Understanding the transfer of knowledge and skills from training to preventive action using ergonomic work analysis with 11 female VDT users

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Louis Trudel, | Sylvie Montreuil,

Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy Division, Faculty of Medicine | Department of industrial relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Abstract: A qualitative evaluation of 11 VDT users, who participated in a training program for the prevention of musculoskeletal and visual problems, investigated the extent of the application of the taught principles in everyday work. Data were collected over a 2 to 3 day period for each trainee, through an ergonomic work analysis {\it in situ} and semi-structured interviews, followed by recommendations, when appropriate, corresponding to the taught principles. A case analysis and a cross analysis of the data provided information about the developed ability for self-analysis of work regarding posture and visual comfort and what influenced it. A model depicting the process of transfer of knowledge and skills, from the training program to preventive action, was abstracted from data analysis. This model allows both the identification of problems in applying taught principles and the means to readjust the training program.

Keywords: ergonomics, musculoskeletal and visual problems, work self-analysis, transfer of knowledge and skills

Journal: Work, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 171-183, 1999