2.2.Ergonomic evaluation
Ergonomic evaluation followed the participatory Macro ergonomic Work Analysis (MA) method (Guimar~aes, 1999)assuming that worker participation in an ergonomic intervention assures better acceptance of new ideas (Hendrick, 1990; Brown,1995; Nagamachi, 1995, 1996). In the MA there are discussion meetings (named gates) held between each stage of the ergonomic intervention (appraisal, diagnosis, proposal of solutions, prototyping,and validation), which engage workers and keeps them aware of project developments. A total of 77 workers from four sectors of
the company joined the appraisal stage, and 11 volunteer workers from these sectors took part in the prototyping, testing and validation stages. Diagnosis was mainly developed by the University's experts, while proposals for solutions, testing and validation stages involved these experts along with 2 managers and the 11 volunteer workers.