Use of scientific ergonomic programmes to improve organisational performance

Abstract

The packaging industry is characterised by ineffective ergonomic programmes that are inadequately implemented, thus failing to yield benefits in an organisation’s overall performance. The aim of the study is to determine an effective scientific ergonomic programme to improve an organisation’s overall performance by aligning these programmes with its business strategy. A quantitative analysis was conducted at two sites of a liquid packaging company in South Africa using a sample of 70 participants from the production and engineering departments. It was found that several factors hindered the effective implementation of ergonomics in the packaging industry. These factors include awareness, human computer interaction, job task design, poor implementation of anthropometric and physiological factors, poor communication, and a disconnection between employees and organisational strategies. It was recommended that the organisation orientate and train employees on ergonomic best practices to create an effective programme to address the operational gaps and enhance the organisation’s overall performance.