Product Description

Watch both the informative session and the case studies on implementing participatory ergonomics from CCOHS Forum III: Leading Workplace Change.

Participatory ergonomic (PE) programs which include the collaboration of workplace parties such as management, health and safety representatives, unions, supervisors and researchers in the research efforts are an increasingly important part of health and safety in many workplaces. These programs provide a valuable opportunity for workplace parties to collaborate on reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The growing presence of PE has been matched by an increasing body of research that examines the process of implementing these programs.

Dr. Theberge’s presentation examines some of the key factors that affect the successful implementation of participatory ergonomics in workplaces. Specific topics include the composition of ergonomic teams, the roles and responsibilities of team members, the process of group consultation among team members and the importance of support among different workplace stakeholders. Discussion of these topics will be illustrated by examples from research conducted by Dr. Theberge and her colleagues as well as other published accounts. Examinations of participatory ergonomics in a variety of contexts will emphasize the importance of understanding the programs as dynamic processes that unfold over time and in the context of particular organizational contexts.

Following Dr. Theberge’s session is a case study session, in which two perspectives on how participatory ergonomics can be successfully applied in the workplace are shared.

One case is told from a management perspective at a manufacturer of polyurethane foam products. Dan Dubblestyne describes the challenges and barriers to implementing ergonomic changes in the workplace, why it’s important to understand these issues, and what can be done to resolve them.

The other case is told from a worker’s perspective in the automotive industry. Wyatt Clark recounts a particularly thorny problem discovered at the design stage right through to its final solution and implementation at full production.

Who should watch

• Health and safety professionals
• Industrial hygienists
• Human resources professionals
• Managers, supervisors and business owners
• Health and safety representatives
• Anyone with health and safety responsibilities

Length: 1.5 hours

About the Webcast

Watching the on-demand webcast is the next best thing to being at the live event.

You’ll see video of the speaker, along with his or her slides, synchronized to the presentation. You’ll hear the presentation through your computer's speakers or headphones – no microphone or telephone is required. And if you want, you can print out the slides and follow along.

Maximize value by inviting colleagues to watch the webcast with you in a boardroom or training room.

After purchasing, you will receive an e-mail containing instructions on how to access the webcast and the presentation slides.

System Requirements

You need to have Adobe Flash Player installed: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/.

About the Presenters

Dr. Nancy Theberge is a sociologist appointed to the Kinesiology and Sociology Departments at the University of Waterloo. She is a member of the Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders and an Adjunct Scientist at the Institute for Work and Health. At the University of Waterloo she teaches courses in work and health and social aspects of injuries in sport and work. Dr. Theberge has conducted extensive research on participatory ergonomics (PE) and the successful implementation of PE programs. She has a related research program on the professional practices of ergonomists and human factors engineers. She has a record of continuing research support from granting councils and government agencies and has published widely in journals in the fields of ergonomics, work, health and sociology. Dr. Theberge has a PhD in sociology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Dan Dubblestyne is the Health, Safety and Environment Director at The Woodbridge Group, a Canadian-owned manufacturer of polyurethane foam products used in automotive seating, furniture, and other engineered product applications. The company has nearly 60 manufacturing locations spread across 20 countries. A health, safety and environment professional with over 25 years of experience, Dan has significantly contributed to the development, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive health, safety and environmental management system at The Woodbridge Group that has facilitated year-over-year reduction of the Corporation’s Incident Rate to its current world-class performance levels.

Wyatt Clark is the CAW National Ergonomic Coordinator / Chrysler Canada, where he is responsible for overseeing all Canadian Autoworker Union’s ergonomic efforts at DaimlerChrysler manufacturing and warehousing facilities across Canada. As co-chair of the Chrysler National Joint Ergonomic Committee, his day to day focus is on future product and process. In addition, Mr. Clark acts as a resource to the CAW National H&S Department in non-auto sectors of the union, serves as a speaker and trainer at the CAW education facility in Port Elgin and sits on the CAW/Chrysler master bargaining committee. Wyatt received his Honors B.H.K. from the University of Windsor and has worked in the auto industry for over 25 years.

Check out all the Forum III sessions available via on-demand webcast

• Leading @ the Speed of Change - Jim Clemmer
• Leadership Within the System – Dr. Julian Barling
• Panel Discussion: Employer and Labour Perspectives on Leadership and Responsibility – Frank Saunders, Cathy Walker
• Towards a National Prevention Strategy for Workplace Violence in Canada – Glenn French, Anthony Pizzino