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Corporate ergonomics programme at Volvo Car Corporation
Ulla Munck-Ulfsfält1, Annki Falck, Anette Forsberg
1Occ Health Department, Ergonomics, Alviva AB, Volvo, Göteborg, Sweden.
Applied Ergonomics
|January 14, 2003
Summary
Volvo Cars prioritizes environmental care through a comprehensive working environment management system. Success in ergonomics requires a holistic approach, integrating product, process, and people, with training crucial from design to production.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Ergonomics
- Industrial Engineering
Background:
- Volvo Car Corporation emphasizes "Environmental Care" as a core value.
- A long-standing tradition of attention to the work environment has led to a robust management system.
- This includes organizational strategy, policy, standards, and methods for efficient performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline Volvo's approach to improving the working environment and ergonomics.
- To highlight the Production Ergonomics Project as a key initiative.
- To emphasize a comprehensive strategy for achieving ergonomic results.
Main Methods:
- Implementing a working environment management system.
- Developing an organizational strategy for employee participation.
- Applying a comprehensive approach to ergonomics, considering product, process, workplace, individuals, and work organization.
Main Results:
- The Production Ergonomics Project serves as a practical example of these efforts.
- A comprehensive approach is necessary for significant ergonomic improvements.
- Methodical ergonomic work throughout the design and production chain is essential.
Conclusions:
- Effective ergonomics requires a holistic strategy encompassing all aspects of the work environment.
- Training all relevant personnel in load ergonomics is critical for success.
- Continuous, methodical ergonomic work from initial design through to final production is key to achieving Volvo's environmental care goals.