Affiliations: SafetyNet, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada | Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education,
McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada | Department of Kinanthropologie, Université du
Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada | Department of Management, University of Sherbrooke,
Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Scott N. MacKinnon, PhD,
Co-Director – SafetyNet Center for Occupational Health & Safety
Research, INCO Innovation Centre RM 3054, Memorial University of Newfoundland,
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1C 5S7. Tel.: +1 709 737 7249 (SafetyNet);
Fax: +1 709 737 7257; E-mail: smackinn@mun.ca
Abstract: This case study reviews the knowledge transfer (KT) process of
implementing a knife sharpening and steeling program into a poultry processing
plant via a participatory ergonomics intervention. This ergonomics intervention
required stakeholder participation at the company level to move a
'train-the-trainer' program, developed in Québec, Canada, into action on
the plant's deboning line. Communications and exchanges with key stakeholders,
as well as changes in steeling and production behaviours were recorded. The
intervention was assumed to be at least partially successful because positive
changes in work operations occurred. Ergonomic-related changes such as those
documented have been cited in the academic literature as beneficial to worker
health. However, several components cited in literature that are associated
with a successful participatory ergonomics intervention were not attained
during the project. A Dynamic Knowledge Transfer Model was used to identify KT
issues that impacted on the success of train-the-trainer program. A debriefing
analysis reveals that a failure to consider key participatory ergonomics
factors necessary for success were related to capacity deficits in the
knowledge dissemination strategy.
