Implementation of the Participative Ergonomics for Manual tasks (PErforM) programme at four Australian underground coal mines

This case study describes the collective lessons learned through the implementation of the Participative Ergonomics for Manual tasks (PErforM) programme at four Australian underground coal mines. Between 13 and 25 days were spent at each site to introduce the programme, train staff in manual tasks risk management, conduct workshops addressing specific tasks, facilitate site-based committees in implementing the results of these workshops, and assist sites implement processes to facilitate ongoing miner participation in reducing injury risks associated with manual tasks. This paper describes the project, presents examples of the risk assessments undertaken and resulting control suggestions; and discusses the varying degrees of success encountered and lessons learned.