Characterizing the intensity of changes made to reduce mechanical exposure.

摘要: Interventions to prevent musculoskeletal disorders by reducing mechanical exposures may range from equipment adjustments, through changing workstations and or implementing administrative controls, the design redesign of work processes. Although generally positive, literature reports mixed results for effects such workplace interventions on disorders. We propose that an important factor which influences these is change intensity. This construct includes: body part(s) affected, size exposure magnitude reduction in particular task tasks involved change, time fraction job applies, coverage (proportion workforce affected), adherence (if applicable) change. The intensities changes recently completed as part a participatory ergonomics research program were characterized using this approach. Intensity scores estimated based upon parameters peak cumulative exposures. Changes affecting production system re-design re-configuration judged have medium high intensity, while most other be small Comparisons are made intensity determined published literature. Factors maximize well potential barriers achieving higher described.