An economic evaluation of a participatory ergonomics process in an auto parts manufacturer

Publication type
Journal article
Authors
Tompa E, Dolinschi R, Laing AC
Date published
2009 Jan 25
Journal
Journal of Safety Research
Volume
40
Issue
1
Pages
41-47
Open Access?
No
Abstract

PROBLEM: We assess the costs and consequences of a participatory ergonomics process at a Canadian car parts manufacturer from the perspective of the firm. METHOD: Regression modeling was used with interrupted time series data to assess the impact of the process on several health measures. Consequences were kept in natural units for cost-effectiveness analysis, and translated into monetary units for cost-benefit analysis. RESULTS: The duration of disability insurance claims and the number of denied workers' compensation claims was significantly reduced. The cost-effectiveness ratio is $12.06 per disability day averted. The net present value is $244,416 for a 23-month period with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 10.6, suggesting that the process was worth undertaking (monetary units in 2001 Canadian dollars). DISCUSSION: Our findings emphasize the importance of considering a range of outcomes when evaluating an occupational health and safety intervention. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Participatory ergonomics process can be cost-effective for a firm