Field study of the effects of a self-implemented feedback program on housekeeping performance

Much of the evidence on the efficacy of occupational health and safety feedback programs has come from investigations in which the program was implemented by researchers without the active involvement of the workers. The effetiveness of feedback interventions in actual work situations thus requires testing. The housekeeping performance of three road maintenance areas and one garage was monitored over a 6-17-month period. Follow-up measurements were made after 3-4 years. A multiple baseline across-groups design was used to assess the impact of infrequent (at gradually increasing intervals), publicly posted housekeeping feedback on the housekeeping level. On-site personnel were included in the implementation process. The housekeeping performance improved in all units, and was maintained over a 3-4-year period in two out of four units after gradual termination of the feedback. The results indicate that good and partly permanent results can be achieved in conditions where the responsibility of the implementation is delegated mainly to the workplace. Relevance to industry The study describes an application of a participatory ergonomics process. The methodology worked well in a situation where the responsibility of the implementation was delegated mainly to the workplace. The feedback program could be easily incorporated within a line organization's routine, and therefore it seems suitable for everyday use. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.