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Ergonomic effects of a management-based rationalization in assembly work - a case study.
S Bao1, S E Mathiassen, J Winkel
1Division of Applied Work Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, S-171 84 Solna, Sweden.
Applied Ergonomics
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Rationalizing an assembly system in Swedish manufacturing led to minimal ergonomic improvements for operators. Changes in market conditions and policy revisions prevented the full implementation of planned ergonomic initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Industrial Engineering
- Occupational Ergonomics
- Manufacturing Systems
Background:
- A Swedish manufacturing company initiated a rationalization of its assembly system to address productivity issues.
- The rationalization plan included deliberate ergonomic considerations to improve operator workload.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the assembly system rationalization on the physical workload of manufacturing operators.
- Assessing changes in muscle load, body postures, and movement patterns post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- Utilized expert observations for qualitative assessment.
- Analyzed company records for production data.
- Conducted direct technical measurements of physical workload parameters.
Main Results:
- The rationalization resulted in only minor changes to muscle load, body postures, and movement patterns.
- Key ergonomic initiatives, such as cross-training and integrated workstation design, were not implemented.
- External market changes and internal policy revisions significantly impacted the project's scope.
Conclusions:
- The implemented rationalization offered limited ergonomic benefits to operators.
- Effective realization of ergonomic potential during system rationalization is contingent upon management culture and external market dynamics.
- Future rationalization efforts should prioritize robust implementation strategies resilient to market fluctuations.