ErgoKita: an example of an ergonomic intervention in the education sector

This case study examines the ErgoKita project, which studied risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in nursery-school teachers and the effects of an intervention. It started with physiological work measurement, covering awkward postures such as sitting and lifting, and included provision of ergonomic equipment.

Furniture designed for adults and not only for children promoted workers’ health. Worker participation in decision-making encouraged buy-in and raised awareness, changing behaviour off the job as well as at work. The participatory ergonomic approach has been applied successfully in many sectors, and the intervention is transferable to other day nurseries and other countries.