Ergonomic Action Research Articles

Inovação e Ergonomia: Novos Produtos, Novos Processos ou Novos Paradigmas

The Ergonomic action can be understood as an innovation process. This requires a costeffective approach. In this sense, the contents of this papers is to discuss the propositions of KOTLER and HORNGREN about new products and new business strategy analysis. These contribution are deployed to proceed a revision of the cost-benefit proposals. The innovation environment, external to the organization and the quantum of knowledge needed to realize these changes are discussed too.

An Effective Office Ergonomic Assessment and Intervention Program

A significant portion of U.S. employees are office based and their work is sedentary. Office ergonomics is relevant to this population of employees to minimize the deleterious effects of static or sustained postures. Occupational health nurses currently conduct ergonomic assessments and provide interventions to decrease physical stressors. This article describes a straightforward process occupational health nurses can use to augment their ergonomic assessment and evaluation activities.

An Effective Office Ergonomic Assessment and Intervention Program

A significant portion of U.S. employees are office based and their work is sedentary. Office ergonomics is relevant to this population of employees to minimize the deleterious effects of static or sustained postures. Occupational health nurses currently conduct ergonomic assessments and provide interventions to decrease physical stressors. This article describes a straightforward process occupational health nurses can use to augment their ergonomic assessment and evaluation activities.

Integration of inspection tasks into machine operators' jobs in the consumer goods industry

Because workers operating machines under mass production conditions frequently have extremely narrow, highly repetitive job contents which result in unilateral strains, a company manufacturing goods for the consumer industry sought to achieve job enrichment in this type of activity by introducing three different inspection tasks to supplement machine operation. A study of 12 workplaces using the Key Features Method, plus the IAD-BKA, OCRA- and RULA procedures and an energy expenditure calculation demonstrated the stress-reducing effect of the job enrichment concept. The EMG analyses performed on four selected muscles over a total of 12 full-shift working days also support the assumption that changes in types of stress will be beneficial. In contrast, the before/after-shift results obtained with the Nitsch Self-rating Scale and the NASA Task Load Index indicated increases in perceived strains and decline in motivation in all subjects – despite the job enrichment action. For this reason further ergonomic job redesign action is proposed.

Intel's incident-free culture: A case study

The occupational ergonomic program that Intel's newly established manufacturing plant in Israel implemented in 1997 helped prevent injuries and also marked the launch of a whole new approach to ergonomics. A key element in the success of the seven-point program was a strong commitment from management, which came to regard this plan as a vital strategic element in the new plant's success. Comprehensive, top-down planning imposed obligations on all elements in the manufacturing spectrum, from suppliers to contractors to employees. Work requirements were set; cooperation with the plant's occupational health professionals was established; and long-term reporting and instruction systems were developed. Extensive ergonomic training was a crucial factor in integrating ergonomic procedures into the organization's day-to-day activities. Along with this instructional program, ergonomic engineers implemented a strict measuring system to ensure that each ergonomic activity would be performed according to schedule. By the time the factory opened its gates and began to produce, a vigorous ergonomic environment had emerged and employees were displaying an ergonomic mindset that also impinged upon their non-work activities. As a result of the successful implementation of the program, Intel's ergonomic program has become a model for Israeli industry. This paper presents a full ergonomic program that besides supplying the Intel plant with solutions was unique enough to impact the whole Israeli industry.

Transmissão do saber prático: as dificuldades do processo ensino - aprendizagem em uma cooperativa autogestionária

O artigo apresenta uma intervenção ergonômica realizada em uma cooperativa de produção de artefatos de couro e de material sintético, principalmente calçados e bolsas. Focaliza-se o processo de transmissão do conhecimento prático acumulado por um associado do grupo aos demais integrantes, todos novatos no ofício. Na conclusão, fornecemos elementos para reflexões acerca dos aspectos particulares às intervenções em empreendimentos solidários, quando comparadas às ações ergonômicas desenvolvidas junto a empresas convencionais, e os obstáculos encontrados para se viabilizar a autogestão.

