volume demands and product variations, needs for shorter delivery times and cost reduction. This pressure is likely to increase the pressure on individual workers. In many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we observe that traditional assembly concepts are no longer fulfilled. These are challenged to find other concepts to meet today's demands. In a company where emergency lighting devices are assembled in batches (large series of products are assembled step by step), we applied a participatory and integrative approach to set up a mixed flow assembly system including ergonomically designed work stations. In this paper, we describe the approach and the effects which were studied by a within-subject design. We observed an increase of 44% in productivity and a reduction in order lead time of 46%. The time that workers spent to added-value activities increased significantly from 74% to 92%, without any increase in postural and experienced loads. Instead, the workers experienced significantly less overall fatigue at the end of the day in the new situation. The results show the potential benefits of the approach for the many SMEs where products are assembled in batches and faced with the problem of meeting current production demands.
To achieve ergonomics awareness in 3 subsidiary companies, an intervention team was formed. The aims of this study were to implement basic ergonomics through a participatory ergonomics intervention process that can support a continuous learning process and lead to an improvement in health and safety as well as in the work systems in the organization. The findings of this study (i.e., method, continuous learning and integration) were key to making the participatory ergonomics intervention successful. Furthermore, 4 issues of the ergonomics checkpoints (i.e., work schedules, work tasks, healthy work organization and learning) for assessing the work system were found suitable for both changing work schedules and for improving the work system. This paper describes the result of this project and also the experiences gained and the conclusions reached from using the International Labour Office's ergonomics checkpoints in the industries of industrially developing country.
Using panel data from a developing country on individuals aged 16 to 59 who reported their monthly wages, we estimated a relationship between health (nutrition) measures (i.e. height and BMI) and wages (which proxies productivity/growth). We controlled for endogeneity of BMI and found heterogeneous returns to different human capital indicators. Our findings indicate that productivity is positively and significantly affected by education, height and BMI. The return to BMI is important both at the lower and upper end of the wage distribution for men while women at the upper end of the distribution suffer a wage penalty due to BMI. Height has been a significant factor affecting men’s productivity but not women. The results in general support the high-nutrition and high- productivity equilibrium story. Returns to schooling showed a declining trend as we move from lower to higher quantiles for both sub-samples. This might suggest that schooling is more beneficial for the less able. In addition, the returns to schooling of women are higher than men. The results have important implications for policy making in the form of nutrition interventions and targeted education on women.
A positive correlation between health and economic prosperity has been widely documented, but the extent to which this reflects a causal effect of health on economic outcomes is very controversial. Two classes of evidence are examined. First, carefully designed random assignment studies in the laboratory and field provide compelling evidence that nutritional deficiency - particularly iron deficiency - reduces work capacity and, in some cases, work output. Confidence in these results is bolstered by a good understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms. Some random assignment studies indicate an improved yield from health services in the labour market. Second, observational studies suggest that general markers of nutritional status, such as height and body mass index (BMI), are significant predictors of economic success although their interpretation is confounded by the fact that they reflect influences from early childhood and family background. Energy intake and possibly the quality of the diet have also been found to be predictive of economic success in observational studies. However, the identification of causal pathways in these studies is difficult and involves statistical assumptions about unobserved heterogeneity that are difficult to test. Illustrations using survey data demonstrate the practical importance of this concern. Furthermore, failure to take into account the dynamic interplay between changes in health and economic status has led to limited progress being reported in the literature. A broadening of random assignment studies to measure the effects of an intervention on economic prosperity, investment in population-based longitudinal socioeconomic surveys, and application of emerging technologies for a better measure of health in these surveys will yield very high returns in improving our understanding of how health influences economic prosperity.
This paper gives an overview of the theory of participatory ergonomics interventions and summary examples from a range of industries, including health care, military, manufacturing, production and processing, services, construction and transport. The definition of participatory approaches includes interventions at macro (organizational, systems) levels as well as micro (individual), where workers are given the opportunity and power to use their knowledge to address ergonomic problems relating to their own working activities. Examples are given where a cost-effective benefit has been measured using musculoskeletal sickness absence and compensation costs. Other examples, using different outcome measures, also showed improvements, for example, an increase in productivity, improved communication between staff and management, reduction in risk factors, the development of new processes and new designs for work environments and activities. Three cases are described from Canada and Japan where the participatory project was led by occupational health teams, suggesting that occupational health practitioners can have an important role to play in participatory ergonomics projects.
Unlabelled:
Ergonomics sometimes has a negative connotation, as it is seen to be connected to illness or guidelines that limit innovations. This paper is focused on the positive aspects of ergonomics in improvement of the working environment. It consists of a part that studies the literature on success factors in the process towards higher productivity and greater comfort, the formulation of a model and a hypothesis, which is illustrated by four cases. The model distinguishes the success factors in 'goal', 'involvement' and 'process'.
