Using Participatory Ergonomics to Improve Health and Safety in Commercial Lobstering in the United States: 2 Case Studies

The lobster-harvesting industry has a high occupational injury incidence compared to land-based industries. Participatory ergonomics methods were used to partner with lobstermen to develop and implement ergonomic improvements. The model included training in ergonomics principles, a forum for ergonom...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:New solutions 2022-08, Vol.32 (2), p.132-143
Main Authors: Fulmer, Scott, Scott, Erika, Punnett, Laura, Buchholz, Bryan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Belt conveyors
Case studies
Ergonomics
Ergonomics - methods
Hauling
Humans
Intervention
Materials handling
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Norms
Occupational Diseases - epidemiology
Occupational Diseases - prevention & control
Occupational health
Occupational Injuries - epidemiology
Occupational safety
Participatory ergonomics
R&D
Research & development
Shellfish
Social norms
Traps
United States
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Summary:The lobster-harvesting industry has a high occupational injury incidence compared to land-based industries. Participatory ergonomics methods were used to partner with lobstermen to develop and implement ergonomic improvements. The model included training in ergonomics principles, a forum for ergonomics discussions, and a sequence of meetings planned to focus on problem identification, intervention, evaluation, and dissemination of findings. One crew initiated 3 specific actions: the introduction of a conveyor belt to assist material handling at a local lobstering pier, the installation of a star block at the space for hauling traps onto the boat, and the initiation of a design process for improved mechanical assistance for hauling traps onto the boat. The other crew took action to reduce force and postural exposures by creating a short video intended to disseminate ergonomic ideas to other lobstermen. The influence of important cultural norms was observed for future research and development in the community.
ISSN:1048-2911
1541-3772
1541-3772
DOI:10.1177/10482911221096774