Participatory Ergonomics

Ergonomic considerations are eventually going to end up effecting an end user so why not have these folks join in on the conversation. Participatory ergonomics is a great approach to designing workspaces as it involves employees in the process of identifying and addressing ergonomic hazards. This makes sense as they are not necessarily making decisions on their own, just providing valuable real time feedback to ergonomic specialists helping make decisions. Ergonomic hazards are physical or environmental factors that can lead to a cumulative related injury or illness. These factors include awkward postures, repetitive motions, and excessive force.

Participatory ergonomics has quite a few benefits for employers and not just employees. When involving employees in the process of identifying and addressing ergonomic hazards, employees feel helpful and morale improves. So it can in fact improve productivity, reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, and enhance employee satisfaction and retention. All the while, employees benefit from the improved safety and comfort in the workplace, reduced stress and fatigue, and a greater sense of control over their work environment.

The participatory ergonomics process usually involves multiple steps:

·      Employees and management work together to identify ergonomic hazards in the workplace. This may involve conducting ergonomic assessments, observing work processes, or collecting feedback from employees.

·      After the hazards are known, the team then will figure out the best controls/solutions to mitigate them. This may involve redesigning workspaces, changing work processes or procedures, or providing ergonomic equipment such as chairs, desks, or tools.

One important part of participatory ergonomics is the involvement of employees in all of the steps of the process above. This can include participation in hazard identification, solution development, and implementation. The ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions would also be performed as a unit. Employees are the key to uncovering the ergonomic hazards in the workplace as they have firsthand experience with the physical demands of their jobs.

Another important part of participatory ergonomics is the focus on prevention. Employers should identify and address ergonomic hazards early, to prevent injuries and illnesses from occurring in the first place. This can assist employers when saving on workers compensation costs, reduce employee absenteeism, and employee turnover.

Participatory ergonomics will also have benefits for organizations beyond just physical safety. Organizations can improve employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention when involving employees in the process of designing their workspaces. Employees start to feel that their opinions and ideas are valued and thus are more likely to be committed to their jobs and become more motivated to perform well.

So participatory ergonomics is an important approach to designing workspaces that can improve employee health and safety, enhance productivity and job satisfaction. It reduces costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses. Involving employees in the process of identifying and addressing ergonomic hazards, organizations can create safer, healthier, and more engaging work environments for everyone. If you want to learn more about how to implement participatory ergonomics in your workplace, contact a certified professional ergonomist near you.