Implementation of a participatory ergonomics program in construction – Facilitators and barriers

Objectives: The construction industry continues to experience high rates of musculoskeletal injuries. Participatory ergonomics (PE), has been suggested as one approach to engage workers and employers in implementation of solutions, although a recent systematic review of PE programs showed inconclusive results with gaps in facilitators and barriers evidence. In this presentation we will: 1. describe a PE training for construction workers; 2. describe the process evaluation used; 3. describe facilitators and barriers to program implementation. Methods: Workers were recruited from partnering contractors. Researchers conducted ergonomic assessments to identify the high-risk work tasks. Using examples from these assessments, we trained workers in ergonomic principles and how to identify and implement solutions to these tasks. We triangulated data from surveys, researcher field observations, interviews, focus groups, and work logs to identify the facilitators and barriers to the program implementation, program fidelity, and worker participation. Results: Workers are active participants, identifying problem tasks and potential solutions. They are motivated to implement solutions but their ability to do so is limited by the barriers in construction including the availability of innovations and the variability in their work tasks. We will present the researchers' description of the training context and implementation and discuss the most important facilitators and barriers. Conclusions: Participatory ergonomics programs, though suggested as an effective way for infusing ergonomics into the construction industry, have shown inconsistent results. Identification of the facilitators and barriers of implementation will facilitate the delivery, evaluation, and real-world use of these programs.