A contribuição da análise ergonômica ao projeto do produto voltado para a reciclagem

Este artigo apresenta uma análise da desmontagem manual para a reciclagem do produto. A Análise Ergonômica da Atividade dos recicladores é utilizada como uma ferramenta de apoio ao Projeto para Meio Ambiente,através da avaliação das dificuldades na desmontagem do produto. Do ponto de vista econômico, a desmontagem do produto deve ser executada com um custo mínimo, para viabilizar a reciclagem que, atendendo às exigências das indústrias, inclui atividades bastante complexas para separação dos componentes. Estas estratégias de desmontagem e as condições de trabalho dos envolvidos nestes processos podem ser levadas em consideração nas fases iniciais do projeto do produto, o que traria benefícios aos recicladores, às indústrias e, em última análise, ao próprio meio ambiente. O estudo de caso foi realizado na Associação de Catadores de Papel, Papelão e Materiais Reaproveitáveis (ASMARE) e teve como foco a análise da desmontagem da embalagem Politereftalato de Etileno (Pet). O estudo demonstra que a análise das dificuldades derivadas da atividade da desmontagem do produto fornece meios para identificar as características do produto, definidas em projeto, que interferem na desmontagem.

Targeting ergonomics interventions—learning from health promotion

Ergonomics often involves encouraging people to accept change, a process affected by their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. This paper argues that ergonomics projects are likely to have greater success where formal account is taken of these characteristics, and interventions are tailored accordingly. Furthermore, it is suggested that ergonomics can usefully draw upon behaviour change models developed by those concerned with health promotion in the community. One influential model is Prochaska and DiClemente's (Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 19, 276–288, 1982) stage of change framework, which describes recipients of health information as progressing through six stages towards stable healthy behaviour: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and relapse. This recognises the dynamic nature of behaviour change and that, both within and between individuals, responses may vary from failing to acknowledge existence of a health risk, to where something has already been done about it. Proponents of the model contend that interventions should seek to identify recipients’ stage of change and target information and advice accordingly. It is proposed that Prochaska and DiClemente's approach might usefully inform ergonomics activities, particularly when advising with respect to health and safety (e.g. manual handling, upper limb disorders, fall risk, plant safety, etc.) but perhaps also where dealing with other ergonomics considerations (i.e. comfort and performance).

Workplace assessment: a tool for occupational health and safety management in small firms?

This paper discusses the capability of small firms to comply with legislative demands on risk assessment. The results of a national survey show that only a minor fraction of small firms comply. Two case studies demonstrate that small firms are able to meet the demands. An analysis of these cases leads to some hypotheses on the preconditions for compliance. Many firms need a person to mediate legislative demands. The demands for qualifications to fulfil this role are discussed. The conclusion is that it is possible to qualify persons as mediators. Therefore, to stimulate ergonomic activities in small firms resources for such mediators are required. The occupational health services are able to train a staff to undertake the task.

Ergonomics in industrially developing countries: does its application differ from that in industrially advanced countries?

Demographic characteristics of industrially developing countries (IDCs) and some comparisons with industrially advanced countries (IACs), particularly those aspects relevant to ergonomics, are presented. The majority of IDC populations are engaged in subsistence agriculture (the “informal” sector) and consideration is given to the scope for ergonomics interventions, aimed primarily at raising productivity to alleviate the poverty suffered by rural families. Ergonomics issues prevalent in the “formal” sector are also discussed and the importance of finding simple, low-cost solutions through participatory approaches emphasised. The possible contributions of ergonomics to alleviating problems common to both sectors, such as transport, are also indicated and attention is drawn to the difficulties of applying formal standards. The improvement of living and working conditions from incorporating an ergonomics approach into the sustainable livelihoods model, by enhancing human capital, is described in the context of the other livelihood assets. This demonstrates the importance of the cultural dimension for the successful delivery of ergonomics benefits. The application of ergonomics differs between IDCs and IACs particularly through the limited infrastructure in IDCs to support ergonomics activity and interventions. This broaches the different contributions that can be made by ergonomics and occupational health practitioners and implies the need for closer collaboration between these professions.

