The effectiveness of participatory ergonomics in the red meat packing industry - Evaluation of a corporation

This investigation evaluated the effectiveness of a corporate ergonomics program that used a participatory approach to solving problems related to musculoskeletal hazards. This meat products corporation developed and implemented a structured, centrally managed participatory ergonomics program in 1986. In the years following implementation, the corporation experienced an increase in the crude incidence rate; a significant decrease in the percentage of recordable disorders related to musculoskeletal risk factors; a marked decrease in the lost-time incidence rate; and a marked decrease in total and per capita annual workers' compensation costs. These results were consistent with the inference that an ergonomics program that uses a participatory approach to identifying and solving problems in the red meat packing industry may be effective in reducing the severity of musculoskeletal morbidity and workers' compensation costs.