Affiliations: CNRS – LISE/ CREAPT, Paris, France | Ergonomics Department, IdC – University of
Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France | Department of Occupational Medicine, University of
Lyon 1, UMR ESTTE – Université Claude Bernard, Lyon Cedex,
France | CESTP-ARACT, Amiens Cedex, France
Abstract: Objective: This article presents a training course in work analysis
via an understanding of real work. The course was aimed at trade unionists and
was produced by researchers in ergonomics and occupational medicine. Designing
this type of training is closely associated with the history of ergonomics in
France and goes back to the basic principles: training by and for action,
focusing on the concept of activity and the co-construction of knowledge,
involving all actors in the relevant area of work. Participants: One hundred and fifty trade unionists were trained
over a period of 18 months, successfully completing company projects in the
field of occupational health. Methods: The course was organised into seven 3-day modules. Each
module included plenary sessions on fundamental topics relating to health/work,
and small work groups where the trade union projects were prepared, based on
gaining an understanding of the real work involved. Results: There were two types of results: an understanding of the
way work is currently changing and of the consequences of these changes for
workers' health; transformations in trade unionists' representations of work,
giving them a better awareness of health/work relationships, new ways of
transforming work, and also information about the teaching content required
when designing training programmes for trade unionists. Conclusion: Understanding the notion of activity and constructing
interaction with employees are crucial elements for carrying out this type of
project successfully.
Keywords: Training, work analysis, activity, health
