Citation

Wilson JR. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 1995; 15(5): 329-344.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Participation is sometimes talked of either as an ergonomics panacea -- a solution to all problems, or else as a cumbersome palliative which pays lip service to true involvement. In fact it is neither; participation in workplace redesign, for instance, may provide positive direct and systemic outcomes but may also throw up solutions, side effects and consequences that are unwelcome to say the least. Both these sides of participation are illustrated by this case study of crane control room redesign, a participative process which employed an adaptation of a Design Decision Group's methodology with innovations in terms of in-process solution sourcing and costing. Involvement in the process has led to "continuous improvement", the team of crane drivers continuing to make workspace or environmental changes afterwards in collaboration with company engineers.