Purpose
Kogi (2006) sought to determine the type of approach taken when using the participatory methods in the attempt to realize the ergonomic needs present in different work settings. The author also wanted to determine how far improvements resulting from the application of the participatory methods differed with respect to varying work settings. Finally, the study sought to identify the support measures that are best in aiding participatory action in local settings.
Method(s)
The author reviewed five programs in different Asian countries. These programs were meant for small-scale and medium businesses that represented an underserved group of workers. The first program was a WISE methodology that was formulated by the International Labour Organization. This was applied in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. The second program was a program that was action-oriented and meant to lower the level of risk in construction sites. This program was applicable in Mongolia and Japan, among other countries. The third program was the WIND program that was meant to help farmers to improve their workplaces. It covered Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The fourth program was the WISH program that was meant for home workers. Finally, the fifth program involved the POSITIVE method meant for empowering trade union members. The program was meant for Japan, Nepal, and Vietnam, among other Asian countries. The programs were offered as a series of short courses. The author then compared the programs in terms of their approaches. Kogi (2006) also examined the achievements made by using these methods before finally looking into how the programs could be networked.
Description
The author identified that the participatory methods, especially the WISE method, emphasized good local practices. Moreover, the five programs were implemented as short-term courses with a focus on localized and basic ergonomic tenets. There was also an emphasis on occupational hygiene. The participatory methods also aimed at improving workplace design, thereby increasing productivity through reduced work stress. The author described the successful use of the WISE project in the Philippines between 1994 and 1997, the success story of the WIND activities in Vietnam from the late 1990s, and the successful POSITIVE activities in Nepal since 2000.
Kogi (2006) approved these programs on the basis of their low-cost nature, yet they achieved tangible improvements. The improvements were most notable in technical areas like welfare facilities. Implementation rates were higher in such areas. The author concluded that the participatory methods should be used in such a way that they help local people in various technical areas in their workplaces.
On the issue of having measures to help in local participatory actions, Kogi (2006) established that it was important to tailor the methods to suit the local people. In this regard, it was important to train locals so that they would help in spreading the participatory methods and their benefits to the other locals. Modifications in the programs were seen as necessary to help address the local needs. The research established that trainers needed to be supported at all levels by providing all the necessary materials. The author also noted that networking among partner institutions in different countries helped a lot in creating and disseminating the participatory methods. Core trainers were found to be important individuals in promoting inter-country networking. The researcher concluded by proposing that participatory methods should be adapted to various work settings across different countries to improve ergonomics.
Evaluation
The article by Kogi (2006) is a detailed and informative research paper that has a positive contribution in the field of ergonomics because it proposes the use of workable participatory methods that are easy to customize for different work settings. The researcher did commendable work by introducing the topic well, establishing the purpose of the study, describing the methodology and the results, and providing a discussion of the findings as required in scientific research. The only negative thing about the article is that the language used is complex to the extent that one has to read the article severally to grasp everything the author intended to communicate.