Work Station Research Articles

Relocating a highly complex 5 million test per year hospital based laboratory - what you should know and what you should avoid

Abstract Introduction/Objective A highly complex hospital based laboratory performing 5 million test per year in New York City was commanded to relocate due to a clinical department need to expand. This presented a challenge regarding the obtention of a suitable new space within the existing facility, the architectural design to optimize the performance of both Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, the choice between acquirring brand new instrumentation versus relocation of the existing instruments. At the same time, we had to interact with hospital wide Facilities Management and Information Services/ Electronic Medical records. In addtion, for quality improvement and to alleviate the shortage of licensed technologist in our state, it was decided that a robotic line was to be implemented in the new facility. Methods/Case Report Several space options were assessed. Once the most suitable space was found a decision was made to move in two phases, Anatomic Pathology first, and subsequently Clinical Pathology. New work stations were purchased for Anatomic Pathology. New instruments were obtained for Chemistry, Immunology and Hematology. All instruments were validated.. Our laboratory information system had to be upgraded in order to support the robotic line, which is to be implemented after the Clinical Laboratory move. This will facilitate the expansion of in house provision of laboratory services to outpatient facilities / clinics expandin our outreach. The new space includes room to expand as well as abundant swing space. Our next phase includes the relocation of our Blood Bank and expansion of our Microbiology Services Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Due to delays in the obtention of the State Occupational permit the move was postponed several times. It was decided to move in two phases, once the permit was received. The Laboratory successfully moved in a two week period, and was fully operational overnight. Conclusion The Laboratory successfully moved in a two week period, and one week later we underwent a routine State inspection, in which the rigourous inspectos encountered very few deficiencies. The Laboratory is fully operational to the satisfaction of our clinical departmenst and preparing to the next phase including Blood bank and expanding our outreach program

Evaluation of exposure to volatile organic compounds (BTEX) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in gas station workers and oxidative stress assessment in Karaj city

Gas stations are one of the sources of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) and polyromantic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the level of breathing exposure of gas station workers to BTEX, PAHs and oxidative stress caused by exposure to these compounds in Karaj city. Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the mechanisms involved in the toxicity caused by exposure to gas vapors. In this study, all 25 gas stations in the city of Karaj were investigated. Personal sampling and analysis of BTEX and PAHs was done according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 and 5515 methods, respectively. Finally, oxidative stress markers were investigated in 25 gas station workers and 25 control group. The results showed that the mean age and employment history of gas station workers are 39.96 ± 9.55 and 12.84 ± 6.92, respectively. Also, no significant difference was reported between gas station workers and control subjects in terms of oxidative stress parameters including the level of ROS, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. The concentration values of personal exposure of gas station workers to BTEX and PAHs are lower than the occupational exposure limits (OEL). Although the level of oxidative stress parameters in gas station workers is higher than the control group, this difference is not statistically significant (p>0.05). It is recommended to take personal protection measures in case of chronic exposure.

Dynamic workload balancing to part input sequencing for integrated scheduling decision-making of flexible manufacturing systems

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) are crucial in contemporary manufacturing environments because they provide the required agility and adaptability to face volatile customer demands. Balancing workload among different work stations of an FMS is essential to ensure optimal resource utilization, minimize idle times, and improve overall system performance. This research is aimed to study the application of dynamic workload balancing to part input sequencing for integrated FMS scheduling decision-making. In this work, we propose an online algorithm that balances workload dynamically in FMSs. A mathematical model of FMS scheduling integration is presented. The proposed approach schedules tasks not only on machines but also on the robot responsible for part movement within a shop floor. The proposed approach is evaluated in two aspects of comparison and analysis. Data analysis is made by simulation experiment and statistical analysis. Conclusions with managerial implications for practical applications and future research suggestions are provided.

Factors affecting Implementation of Primary Health Care Services among Nurses in Level 3 Health Facilities in Kiambu County, Kenya

Primary health care is instrumental to delivery of quality basic health care services in communities. Its significance lies in ensuring that appropriate basic healthcare services are offered to all who need them competently, fairly and efficiently based on a people-centered approach. The study therefore sought to assess the factors affecting implementation of primary health care services among nurses in level 3 health facilities in Kiambu County, Kenya. This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 141 nurses who worked in level 3 health facilities in Kiambu County and recruited using simple random sampling technique. They responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Data was probed descriptively with measures including proportions along with counts utilizing SPSS version 25.0. Relationships in study attributes were probed with chi-square test at 95% CI with outcomes shown in tables and figures. From the findings, majority (91.5%, n = 129) of the nurses rated the level of implementation of primary health care services in their work stations as sub-optimal. The factors found to strongly correlate with the poor implementation of the primary health care services were inadequate number of available healthcare personnel (p = 0.002); poor or low remuneration of health care providers (p = < 0.000); poor supply of essential medicine/drugs (p = 0.011); unavailability of essential medical equipment (p = 0.000); poor planning of the PHC programs (p = 0.024); lack of or inadequate support to HCPs from the hospital management (p = 0.013) and significant underfunding of the primary health care services (p = 0.001). Efforts are therefore required on the part of relevant stakeholders in Kiambu County to address the various factors that impede effective delivery of primary health care services