Goals:
evidence is found in the literature that a positive approach has benefits in terms of shareholder value and productivity, and for comfort. Involvement: the literature shows that participation of end-users and management contributes to success.
Process:
in the process it is essential to have a good inventory of the problems, a structured approach, a steering group responsible for the guidance, and end-users involvement in testing of ideas and prototypes. It is hypothesized that the chance of success increases by empowerment (making the end-user responsible for deciding on the next step in the process) and positive experiences of end-users with the potential improvement (end-users feel or see the benefits). The four cases illustrate that the hypothesis can be used in evaluating cases.
A participatory ergonomics model was designed for improving working conditions, quality, and productivity in a medium-sized manufacturing enterprise by making use of a Supportive Expert Team (SET). In order to implement the model, a team-based structure consisting of a Steering Committee (SC) and 2 Action Groups (AGs) was designed and a 5-phase methodology followed. To validate the model, a similar factory was selected as control. Performance of the model was successful throughout the project. AGs under the supervision of the SC and the support of the SET designed and implemented several ergonomics solutions using local resources. Our findings showed that, in comparison with the control factory, application of such a model could be considered as a provider of a more humanized work environment as well as a more efficient and cost-effective approach.
Several reasons for the failure of business and government decison-makers to more adequately recognize the benefits of human factors/ergonomics and strongly support and endorse its application are reviewed. In particular, the failure of members of our profession to more consisistently and adequately document and publicize the cost-benefits of their ernonomic applications is noted. To support the notion that good ergonomics is good economics, a variety of actual ergonomic applications, and the documented cost-benefits of each, are described.
Despite the high production rates required in the automotive industry,
some small components are being produced manually in peripheral countries
where the labor costs are lower than in the middle of the Europe. When the
production must be highly flexible, new challenges are placed and, in these cases,
some companies adopt intensive labor processes. This work is based on an
industrial demand in order to become an intensive labor process in intensive
technology process, minimizing human intervention (without removing it),
increasing productivity ensuring the quality, and maintaining the high flexibility
already achieved in the assembly process of drive systems for automotive windscreen
wiper. The equipment developed uses intensive technology through automation
systems, needing an operator who is responsible by the initial feeding
process. After that, all the process is automatic. The production cycle time is
reduced from 11 to 7 s and the quality is ensured. The equipment is very flexible,
allowing to assembly 20 different kinds of sets for the same purpose, changing just
the gig where the main component is assembled.
This paper explores the process of implementing interventions to tackle occupational ill-health, in particular the facilitators and barriers involved in implementing such interventions. Twenty-four interventions, drawn from a wide range of occupational sectors, were monitored. Between 4 and 6 months following the implementation of the interventions, in-depth interviews were conducted with the 17 managers involved in their implementation. Qualitative analysis identified that the factors cited by interviewees as key barriers and facilitators to the effective implementation of interventions largely related to the ‘softer’ aspects of the change process, namely, the resistance of workers to changing their behaviour, gaining managerial commitment, and managers’ general attitudes towards health and safety. Patterns of mutual influence were also identified between these factors and structural issues such as the allocation of resources. These findings are consistent with existing recommendations for tackling musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which emphasise the importance of tackling the physical work environment, the structural/organisational environment, and the psychosocial domain. However, the findings from this study suggest that such recommendations may not currently be adopted in practice.Relevance to industryThe study provides insight into the process of implementing changes aimed at tackling occupational health problems in a range of industrial sectors, identifying a number of important barriers to, and facilitators of, the implementation of interventions.
An ergonomic study was conducted to improve the workstations for electrical tests in a printed circuit assembly (PCA) factory in an industrially developing country (IDC). Subjective assessment and direct observation methods were used on the operators to discover the problems in their workstations. The problems found were: (i) poor workstation design, (ii) mix-up of tested and untested boards, (iii) missing or incorrect test steps, and (iv) unclear pass/fail colour inspection criteria. Ergonomic interventions implemented were: (i) an improved workstation with space for resting arms and the oscilloscope and computer keyboards within easy reach of the operators; (ii) clear segregation of tested and untested boards to prevent mix-up; (iii) retraining of operators by more qualified trainers; and (iv) reference colour samples for more effective recognition of different colours in the projection screen. The results were average savings in yearly rejection cost (of US1100. The interventions implemented were simple and inexpensive but resulted in many benefits.Relevance to industryThe study will be beneficial, if repeated in other PCA or electronic factories in IDCs, in terms of improvements in quality, productivity and OHS of the workers, as most of them have similar manufacturing processes and equipment and poor awareness in ergonomics.
