Utilization of participatory ergonomics for workstation evaluation towards productive manufacturing

Abstract

Principles of workstation configuration decrease work environment ergonomic hazards and improve worker’s productivity. The participatory ergonomics approach is one of the best methods for eliminating or upgrading manual tasks with the aim of reducing the occurrence of related occupational musculoskeletal issue. This study assesses the workstation of a foundry shop in terms of musculoskeletal occurrences and ergonomic hazards employing Ergonomic Symptom Survey, Illumination Measurement, Noise Measurement, and Postural Analysis using REBA and RULA. The molding area average lux reading of 97.12 was far below the recommended light levels set by the DOE. The production area produces unbearable noises. REBA and RULA results reveal that activities in the foundry shop are very risky and need immediate investigation and changes. In general, the workstation is not properly layout. Improvement of material handling equipment such as the use of trolleys, rolling shelves or belt conveyors lessen the transfer time from one process to another leading to reduction of the current production time. In most cases, maintaining health and safety practices provides a much better way for the production performance of the foundry shop as well as its workers.