Participatory management of occupational risks: Use of Participatory Ergonomics Groups (GEPs) in health surveillance

Introduction: Employee participation in occupational risk prevention activities is essential for effective risk control. “Bottom-up” techniques, which leverage the knowledge of workers, enhance the acceptability and sustainability of prevention and health promotion initiatives. This paper discusses the use of Participatory Ergonomics Groups (GEPs), a technique developed by the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart more than 20 years ago, to improve occupational risk management. Methods: GEPs involve workers describing their work processes in the presence of the occupational doctor. When the reconstruction of the production flow reveals critical issues, workers are encouraged to propose and discuss potential solutions. The most cost-effective, simple, and widely accepted proposals are then recommended to the company. Results: GEPs have been applied to various problems, including occupational risk assessment, injury prevention, prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, and occupational stress management. Discussion: The doctor in charge of health surveillance can significantly enhance their activities by employing this simple yet powerful technique.