Inserting cost effectiveness to the ergonomic equation when considering practical solutions

Abstract

From a practical point of view, the cost effectiveness of ergonomic solutions is often questioned. Many times managers omit ergonomic solutions because of their high cost. This paper introduces a way to implement cost effective ergonomic solutions by coupling computer-aided design and predetermined motion time systems. This is done by generating a comparison between the operation times and body motions used in existing and safer work situations. We demonstrate using two case studies how solutions may impact operation times and stress, to which workers are subjected, which may be expressed in relaxation allowances required for resting and recovery. The ‘final product’ which may interest management the most, the ergonomic recommendations, is presented in easy to understand figures and numbers, including time to return on investment on relevant ergonomic solutions, which becomes possible when suggested improvements to work-situations are translated to time and cost.