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In both France and abroad, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) remain the most widespread occupational diseases. The scientific literature has established that links exist between the occurrence of MSD and the professional gesture. The aim of this paper is to show how biomechanical analysis helps to create intervention tools implemented in a methodological framework in clinical activity with a view to preventing MSD through analysis of the gesture. The aim of this paper is to analyse how an intervention was conducted within the general methodological framework of occupational psychology using activity-clinic research based on professional gesture analysis and it also benefited from interdisciplinary co-operation with biomechanics. The interdisciplinary methodology employed in relation to eight gravediggers consisted of different steps that included a detailed analysis of the muscular activity of the shoulder and back muscles. The results show that the interdisciplinary methodology makes it possible to widen the potential development zone of the gesture in the gravediggers’ activity by stimulating their professional discussions. The creation of visibility and discussion in the profession of inter- and intra-individual variability has opened up the professional world to new forms of action to prevent MSD.

This paper aims to highlight the importance of developing the capacity of Health, Safety and Working Conditions Committees (“CHSCT” in France) to act for a better integration of primary prevention in the context of change projects. After identifying certain obstacles regularly encountered by these Committees during the mandatory consultation process when implementing a change, our objective is to demonstrate how external expertise can help to develop the empowerment of staff representatives within the Committees. This argumentation is based on a case study of a “resizing” project in a bank. The results suggest a failure to take full account of the future work likely to be required in the design of projects and the importance for the HSCT Committee to adopt a preventive stance. This analysis helps identify possible solutions for taking better account of primary prevention in projects. It also aims to examine how ergonomics can help develop the power to act of HSCT Committees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]