Station-rotation blended learning model in science education a case study for rural classrooms

ABSTRACT This study investigates the implementation of the station-rotation blended learning model in science education within rural classrooms in Turkey. The research employs a case study approach to explore the learning experiences of 5th-grade students as they engage with this model. Throughout the implementation, teacher-led instruction, online instruction, and independent work instruction stations were established, and students rotated between these stations. The participants include eight 5th-grade students, comprising five girls and three boys, aged 10-11. Data were collected through focus group interviews, open-ended questionnaires, reflective diaries, and a researcher diary including researcher observations. The students expressed positive sentiments, stating that they learned better in the teaching process, found the lessons enjoyable, acquired independent learning skills, gained different perspectives, improved their peer teaching and collaboration skills, and experienced increased interest in the subjects. However, they also reported negative experiences, such as limited classroom space, issues during station transitions, and insufficient time. Additionally, students mentioned facing the most difficulty with the independent work station, finding the online station the most entertaining, and considering the teacher-led station to provide the most information. Finally, two models for the implementation of the station-rotation model in science classes, tailored for small and large classes, are proposed.

Biochemical study of the effect of lead exposure in nonobese gasoline station workers and risk of hyperglycemia: A retrospective case-control study.

Evaluate the relationship between blood lead (Pb) levels and other biomedical markers and the risk of diabetes in gasoline station workers. The participants were separated into 2 groups: group A consisted of 26 workers from gasoline filling stations, while group B comprised 26 healthy individuals. Serum levels of malondialdehyde, IL-1β, visfatin, insulin, fasting blood sugar, and vitamin D were assessed. Mean Pb level was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (almost 2.9 times higher levels) (14.43 ± 1.01 vs 5.01 ± 1.41, µg/dL). The levels of visfatin (23.19 ± 0.96 vs 3.88 ± 0.58, ng/mL), insulin (22.14 ± 1.31 vs 11.26 ± 0.75, mU/L), fasting blood sugar (118.4 ± 26.1 vs 82.7 ± 9.2, gm/dL), malondialdehyde (6.40 ± 0.27 vs 1.62 ± 0.21, nmol/mL), and IL-1β (330.25 ± 10.34 vs 12.35 ± 1.43, pg/mL) were significantly higher in group A, meanwhile; vitamin D (11.99 ± 1.55 vs 35.41 ± 3.16, ng/mL) were significantly lower in group A. A positive association exists between blood Pb levels and increased inflammatory markers. Lead exposure increases serum insulin and fasting blood sugar, which suggests that it is diabetogenic and that increased inflammation is a possible cause.

Employee and Management Preparedness in Facing Fire Disasters at Public Fuel Filling Stations in Pinrang District

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the preparedness of employees and management in dealing with fires at Public Fuel Filling Stations in Pinrang District. Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Disaster experiences influence a person's preparedness according to the theory of Havwina (2016) and Sadeka (2020), Experience in the past will have an influence on behavior in the future, so that it becomes a learning. Method: The method used is mixed methods, which is a research step by combining two pre-existing forms of research, namely qualitative research and quantitative research. This study involved 121 respondents using purposive sampling techniques, of which 112 respondents filled out the employee preparedness questionnaire and 9 respondents as informants to assess management preparedness. Variables were measured using a questionnaire and indept interview. Results and Discussion: The results showed that there was a significant relationship between disaster experience and emergency response plan, early warning system, resource mobilization and employee preparedness. The results also showed that there was no significant relationship between disaster experience and knowledge. In addition, disaster experience also affects management preparedness. The findings of this study support that disaster experience affects employee and management preparedness.. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insight into how the results may be applied or influence practice in the field of occupational safety and health. These implications may include public fuel station workers who have highly fire-prone workplaces. Originality/Value: This research can contribute to improving occupational health and safety which can have an impact on preparedness of employees and management. The results of this study can help employees and management by educating them about the elements that can cause a decrease in performance elements that can improve preparedness in the face of fire hazards that may occur in the future.

Evaluation of Performance Enhancement in Garment Industry Using Lean Tools

The comprehensive idea of lean manufacturing emphasizes the identification and removal of wastes related to production. Increased productivity, shorter lead times, improved line balancing, lower work in progress (WIP), higher quality, more adaptable designs, lower costs, etc. are all major objectives of applying lean tools. This study aims to investigate how lean manufacturing techniques might enhance manufacturing efficiency in Bangladeshi RMG sector. The sewing section of a small scale garment industry was the focus of this study. In the study, the existing line layout of a trouser style was examined using value stream mapping which contributed to the identification of numerous waste in the existing layout. In order to change the current status of the sewing section, the workplace was organized by 5S tools to remove wastes identified by VSM followed by altering the conventional longer line layout into three cell of work station as suggested by cellular manufacturing. After implementation of these lean tools, results observed include, production output is increased by 17.80%, efficiency is increased by 12.46%, SMV of product is standardized to 18.68 min., defects per hundred units is reduced to 10% and order change over time is reduced by 37%. The conclusions reached during the execution of this implementation study are realistic and applicable in industries with similar structures. GUB JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, Vol 10(1), 2023 P 27-36

