3196.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - 4:30 PM

Abstract #14458

Research for Action: Worker Health Study Gets Results

Pam Tau Lee, Labor Occupational Health Program, University of California at Berkeley, 2223 Fulton Street, 4th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94720-5120, 510-643-7594, ptlee@uclink4.berkeley.edu

This presentation will draw on lessons learned from a one year union initiated study to research workload and psychosocial issues among room cleaners in San Francisco, California. High rates of musculoskeletal disorder injuries were being reported by room cleaners of all ages. The results of this study helped the union and the workers achieve a significant workload reduction and other major contract changes. This presentation will discuss the participatory research methods applied during the design and implementation of the study tool, including steps and timeline. The study population was predominately non-English speaking immigrant women, aged 18 to 70 years, union workers. Worker participation in the study was 70%. The session will also assess the role of academic researchers. The presentation will also describe elements for a constructive partnership between the union and researchers.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify and discuss 4 key elements in designing and conducting participatory research among workers. 2. Articulate issues and challenges when involving workers in the research. 3. Identify and discuss challenges and concerns when building partnerships between the union and academic researchers. This presentation will draw on lessons learned from a year long union inititated study to research workload and psycho-social issues among room cleaners in San Francisco, California. The union was aware of high incidence of musculoskelatal disorder injuries among room cleaners. The results of this study helped the union and the workers achieve a significant workload reduction and other major contract changes. This presentation will discuss the participatory research methods applied during the design and implementation of the study tool, including steps and timeline. The study population was predmoninately immigrant women, aged 18 to 70 years, union workers. Worker participation in the study was 70% The session will also assess the role of academic researchers. Rsearchers from the University of California were recruited to design and conduct the study. The presentation will describe elements for a constructive partnership and the role of the union

Keywords: Union,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Labor Occupational Health Program/ University of California at Berkeley
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA