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

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Abstract
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.