Using ergonomics to achieve the best outcomes > Participatory ergonomics

The application of ergonomic principles can make a huge contribution to injury prevention and return to work.

Basic occupational ergonomics takes care of the physical factors and when an organisation undertakes participatory ergonomics, the psychosocial factors that impact work disability are also addressed.

It might seem like a strange concept to begin with, but research shows that not all the factors leading to musculo-skeletal health problems are physical.

A number of studies indicate that negative psychosocial factors increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal health problems developing.

Psychosocial factors include psychological factors – such as thoughts, emotions, and behaviors – and social factors – such as workplace culture, ease of communication and the kinds of responses workers expect from others in the organisation.

In the workplace, negative psychosocial factors include:

1.	Low levels of personal control and autonomy;

2.	Low task variety and opportunities for skill utilisation; and

3.	Poor job security.

Best practice occupational ergonomics – i.e. participatory ergonomics – looks after:

•	Bodies – by making tasks safer, more comfortable and easier to perform; and

•	People – by giving them a sense of control and a better work environment, and fostering better interactions in the workplace

To illustrate the impact of physical and psychosocial factors on work disability, the following table compares how each contributes to workplace musculoskeletal problems:

Physical aspects of work	Work environment and work organisation
Loads Poor posture Highly repetitive movements, repeating action too frequently Forceful hand applications Direct mechanical pressure on body tissues Body vibrations Repetitive and heavy lifting Bending and twisting Working in an uncomfortable position Exerting too much force	Repetitive work Time patterns Payment patterns Monotonous work Fatigue Adverse working conditions (Extreme heat or cold) How workers perceive the work organisation Working too long without breaks Not acting on initial signs of injury quickly enough

Physical and psychosocial factors