Macroergonomics for women in cold work environments: An instrument for self -assessment and learning

A research study was performed using an Instrument developed to assess the macroergonomic situation of women in cold work environments. Macroergonomics is the branch of ergonomics that takes a systemic view of the environment, technology, the human and his or her organization. The manifestations explored were occupational clothing, outdoor work, lifestyle, health condition, work situation and risks, possibility to affect change, stress, teamwork, women in cold work environments, and the human-machine interface. The Instrument developed consisted of three parts: part one was a self-assessment questionnaire; part two, a planning step, completed both individually and together with management; and part three, an educational text section with individualized targeted training. The Instrument was first given to a pilot group of five women, all very experienced in cold environment work issues, and then to a test group of 30 women, all postal service employees working at least 30% their time outdoors. From the test group, five women were subsequently selected for follow-up interviews. Each subject completed a questionnaire consisting of the manifestation areas, completed the planning step section both individually and together with management, and read the informational text section. The findings indicated that the women's work performance in cold environments was inhibited by both a lack of cold-work-related knowledge and by poor occupational tools and equipment. Results suggest that with targeted training in cold-related topics, the availability of ergonomic clothing and equipment, and greater managerial support, the situation for women in cold work environments can be greatly improved. The Instrument, it is concluded, is also applicable to men with the omission of one female-specific topic area.