Ergolean: quando ergonomia e lean manufacturing integrano il management e la sicurezza aziendale

Abstract

The prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)is defined in accordance with specific European Union directives, enforced in Italy with Legislative Decree 81/2008.Ergonomic conditions of the workplace are considered, in order to properly assess risks, from the planning of activities and work tasks related to human beings. To combat MSDs, companies should apply the principles of ergonomics, together with the satisfaction of customer needs, in a Total Quality Management logic (TQM).Lean Manufacturing aims to increase production but at the same time to reduce waste. The proposed case shows that Ergonomics and Lean Manufacturing, if well integrated, can represent an opportunity for the entire organisation, putting the worker at the centre of improvement. The objective of the case is the study of workstations in a Company in the wood sector located in the Marche Region. The aim is to reduce risk indices resulting from manual handling of loads and repetitive movements, with reference to mandatory and voluntary safety regulations. Therefore, demonstrating that, by decreasing risk factors indices, production down-time can be reduced, and production levels increased. As a result of the analysis of the production line, ergonomically inadequate workstations have been modified, but productivity requirements have not been neglected. For the prevention to be effective on an ongoing basis, it requires the participation and the collaboration of various professionals with the common objective of leading companies to improved productive performances but, without neglecting the health and safety of their workers.