Citation

Berthelette D. Safety Sci. 1996; 23(2-3): 133-143.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Seven evaluative studies of ergonomic training programs are synthesized in this article. The training programs were offered to production workers, foremen and occupational health and safety professionals. The main objective of the program's was to provide the participants with conceptual and methodological aids that could help them to improve their working conditions. Most of the programs included theoretical grounding as well as some applications of the acquired knowledge to real working conditions. Most studies in this area focus on the evaluation of program results. Their authors attempt to verify whether or not the programs produced expected outcomes. Post-test and pre-test/post-test designs were the most frequently used research designs. In general, data was collected using questionnaires administered to the individuals participating in the training programs. Study results show that ergonomic training programs contribute to improve working conditions. Further research is needed in order to elaborate an exhaustive theoretical framework dealing with the relationship between programs process and outcomes. Emphasis should be put on the control of biases that could jeopardize the internal and external validity of study results.