Contributions of ergonomics to the development of prevention projects: The role of intermediate prevention objects

Abstract

In a context where preventive measures are developed in a functionalist and technological way, the aim of this work is to set up general principles and methods for new preventive solutions that will enrich these existing measures. We propose an approach centered on the association of workers at all hierarchical levels around “intermediary objects” of prevention in order to support a collective debate. Observational data with physical and physiological measurements has been coupled. We have developed, reworked and enriched the notion of risk representation, which promotes the visibility and recognition of the knowledge built, developed and carried by workers on their activities and on ways to protect themselves from dangers or hazards. Implementation of the method raises detailed knowledges of chemical risks build by workers. These knowledges made possible by the experience of the body and the senses become accessible from references to the domestic and professional sphere in reflexive activities. Actors get involved and mobilize their individual, collective and organizational resources to propose prevention solutions. Use of intermediate prevention objects in “intermediate space for dialogue” allows to produce and support dialogues. These spaces are ultimately circulating entities for the co-production of knowledge for action: to generate knowledge and to collectively generate innovative prevention solutions.