Participatory ergonomics

IWH has been researching participatory ergonomics (PE) since the early 2000s. PE programs encourage an organization’s workers, supervisors and other workplace parties to jointly identify and remove the hazards or risk factors in their workplace that can cause or aggravate work-related injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). PE programs aim to reduce the incidence of MSDs, decrease the losses associated with injury-related absences and claims, and increase productivity by improving work methods and product quality.

Featured

Video

Participatory approach to health and safety in long-term care

Involve front-line staff when identifying and controlling hazards at long-term care homes. Those who do a job every day know the associated hazards best. A participatory approach can help prevent injuries.
Published: October 2, 2019
Two workers in a warehouse consult document
At Work article

Users of IWH’s participatory ergonomics guide report better awareness of key steps

An evaluation study finds there is high interest in participatory ergonomics, but little opportunity for implementation.
Published: November 2015
Transmission and Distribution World logo
IWH in the media

Ergonomics programs drive down injury rates

Ontario utilities still have ergonomics programs in place years after participating in a research study, according to an article co-authored by Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro's George Minow, one of the study participants.
Published: Transmission & Distribution World, March 2015
At Work article
At Work article

Manufacturer learns participatory ergonomics worth the investment

An Ontario textile plant saved over a quarter-of-a-million dollars as a result of implementing a participatory ergonomics program, according to an economic evaluation performed by the Institute for Work & Health.
Published: April 2013
Journal article
At Work article
At Work article

Ergonomics case study: Car parts manufacturer realizes benefits of PE program

An Ontario manufacturer opened its doors to researchers who helped implement a participatory ergonomics (PE) program to improve the musculoskeletal health of workers. The company has since learned that the PE program saved it almost a quarter-of-a-million dollars — and in the most unexpected place.
Published: July 2009
Research Highlights
Research Highlights

Manufacturer saves money with participatory ergonomic program

Participatory ergonomic (PE) programs may be worth undertaking based on their financial merits — savings found not in fewer or shorter work-related injury absences but in shorter absences due to non-work injuries.
Published: January 2009
Three male employees in factory work together to ensure dimensions of pipe are correct
Tools and guides

Reducing MSD hazards in the workplace: A guide to successful participatory ergonomics programs

This booklet outlines six key steps that have been shown in the research to contribute to the success of a participatory ergonomics program, based on a systematic review by IWH researchers.
Published: January 2009
Journal article
At Work article
At Work article

Resources and support are vital in a PE program

Research evidence shows that a participatory ergonomic (PE) program can help prevent musculoskeletal disorders in workers. Yet, what are some key elements of participatory ergonomics that can help ensure its success in workplaces?
Published: February 2008
Three workers talking in a shipyard
Sharing Best Evidence

Factors for success in participatory ergonomics

In participatory ergonomics (PE), a team works together to identify risks, and change tools, equipment and work processes to improve workplace conditions. PE programs can reduce work-related injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. This systematic review identifies the factors that can increase the likelihood of a successful PE program in workplaces.
Published: January 2008