Activity-Centered Ergonomics applied to Quality of Life at Work: role, importance, and contribution of the Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA)

Background: the classical method of activity-centered ergonomics, the Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA), is now consolidated in the labor sciences field as an effective tool to operationalize the perspective of understanding labor in order to transform it.

Objective: this study reports the heterodox use of EWA, specifying its instrumental role at the micro-ergonomic analytical level of the following approach: “Activity-Centered Ergonomics Applied to Quality of Life at Work (AEA_QLW)”.

Methods: the specific demand analysis, the starting point of EWA, originated from managers, directors and technicians in the Brazilian public service, is the origin of this approach, which articulates Activity-Centered Ergonomics and Quality of Life at Work.

Results: based on the overall view of the theoretical and methodological principles of AEA_QLW, this study illustrates the unique application of EWA, specifying its role, the importance, and the contribution as essential instrumental resource for a deeper assessment of the factors that impact QLW in organizations.

Conclusion: the results produced by the application of AEA_QLW have generated recommendations for the surveillance, care and promotion of occupational health and safety activities inside organizations.

activity-centered ergonomics; Ergonomic Work Analysis; quality of life at work