Ergonomic identification and biomechanical evaluation of workers’ strategies and their validation in a training situation: Summary of research

Our goal was to evidence the role of workers in the search for safer manual handling strategies. Different strategies used by expert and novice workers, such as footwork (positioning/displacement), box manoeuvres (handgrips and load tilting) and posture were ergonomically identified. They were biomechanically evaluated to shed light on their potential for safe handling by reducing back loadings, back asymmetries and mechanical work requirements. The experts’ strategies were validated in a training situation and evaluated by two independent studies among novice workers. The first, a control study, showed that free practice did not lead to safer handling practices. The second, a training situation based on observing contrasted performances of experts and novices for footwork, box manoeuvres and back posture, when combined with practice and the search for optimal solutions, prompted the novices to adopt new ways of manoeuvring boxes and positioning themselves that appear safer for back efforts, asymmetries, and mechanical work. These elements should be included in educational programs for safe handling.