Ergonomics Activities in the Occupational Health Fields in Japan — Past, Present and Future —

Ergonomics Activities in the Occupational Health Fields in Japan — Past, Present and Future —

Control Room Ergonomic Design: Brazilian Case Studies

This article intends to present the role of Ergonomics as a support to automation processes on companies by presenting ten ergonomic studies for control rooms in public and private Brazilian companies (Hydroelectric, Petrochemical, Steel, Subway Trains and Cellulose industries). These projects were developed within the last ten years by ERGON Projects involved the diagnoses of the existing situation up to the ergonomic design of the future work situation. The first study was in 1987 and was restricted to the ergonomic work analyses in a hydroelectric plant control room. It was then part of a pioneer ergonomic design activity in our industry. Furthermore, the other studies involved designing for work activity transformation. In this article we will debate on the context of such studies, the boundaries of ergonomic design, the ergonomic methodology evolution and the obtained results.

An Intermethodological Articulation Experienced in an Ergonomic Setting of Fishing Boats Aiming at the Design, Ergonomics and Action-Research

This paper aims to show and to discuss some results of a large-time resarch upon the ergonomics problems of fishing in Cabo Frio, 200 km north far from Rio de Janeiro city. By working in a combined Ergonomic Action, Research-Action and Design Methodology perspective, we've looked for establishing the requisites and restraints concerning fishing boat projects, focusing the aspect of habitableness in a sea ambience, because the fishing boat is the workplace in this environment, and that makes it different from boats related to charge or people sea transport.

From Health Needs Assessment to Ergonomic Actions. How to Initiate a Participatory Change Process?

A health promotion process has been launched within a large Belgian university hospital. This presentation outlines the organisational background of the whole process and the rationale underlining the choice of the methodologies used to survey the health needs of the health care workers and to define priorities. In order to elicit effective participation from the staff members, several questions have to be addressed in the transitional phase between problem situations assessment and ergonomic intervention: which channels use to disseminate the information about the survey results, what role for the top management of the hospital and for the ergonomic experts, which support methodologies should be provided for initiating the change process?

“Ship” Approach is a Must to Attain Sustainable Results in Ergonomics

Ergonomics activities in Bali - Indonesia, since its first introduction in 1967, practically covered various economic sectors and utilized various concept and principle in ergonomics. It began in agriculture, tourism and small scale industry, the economic potencies of Bali, then expanded to various economic activities among others the high-tech aircraft industry. The last five years, its activities covered community at large busy with development processes and facing globalisation as well. Although sporadically carried out, practically in term of time, limited available means, knowledge and technical know how, several significant ergonomic improvements have been attained. But 33 years experiences in ergonomics showed afterward that more efforts must be done to make more sustain the results achieved. A more comprehensive approach by involving various factors which might create problems and gave influence to the solution must be considered. It is by carrying out a SHIP (systemic, holistic, interdisciplinary and participatory) approach in which ergonomic could play a significant role due to its characteristic. Such an approach, strongly need people with different disciplines who could work collaboratively in a team, who think and act systematically, holistically and actively participating those who are concerned and committed to the problems. Such an approach must be conducted by future ergonomists working in developing countries.

Asian Ergonomics in the New Millennium

Asia has more than a half of the world population. However, ergonomics has not been widely applied with exceptions of Japan and Korea. Recently, the excitement of ergonomics is being spread to other countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Although there have been two regional conferences, PPCOE and SEA Conference. Asian ergonomists have not met together to discuss their activities in a world conference. Therefore, the objectives of this symposium is to provide the opportunities for them to discuss the current status of ergonomics and possibly joints efforts to promote ergonomics in Asia. At the same time, this symposium intends to introduce the ergonomics activities in Asia to Western and non-Asian ergonomists and to look for new guidance to enhance its activities from the world renowned experts who have experienced in working in Asia with Asian ergonomists. This syposium consists of two sessions: one panel session and one technical session.

