A behavioral workshop for training immediate supervisors: the key to neck and back injuries?

This study investigated the short-term effects of a workshop for 22 immediate supervisors designed to reduce musculoskeletal pain injuries. One group of supervisors received training on how to deal with musculoskeletal injuries, while the control group of 14 received no training. 36 male immediate supervisors and 171 male employees within the Swedish railroad system completed questionnaires before and after the intervention. The trained supervisors' ratings showed that they enjoyed the workshop and believed that it improved their skills. Moreover, trained supervisors significantly more often than the controls showed target behaviors and attitudes compatible with course content. Finally, employees of the trained supervisors reported significantly more often than the control group that their supervisor used target behaviors. It is concluded that an educational program for immediate supervisors is viable and may lead to changes in attitude and behavior. Teaching supervisors to work with employees is a rich field for future investigation; the long-term effects of such programs need to be studied.