Related Experiment Videos
Corporate ergonomics programme at BCM Airdrie. Boots Contract Manufacturing
1Boots Contract Manufacturing, Motherwell Street, Airdrie, Scotland ML6 6TJ, UK. Joanne.Smyth@bcm-ltd.co.uk
Applied Ergonomics
|January 14, 2003
Summary
This study details an ergonomics program designed to proactively manage musculoskeletal risks in manufacturing and packaging jobs. The program involves engineers and trained shop-floor personnel to control risks associated with equipment and packaging design.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Industrial Engineering
Background:
- Manufacturing and packaging roles present significant risks to musculoskeletal health.
- BCM Airdrie site employs manual loading and high-frequency assembly tasks.
- A proactive approach is needed to manage these occupational health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and coordinate an ergonomics program for risk control.
- To proactively manage musculoskeletal risks in new and existing equipment and processes.
- To detail an evolved ergonomics program for a manufacturing site.
Main Methods:
- Appointed an ergonomist to lead the program.
- Integrated ergonomics procedures with engineering design projects.
- Trained 'Ergonomics Champions' on packing lines for risk monitoring.
Main Results:
- Developed a program involving engineers in ergonomics procedures.
- Established a process for integrating ergonomics into engineering design.
- Implemented shop-floor personnel involvement through trained champions.
Conclusions:
- The developed ergonomics program effectively manages musculoskeletal risks.
- Proactive management of risks is achievable through integrated engineering and shop-floor involvement.
- Continuous monitoring by 'Ergonomics Champions' is crucial for sustained risk control.