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Participatory Approach for Ergonomics Intervention: A Review

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Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Innovative Product Design

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering ((LNME))

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Abstract

Recently, Participatory Ergonomics (PE) approach has been broadly accepted as a system to minimize musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated injuries among the workers. This review emphasizes on specific topics such as critical success factors of PE approach, conceptual framework for implementation of PE programs, effectiveness and measure elements for successful implementation of PE programs. The literature is preferred from reputed ergonomics journals by refining abstracts and titles utilizing selected words such as ‘intervention’, ‘ ergonomic’, and ‘participatory’, and by analyzing the abstracts and findings the 62 articles have been preferred for this review. The review aims to analyze the usual elements and obstructions associated with PE intervention program, thereby giving the recommendations for future research.

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Mishra, Y., Meena, M.L., Dangayach, G.S. (2021). Participatory Approach for Ergonomics Intervention: A Review. In: Deepak, B.B.V.L., Parhi, D.R.K., Biswal, B.B. (eds) Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Innovative Product Design. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9853-1_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9853-1_7

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