Implementing Practical Ergonomics Knowledge Transfer Using Ergonomic Checkpoints to Support the Participatory...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Human Factors Engineering
• Industrial Engineering

Background:

• Knowledge transfer of ergonomics presents challenges in developing countries.
• Systemic ergonomics implementation necessitates involvement across all organizational levels, particularly workers.
• Participatory ergonomics, integrating top-down and bottom-up approaches, is crucial for practical knowledge application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of a participatory ergonomics process for knowledge transfer.
• To enhance the learning and application of ergonomics principles among organizational members.
• To improve personnel competence in identifying and resolving workplace issues.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a participatory ergonomics process with diverse participatory approaches.
• Facilitation by an ergonomics expert to guide knowledge transfer.
• Utilization of action learning and a learner-centered approach with active worker involvement.
• Application of the International Labour Organization (ILO) ergonomic checkpoints.

Main Results:

• Active involvement of all organizational levels, especially workers, significantly improved ergonomics learning.
• The process enhanced personnel competence in problem identification and the implementation of solutions, including low-cost options.
• Continuous improvement through multiple learning cycles fostered greater participation and an improved ergonomics culture.

Conclusions:

• A systemic, participatory ergonomics approach is effective for knowledge transfer and application.
• Worker engagement and learner-centered methods are key to improving ergonomics principles.
• Sustained application of this process yields practical benefits in Human Factors/Ergonomics and workplace improvements.