The raise of ergonomic discussion connected to workers’emancipation: a possibility to expand a wider culture of health and well-being within organizations

Introduction
One of the main goals of ergonomics is the introduction of a culture of health and well-being within organizations as a fundamental element in day-to-day decision making. Previous experiences based on micro-ergonomic analysis which used the “Ergonomic Work Analysis (AET)” methodology revealed that - although the excellent results in implementing improvements in specific situations and in gradual dissemination of the ergonomic concepts (especially regarding the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders) - the company shows several difficulties in the independent development of ergonomic actions without the help of a research group.

Methods
The following study can be considered as a action research approach based on micro-ergonomic analysis of specific work situations using the AET methodology as well as a training program in ergonomics and a strategy for the dissemination of knowledge promoted by a research group.

Results
An ergonomics committee has been created in a university hospital with the main target of introducing a perspective to implement process, health and well-being improvements within the organization. Since workers have direct knowledge of their work, the best way to reduce constraints is to work towards their emancipation: so they will have more influence in their work decisions and in the construction of their health. The committee encouraged workers to enhance cooperation and deliberation on matters related to their work.
Consequently, workers will find problems and solutions directly during the working situations and finally they’ll can experience a relative autonomy in developing procedures and in choosing tools appropriate to their own needs.

Discussion
We can conclude that workers can be an active element to improve working conditions and productivity in all the organization areas of companies. Moreover the growth of ergonomics discussion among workers till the top management can permit a wider expansion of a health and well-being culture inside organization systems.