A participatory ergonomics program was designed and implemented to control and reduce workers' compensation costs within an automobile products manufacturing company. Pareto analysis identified a substantial number of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) associated with manual, machine sewing of canvas automobile accessory products. This case study will discuss the elements of the participatory ergonomics program, describe its implementation, highlight intervention measures, and present program results. Specifically, during the period of 1993 to 1996, the participatory ergonomics program played a significant part in reducing the number of MSD claims by approximately 85%, and contributed to an overall reduction in workers' compensation incurred loss costs by approximately 42%.
We assess the costs and consequences of a participatory ergonomics process at a Canadian car parts manufacturer from the perspective of the firm.
Regression modeling was used with interrupted time series data to assess the impact of the process on several health measures. Consequences were kept in natural units for cost-effectiveness analysis, and translated into monetary units for cost-benefit analysis.
The duration of disability insurance claims and the number of denied workers' compensation claims was significantly reduced. The cost-effectiveness ratio is 244,416 for a 23-month period with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 10.6, suggesting that the process was worth undertaking (monetary units in 2001 Canadian dollars).
Our findings emphasize the importance of considering a range of outcomes when evaluating an occupational health and safety intervention.
Participatory ergonomics process can be cost-effective for a firm.
A case study to illustrate the cost effectiveness of ergonomic redesign of electronic motherboard was presented. The factory was running at a loss due to the high costs of rejects and poor quality and productivity. Subjective assessments and direct observations were made on the factory. Investigation revealed that due to motherboard design errors, the machine had difficulty in placing integrated circuits onto the pads, the operators had much difficulty in manual soldering certain components and much unproductive manual cleaning (MC) was required. Consequently, there were high rejects and occupational health and safety (OHS) problems, such as, boredom and work discomfort. Also, much labour and machine costs were spent on repairs. The motherboard was redesigned to correct the design errors, to allow more components to be machine soldered and to reduce MC. This eliminated rejects, reduced repairs, saved US dollars 581495/year and improved operators' OHS. The customer also saved US dollars 142105/year on loss of business.
Managers Usually can justify financially supporting a proposed ergonomics project only when it is supported by a sound cost-benefit analysis. The factors to consider and sources of information for calculating the costs and benefits of proposed ergonomic projects are described. Based upon his experience and review of numerous ergonomics projects, the common characteristics of successful ergonomics interventions gleaned by the author Lire described and then illustrated by actual documented cases. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Recent experiences in using participatory methods for ergonomic workplace improvement are reviewed to know how these methods can be effective in different settings. The review covered participatory programmes for managers and workers in small enterprises, home workers, construction workers and farmers in Asian countries. To meet diversifying ergonomic needs, participatory steps reviewed are found to usually follow a good-practice approach easily adjustable according to local needs. These steps are found to usually focus on low-cost improvements. They can thus lead to concrete results particularly by addressing multiple technical areas together. Typical areas include materials handling, workstation design, physical environment and work organization. Further, the review confirms that the participatory methods are always modified according to each local situation. This is done by developing a group-work toolkit comprising action checklists and illustrated manuals and by building a support network of trained trainers. It is suggested that participatory methods taking a good-practice approach by multi-area low-cost improvements through the group use of locally adjusted toolkits are effective for improving small-scale workplaces including those in developing countries.
Several companies have developed their own company-specific models for ergonomic improvements. This study aims to describe and identify factors supporting and hindering the implementation and application of one such corporate model for ergonomic assessment and improvement. The model has been developed by Volvo Car Corporation and implemented at an assembly plant in Göteborg, Sweden. The model is unique as it is intended to be used by production engineers and safety representatives in cooperation. The process for assessment of musculoskeletal risks is standardised and participatory, which also supports identification of solutions. Interviews, questionnaires, observation and document studies were used to evaluate the use of the model. The model was found to improve participation and collaboration among stakeholders; provide a more effective ergonomic improvement process; visually represent the ergonomics situation in the company; and give legitimacy to and awareness of ergonomics. However, the model was found to be rather resource demanding and dependent on support from management and unions. In particular, a substantial training programme and regular use of the model are needed.
The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of participatory ergonomic (PE) interventions for improving workers' health. The search strategy targeted six electronic databases and identified 442 potential articles. Each article was examined by pairs of reviewers for relevance (assessed a participative ergonomic workplace intervention, with at least one health outcome, published in English in peer reviewed literature). Twenty-three articles met relevance criteria and were then appraised for methodological strength. Using a best evidence synthesis approach, 12 studies that were rated as 'medium' or higher provided partial to moderate evidence that PE interventions have a positive impact on: musculoskeletal symptoms, reducing injuries and workers' compensation claims, and a reduction in lost days from work or sickness absence. However, the magnitude of the effect requires more precise definition.
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