Effectiveness and implementation of a participatory ergonomics program for workers on sickleave due to low back pain. a randomized controlled trial

Effectiveness and implementation of a participatory ergonomics program for workers on sickleave due to low back pain. a randomized controlled trial

TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Anema, J.R.
Steenstra, I.A.
Bongers, P.M.
de Vet, H.C.W.
Knol, D.L.
Loisel, P.
van Mechelen, W.

Pikaar, R.N. (editor)
Koningsveld, E.A.P. (editor)
Settels, P.J.M. (editor)

2006

To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a participatory ergonomics (PE) program a randomized controlled trial was conducted with workers sicklisted 2-6 weeks due to non specific LBP. Participants were randomized to the PE-intervention (n=96) or usual care (n=100). The PE-program consists of a workplace assessment, ergonomic interventions and case management involving all stakeholders. The median time to full return-to-work for workers with the PE-intervention was 77 days vs. 104 days for workers without this intervention (p=0.018). PE-intervention was effective on return-to-work rate (HR = 1.7 [95% CI 1.2 to 2.3]; p=0.003). Workers with a PE-intervention improved more on functional status and pain intensity than workers without this intervention, but this was not statistically significant. Ergonomic solutions were targeted more at work design and organisation of work (58.9%) than at workplace and equipment design (38.9%). Almost half (48.9%) of the ergonomic solutions were completely or partially implemented within three months after the first day of sickleave. Most workers were satisfied about the PE-program (median 7.8 on a 10-point scale). Main obstacles to implementation according to the ergonomists were technical or organizational difficulties (50.0%) and physical disabilities of the worker (44.8%). The conclusions are: The PE-intervention had a positive effect on return-to-work of workers sicklisted due to subacute low back pain. The compliance, acceptance and satisfaction related to the PE-program were good for all participants.

Randomised controlled trial
Ergonomic intervention
Low back pain
Return to work

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e8cc405d-10b7-47e0-a284-7a63566c0e45

981359

Elsevier, Oxford

International Ergonomics Association (IEA) 2006, 16th World Congress on Ergonomics "Meeting diversity in ergonomics", Maastricht, 10-14 July

conference paper