Participatory Ergonomics

This paper presents a case study of an implementation of a participatory ergonomics program in a public service agency. The objective of the study was to develop a theoretical model and related design principles for the implementation of ‘in-house’, continuous improvement participatory programs. The proposed model is based on the behavioral cybernetic theory of learning (Smith and Smith, 1966, Cybernetic Principles of Learning and Educational Design held, Rhinehart and Winsten, New York) and emphasizes the concepts of action, feedback, feedback control, and individual learning as essential for a progression from external regulation (by outside experts) to internal regulation (by organizational members) of participatory programs. Results support the proposed model, but do suggest an expansion of the model to include macro-level organizational variables as additional factors necessary for developing internally regulated participatory programs. Results have led to the specification of several design principles for implementing ‘in-house’, continuous improvement participatory programs.

A participatory ergonomics approach to design requires knowledge of users, their tasks, and their task environments. User participation is a necessity because designers often misjudge the impact of design artifacts on users. As a consequence of misunderstanding their respective domains of expertise, designers may generate inappropriate solutions, and users may formulate cryptic descriptions and specifications. Because obtaining and incorporating users'

DDespite the unanimity among researchers about the centrality of workplace analysis based on participatory ergonomics (PE) as a basis for preventive interventions, there is still little agreement about the necessary of a theoretical framework for providing practical guidance. In an effort to develop a conceptual PE framework, the authors, focusing on 20 studies, found five primary dimensions for characterising an analytical structure: (1) extent of workforce involvement; (2) analysis duration; (3) diversity of reporter role types; (4) scope of analysis and (5) supportive information system for analysis management. An ergonomics analysis carried out in a chemical manufacturing plant serves as a case study for evaluating the proposed framework. The study simultaneously demonstrates the five dimensions and evaluates their feasibility. The study showed that managerial leadership was fundamental to the successful implementation of the analysis; that all job holders should participate in analysing their own workplace and simplified reporting methods contributed to a desirable outcome.

Three participatory ergonomics teams have been established among healthcare workers in a metropolitan medical center. Three teams, consisting of orderlies, intensive care unit nurses, and laboratory workers, were selected to provide a diversity of work activities and educational backgrounds. The effectiveness of these teams was assessed by observations of team interactions, by team members' perceptions of their effectiveness, and by the teams' success in identifying problems and implementing solutions. After 1 year, one of the three groups has been highly effective by these measures. To varying degrees, the groups encountered competing time demands and obstacles in implementing solutions within current administrative structures. For some groups of health care workers, participatory ergonomics teams seem to be an effective strategy to improve health and safety. This approach may not be feasible in all areas of health care, especially in high-demand clinical areas where patient needs may take precedence over the safety of health care workers.

A participatory ergonomics approach to design requires knowledge of users, their tasks, and their task environments. User participation is a necessity because designers often misjudge the impact of design artifacts on users. As a consequence of misunderstanding their respective domains of expertise, designers may generate inappropriate solutions, and users may formulate cryptic descriptions and specifications. Because obtaining and incorporating users'