Abstract
This paper discusses an experience of training in ergonomic work analysis (EWA).
Two ergonomists of the National Institute for Research on Working Conditions (INRCT, in French) trained a group of employees in the Brussels plant of a multinational company.
This training took place after having checked about fifty VDU (video display unit) workplaces.
None of these 50 VDU users was aware of the possibilities of adjusting his or her specific workplace. The manager and the union decided to train one or two persons in each department, to enable them to answer minor questions of their unit's employees relating to adjusting their own workplace. It was agreed that more difficult problems raised by the employees would be transferred to external experts.
The paper seeks to analyse the impact of this experience on the VDU workers: are they able to change their working conditions? What exactly did change?
To conclude, some conditions necessary for the success of such training programmes are highlighted.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.