A Simple Cost Benefit Analysis for an Ergonomics “Train-The-Trainer” Program

Cost justifying ergonomics interventions is becoming a necessary and important component of any ergonomics program. An ergonomics “Train-the-Trainer” program was established at TELUS in response to recommendations from a study on upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries among telephone operators. The training resulted in the formation of local “experts” or ergonomics teams, who were expected to provide in-house expertise in ergonomics and to assist in the promotion of ergonomics activities in the office on a regular basis. Since the inception of the local teams, there has been a reduction in the incidence and costs of reported upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries in Operator Services. An analysis was undertaken in order to quantify the total savings in dollars that resulted from this program, including savings in claim costs and savings in days lost. Based on the calculations, it was reported that the Ergonomics “Train-the-Trainer” program had resulted in total direct cost savings to TELUS of $163,000 over a two year period. This information was provided to Operator Services management and members of the local ergonomics teams. Ongoing support for the teams and analysis of musculoskeletal injury trends will continue.

Detailed Physical Exposure Assessments in Ergonomics Field Studies

One of the major ergonomics activities in SHARP is to identify risk factors which may cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders in workplaces and recommend effective solutions to help industries to improve their work conditions. Effective identification of risk factors and provision of specific solutions require a sensitive, valid and reliable measurement system. A continuous effort in SHARP has been to develop such a system to fulfill our goals. This paper discusses some major elements in the system, i.e. measurement of physical exposures of the operators, quantification and documentation of task distribution of jobs, and establishment of relationships between physical exposure measurement and task operations. Three field applications (wood processing, poultry processing and data entry jobs) of this measurement system are presented in this paper.

Ergonomic strategies for improving working conditions in some developing countries in Asia.

Ergonomic action is growing in Asia in response to increasing local needs. Recent studies in some developing countries in Asia commonly developed and applied widely-applicable measures for assessing local needs in field conditions including small enterprises and agriculture. For this purpose, carefully examining the actual workplace conditions of the local people was essential. Consequently, a number of field studies could contributed to improving the working conditions of the local people in materials handling, workstation design, work organization and work environment by using available local resources. Building on local capacity and practice, action-oriented ergonomics training has also been developing and spreading into many workplaces. Various non-expert human resources including local government units, trade unions, industrial associations and the agricultural sectors have been mobilized to act as participatory trainers in the action-oriented ergonomic training programmes. Training tools such as action checklists, good local examples and group work dynamics have been developed and applied to such training activities. Learning from local achievements and focusing on locally available resources, ergonomists have facilitated these local action processes by developing action-oriented training tools and training local trainers. It was confirmed that a number of ergonomic improvements could be formulated by the self-help initiative of the local people when participatory action tools and training were provided. Developing flexible and dynamic ergonomic research and training methods to meet the diversifying needs of the local people will continuously be important. Ergonomists' efforts to cover the wider population and workplaces need to be strengthened and accelerated.

Dynamic Shoulder Loads in Reaching and Materials Handling Tasks

This presentation describes the dynamic shoulder moments and peak strength requirements resulting from the performance of typical arm reach and materials handling tasks. It is shown by a dynamic biomechanical analysis that normal right arm reaches to the glove box or passenger door in a vehicle will cause peak moment loads sufficient to exceed the expected strengths of some drivers, particularly women. Using a similar biomechanical analysis of lifting and lowering 10 Kg and 20 Kg loads (both manually and with mechanical assistive devices) the peak strength requirements on both shoulders would exceed about one-third of women's capabilities (particularly when attempting to move the load with a large articulated balance arm device). It is concluded that such tasks are quite stressful to the shoulder musculoskeletal system, and should be given greater attention in job and vehicle ergonomic studies and modeling activities.