Participatory ergonomics for reducing load and strain in home care work

The aim of this study was to examine the effects and feasibility of an ergonomic intervention on the work content and load of home care workers. The subjects were female home care workers aged 42 +/- 5 yr. They were divided into the intervention group (n = 34) and control group (n = 36). The 1 yr work-site intervention included various ergonomic measures utilizing the developmental participatory approach based on teamwork and training within the work. units, According to the OWAS method the proportion of straight back postures and normal or acceptable work posture combinations increased significantly (p < 0.05) (59 vs. 75% and 60 vs. 75% of working hours, respectively) in the intervention group. In the intervention group, compared to the control group, the subjects' independent decision making and the possibilities to use their own skills and abilities: as well as the possibilities to regulate their work pace increased significantly (p < 0.05-0.01). Almost all subjects (98%) were fairly or very satisfied with the ergonomic intervention, The results and experiences of the study showed that participatory ergonomics was an effective and feasible method for developing work content and for reducing work load in the physically demanding tasks of ageing female home care workers.