Analysis of worker strategies: A comprehensive understanding for the prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders

Auteurs

Marie-Eve Major, Faculté des sciences de l'activité physique, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boul. de l'Université, Sherbrooke, J1K 2R1, QC, Canada, CINBIOSE, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, H3C 3P8, QC, Canada
Nicole Vézina, CINBIOSE, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, H3C 3P8, QC, Canada, Département de Kinanthropologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Case postale 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, H3C 3P8, Canada

Type de document

Études primaires

Année de publication

2015

Langue

Anglais

Titre de la revue

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Première page

149

Dernière page

157

Résumé

By documenting the strategies developed by food processing workers to manage their musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in order to remain on the job, the present article seeks to increase awareness of a different "way of approaching" WMSDs inspired by the ergonomic approach centred on work activity analysis. Based on a mixed methods approach, an ergonomic work activity study combined with a multiple case study was conducted. Sixteen female seafood-processing workers were followed up during two consecutive work seasons using a range of interviews as well as observations of work activity throughout the entire study. A large variety of musculoskeletal pain management strategies developed by those workers to remain on the job were identified. This identification and the process of categorizing the strategies led to the development of a framework for studying worker strategies. The mixed methods approach made it possible to better pinpoint and understand obstacles to the development of workplace strategies and then identify avenues for change to improve working conditions. Relevance to industry: The framework constitutes a valuable contribution for the prevention of WMSDs by representing a methodological tool for documenting worker strategies. Very few tools of this kind are currently available for practitioners and researchers. In becoming aware of the existence of such coping strategies, companies can gain a better understanding of the difficulties workers have to cope with. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.

Mots-clés

Évaluation de mesures de prévention, Evaluation of control measures, Troubles musculosquelettiques, Musculoskeletal disease

Numéro de projet IRSST

n/a

Citation recommandée

Major, M.-E. et Vézina, N. (2015). Analysis of worker strategies: A comprehensive understanding for the prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 48, 149-157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2015.05.003