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Contextual factors affecting task distribution in two participatory ergonomic interventions: a qualitative study.

Shane Michael Dixon¹, Nancy Theberge

¹Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. shane.dixon@ryerson.ca

|October 27, 2011

Summary

Participatory ergonomics (PE) programs see worker involvement decrease during implementation. Organizational hierarchy and task demands marginalize workers, limiting program effectiveness over time.

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Area of Science:

Occupational Health
Sociology of Work
Ergonomics

Background:

Participatory ergonomics (PE) programs aim for joint worker-management involvement in workplace improvements.
Understanding the dynamics of participation over time is crucial for program success.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the evolution of the division of labor within participatory ergonomics (PE) programs.
To investigate how worker and management roles change during different program stages.

Main Methods:

Qualitative analysis of two worksites implementing PE programs.
Data collection through interviews and field observations.

Main Results:

Worker and management actively participated in initial hazard assessment and solution identification.

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Worker representatives were marginalized during the implementation stage, curtailing program participation.

Worker exclusion resulted from task demands, required skills, and limited organizational influence.

Conclusions:

The social and organizational context significantly impacts PE program evolution.
Examining PE programs over time is essential to understand participation dynamics and challenges.