Development of the PIPA Method-Participate, Identify, Prioritize, and Act: An Employee-Centered Risk Management Tool for Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Abstract

Objective: The aims of the was to present the development of Participate, Identify, Prioritize, and Act (PIPA) method, a participatory risk management tool to help retail employers identify hazardous work tasks and implement improvements to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods: Using the knowledge-to-action framework, PIPA development involved the following three phases: initial concept design, iterative survey development, and feasibility testing through a pilot study. Phases 1 and 2 included discussions with retail representatives, and phase 3 evaluated user perceptions through a pilot study in two retail stores using semistructured interviews.

Results: The PIPA method captured relevant ergonomic issues and facilitated employee input on potential improvements. Challenges included low participation and difficulties in organizing workshops. Participants highlighted the need for strong communication and flexible engagement strategies.

Conclusions: The PIPA method offers a valuable approach to ergonomic risk management through employee involvement in the retail sector.