Evolving pipe joining methods and their association to musculoskeletal symptoms for residential plumbers.

BACKGROUND: Recently the plumbing trade has transitioned from traditional copper piping to flexible plastic piping (PEX) for residential water distribution systems. However, there has been very limited research into the ergonomic implications of the modernized processes. OBJECTIVE: This research documents the physical workload and risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with the use of new tools and processes for joining piping. The research also identifies the factors which can facilitate or limit the use of new ergonomically beneficial tools. METHODS: This mixed methods research included workplace observations, interviews, an experiment, a survey of plumbers in residential construction and focus groups with both plumbers and plumbing contractors. RESULTS: Advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques for joining pipes showed that manual crimping has advantages (i.e., productivity and lower cost) that make it desirable for plumbing contractors. Power devices, which were not widely used, have great potential to reduce MSD risks especially if the size and weight of the tools decreases with newer technologies. A continuing barrier is the cost of power equipment. CONCLUSION: The move to provide ergonomically beneficial tools was not as rapid as the willingness to change piping materials. Productivity and costs of tools are barriers to ergonomic interventions.

The Path from Survey Development to Knowledge Activism: A Case Study of the Use of a Physical Loads Survey in a Retail Workplace.

Workers at a multi-site retailer were concerned that they were experiencing higher than anticipated work-related musculoskeletal disabilities (MSDs). They approached union leadership and academic researchers and a Participatory Action Research (PAR) project was developed which culminated in a targeted online Physical Loads Survey (PLS). The goal was to initiate discussions to design a preventative collaborative ergonomic program. Survey results confirmed that during a shift, workers had significant exposure to standing, carrying loads of more than 25 lbs, pushing and pulling loads greater than 225 lbs, and repetitive arm and hand movements. The successful survey was the first step in the development of a proactive health and safety program. The union proceeded without management participation and was able to move beyond knowledge creation to knowledge activism and change.

Did you have an impact? A theory-based method for planning and evaluating knowledge-transfer and exchange activities in occupational health and safety.

Few evaluation tools are available to assess knowledge-transfer and exchange interventions. The objective of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a theory-based knowledge-transfer and exchange method of evaluation (KEME) that synthesizes 3 theoretical frameworks: the promoting action on research implementation of health services (PARiHS) model, the transtheoretical model of change, and a model of knowledge use. It proposes a new term, keme, to mean a unit of evidence-based transferable knowledge. The usefulness of the evaluation method is demonstrated with 4 occupational health and safety knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) implementation case studies that are based upon the analysis of over 50 pre-existing interviews. The usefulness of the evaluation model has enabled us to better understand stakeholder feedback, frame our interpretation, and perform a more comprehensive evaluation of the knowledge use outcomes of our KTE efforts.