Participatory ergonomic approach for workplace improvements: A case study in an industrial plant

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the development of an ergonomic program based on the principles of Participatory Ergonomics, in order to implement workplace improvements. A case study was conducted in an industrial plant where several musculoskeletal disorders were previously identified as being the main cause of a high absenteeism. As a result of the ergonomic intervention program, several different improvements measures were implemented, improving several workplace aspects, namely workers’ posture and, consequently, their working conditions. The obtained results indicate that there was a significant ergonomic improvement in tasks where the proposed measures have been implemented. The workers’ satisfaction has increased considerably after the implementation of the suggested measures. Finally, it was possible to conclude that based in the success of this project, the same approach can also be extended to the remaining company’s workplaces.