An Approach for the Integration of Non-ergonomic Work Design as a New Type of Waste in Lean Production Systems

Abstract

Nowadays, Lean Production Systems are an industry standard implemented to achieve the objectives set by the management. The overall goal is to reduce costs and delivery time as well as to increase quality. By reducing waste, production processes are improved and, in turn, help to achieve these objectives. However, mostly technical or organizational changes are being made. Human Factors and Ergonomics is not seen as a potential for waste so far although non-ergonomic work causes high costs for companies. The paper outlines four different approaches for integrating non-ergonomic work in the framework of Lean Production Systems.