Experiences from a Participatory Ergonomics Project Among Home Care Personnel, Informal Carers and Unit Leaders in a Swedish Municipality

The aim of this study was to gain understanding and knowledge of experiences from a participative approach, inspired by action research. A qualitative analysis with inspiration from phenomenography was used. Data were collected by observations in real world work situations in care receivers own home environment, by questionnaires and interviews among home care staff, collaborating professionals and informal carers. The findings contribute to an understanding of the complexity between person, environment and task. The study points out that participation for reaching safe work performance is essential regardless if the assistant is employed personnel or an informal carer, and regardless if the matter concerns movement and transfers or personal care.