Implementation of Ergonomic Interventions using Participatory Program Method of PErforM

Background and Objectives: Exposure limit of employees with ergonomic risk factors should be managed based on domestic and international laws and regulations. Manual tasks are tasks due to which a person is required to use part of the body to lift, lower, push, pull, carry and hold the material. The purpose of this study was to introduce ergonomics with the implementation of the PErforM Participatory ergonomics program. Methods: The present study was carried out on all employees working in the Reactor Charging Unit of a resin company during the year 2017. The participatory ergonomics for manual tasks (PErforM) Method was used to manage ergonomic risks due to manual tasks. After holding several training sessions, ergonomic risks have been identified and evaluated using the ManTRA (Manual Tasks Risk Assessment) tool and also by staff. Then interventions suggested by the staff using the DotMocracy tool were eventually implemented. Also, the proposed interventions were simulated before implementation, in order to assess interventions’ implementation. Results: The tasks of pushing pallets containing 800 kg bags and machines with 25 kg bags were identified as risky manual tasks using ManTRA. After the interventions using participatory ergonomics, the intensity of repetitive tasks and force in the areas of the hands, shoulders and lower back were reduced. Conclusion: Generally, the PErforM has a high capacity to modify employee’s exposure to ergonomic risk factors, as well as to discover effective, simple, and effective control strategies. However, achieving this goal requires the promotion of ergonomic knowledge and management commitment.