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Evaluation of an ergonomics intervention programme in VDT workplaces
G Westlander1, E Viitasara, A Johansson
1Division of Social and Organizational Psychology, National Institute of Occupational Health, S-17184 Solna, Sweden.
Applied Ergonomics
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Participatory ergonomics interventions can improve VDT operator working conditions. However, organizational barriers and economic factors significantly impact the implementation and effectiveness of these ergonomics measures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Workplace Intervention Research
Background:
- Video Display Terminal (VDT) operators performing routine data tasks face specific work condition challenges.
- Improving the working lives of VDT operators requires understanding and addressing these challenges through targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an intervention programme based on participatory ergonomics for VDT operators.
- To assess the effectiveness of implemented ergonomics measures from both expert and worker perspectives.
- To investigate organizational barriers and external economic factors influencing intervention outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary project framework was used to identify work-related problems.
- An intervention programme centered on participatory ergonomics was developed and implemented.
- Two follow-up studies evaluated the programme, considering joint decisions and worker feedback.
- Organizational factors and economic impacts during implementation were systematically explored.
Main Results:
- The evaluation identified key organizational barriers hindering the implementation of ergonomics measures.
- Economic recession and company restructuring created turbulence, affecting workplace changes.
- Worker perceptions of programme effectiveness were influenced by these external and organizational factors.
- Joint decisions on ergonomics measures faced challenges during implementation.
Conclusions:
- Participatory ergonomics interventions require careful consideration of organizational context.
- External economic pressures and internal restructuring can impede the successful adoption of ergonomics improvements.
- Understanding and mitigating organizational barriers are crucial for effective workplace intervention research.