Participatory ergonomics as a return-to-work intervention: A future challenge?

Background Participatory ergonomics (PE) are often applied for prevention of low back pain (LBP). In this pilot‐study, a PE‐program is applied to the disability management of workers sick listed due to LBP. Methods The process, implementation, satisfaction, and barriers for implementation concerning...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of industrial medicine 2003-09, Vol.44 (3), p.273-281
Main Authors: Anema, J.R., Steenstra, I.A., Urlings, I.J.M., Bongers, P.M., de Vroome, E.M.M., van Mechelen, W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Compliance
Disability Evaluation
disability management
Ergonomics
Ergonomics. Workplace layout
Ergonomics. Workplace layout. Occupational psychology
Female
Humans
implementation
low back pain
Low Back Pain - prevention & control
Low Back Pain - rehabilitation
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Netherlands
Occupational medicine
participatory ergonomics
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Patient Satisfaction
Pilot Projects
process
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
return-to-work
satisfaction
sick leave
Surveys and Questionnaires
work adjustment
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Summary:Background Participatory ergonomics (PE) are often applied for prevention of low back pain (LBP). In this pilot‐study, a PE‐program is applied to the disability management of workers sick listed due to LBP. Methods The process, implementation, satisfaction, and barriers for implementation concerning the PE‐program were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively for 35 workers sick listed 2–6 weeks due to LBP and their ergonomists. Results Two‐hundred‐and‐seventy ergonomic solutions were proposed to the employer. They were targeted more at work design and organization of work (58.9%) than at workplace and equipment design (38.9%). They were planned mostly on a short‐term basis (74.8%). Almost half (48.9%) of the solutions for work adjustment were completely or partially implemented within 3 months after the first day of absenteeism. Most workers were satisfied about the PE‐program (median score 7.8 on a 10‐point scale) and reported a stimulating effect on return‐to‐work (66.7%). Main obstacles to implementation were technical or organizational difficulties (50.0%) and physical disabilities of the worker (44.8%). Conclusions This study suggests that compliance, acceptance, and satisfaction related to the PE‐program were good for all participants. Almost half of the proposed solutions were implemented. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:273–281, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ISSN:0271-3586
1097-0274
DOI:10.1002/ajim.10259