Reaching managers at an industry association conference: evaluation of ergonomics training

Managers rarely receive targeted safety and health training, despite the belief that management support is important for a successful workplace safety and health program. A program evaluation was performed on an ergonomics workshop for managers attending an industry association conference. The goals were to determine whether the conference was an effective setting for the training, to assess whether the training led to an increase in participants' knowledge and ability, and to determine whether participants could use what was taught in an applied exercise. The majority of participants (97%) believed the conference was an effective setting for the training. Participants' knowledge and ability to identify musculoskeletal risks increased significantly following the training. Additionally, participants were able to identify musculoskeletal risk factors and suggest solutions during the applied exercise. Occupational health nurses should consider trade association meetings as a venue for educational training sessions and for disseminating their research results.