Participatory ergonomics as a return-to-work intervention: a future challenge?

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Disability Management

Background:

• Participatory ergonomics (PE) is frequently used for low back pain (LBP) prevention.
• This pilot study investigated PE's application in disability management for LBP-affected workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the process, implementation, satisfaction, and barriers of a PE program for workers on sick leave due to LBP.
• To assess the effectiveness of PE in disability management and return-to-work.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative) was used.
• 35 workers on sick leave for LBP (2-6 weeks) and their ergonomists participated.
• Analysis included process, implementation, satisfaction, and barriers.

Main Results:

• 270 ergonomic solutions were proposed, focusing on work design and organization (58.9%).
• Nearly half (48.9%) of work adjustment solutions were implemented within 3 months.
• Worker satisfaction was high (median 7.8/10), with 66.7% reporting a positive effect on return-to-work.
• Key barriers included technical/organizational issues (50.0%) and worker's physical disability (44.8%).

Conclusions:

• The PE program demonstrated good compliance, acceptance, and satisfaction among participants.
• Approximately half of the proposed ergonomic solutions were successfully implemented.
• PE shows promise for improving disability management and return-to-work for LBP.