Design of Table and Chairs for Packaging Tempe Chips Work Station for Reducing the Risk of Occupational Diseases in Putra Tunggal Home Industry Wonosobo

Home Industry Putra Tunggal Wonosobo is a tempeh chip industry whose production process is manual, so it can have a negative impact on worker ergonomics. Preliminary research was conducted by interviewing pain complaints and assessing work posture using the OWAS method. The tempeh chips packaging workstation was the workstation that had the most pain complaints at 67.86% (19 of 28 body parts) and the highest OWAS score at 4, so this was at high risk of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders. The next study used the NBM questionnaire to analyze the level of pain due to work and RULA for work posture. CATIA software was used to design tables and chairs, as well as assess the posture of the design results using the RULA method. Worker performance will be compared before and after using tables and chairs based on the level of body pain due to work (NBM) and work posture (RULA). The research results showed a decrease in the risk of work-related diseases by 80 and 78 to 40 and 44 (from high to low-risk levels) as well as a decrease in the RULA score from 7 (dangerous posture) to 2 (good posture).

Line Balancing Analysis Using Ranked Positional Weight and Region Approach Method in Nail Production

At the moment industrial development, there is open competition on a national and international scale, the manufacturing and service industry sectors are developing very quickly. To create good, quality products and efficiency, the company must have a good track balance. As is the case in nail production. CV. XYZ is a company engaged in manufacturing. This company is located in the city of Sidoarjo, East Java. The aim of this research is to improve the balance of the work station trajectory of the nail production process at CV. XYZ. The method used in this research is the Region Approach and ranked positional weight. The best method chosen for this problem is the Region Approach method, because this method has the greatest line efficiency (68.17%), the smallest balance delay (31.83%), and the smallest smoothes index (100.63), so this method was chosen as the best method and can improve line balancing conditions in the company. The increase in line efficiency from 54.68% using the company method to 68.17% using the Region Approach method can occur due to a reduction in the number of work stations from 5 work stations as well as a decrease in the number of smoothing indexes from 168.20 to 100.63. which indicates that there is an increase in balance between work stations.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue and stress among gas station workers in China: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are disorders of the musculoskeletal system that have the highest prevalence among workers worldwide. Workers in gas stations usually work in poor ergonomic working conditions, including...

Quality control of garment product using DMAIC Six Sigma

Quality control is intended to ensure that the products are in accordance with the predefined standards. PT. XYZ is a garment company that manufactures products with global target market. Hence, product quality assurance becomes an important issue for PT. XYZ. This research focuses on the Just Brand-MCJA216142 jacket product at the sewing work station on line-4 of PT. XYZ. Preliminary observations show that the number of reworked-products was experiencing an increasing trend. This study aims to determine whether the company has carried out quality control properly. Specifically, the research objectives are to identify the type and level of product defects, identify the factors causing product defects, and provide proper improvement suggestions to reduce the occurrence of product defects. This study applied DMAIC (Define–Measure–Analyze–Improve–Control) Six Sigma concept. The results showed that the quality of the Just Brand-MCJA216142 jacket product has exceeded the Indonesian industry average and is classified as the USA industry average. However, quality improvement is still needed since the products are targeted for the export market. Based on Pareto diagram at the Analyze stage, it was found that the most dominant defects occurred in the Just Brand-MCJA216142 jacket production process were broken threads and puckering. The frequency of occurrence for these two types of defect reaches 23% of the total 16 types of defects. The defects were caused by human, machine, material, method, and environmental factors. Recommendations for improvement at the Improve stage are based on root cause analysis of each causative factor that is identified using a fishbone diagram. This research results strengthen the previous related researches regarding the effectivity of DMAIC Six Sigma for analyzing quality control of products.

Optimization of Production Process by Applying Theory of Constraint (TOC) at CV. Wijaya Mandiri Label

CV. Wijaya Mandiri Label is a company engaged in the printing industry sector located in Sidoarjo which provides printing services inside and outside Sidoarjo. In the production process, problems arise after several years of operation at work stations that cause bottlenecks in the production capacity of bontax and OPP sticker printing, thus hindering the production process to run optimally. This resulted in an inefficient sticker production process in meeting targets that made throughput not optimal. To overcome these problems, researchers conducted research that explored the use of Theory of Constraints (TOC) and supporting methods, namely linear programming, to optimize the company's production process and analyze data on working hours and product production demand. From the results of the research, it was concluded that the company experienced Capacity Constraints which caused bottlenecks at the fourth work station in the last six months. After exploiting the constraints on the bottleneck workstation, throughput is obtained using a linear programming calculation formulation with the results of x1= 0 and x2 = 3,948.47 amounting to IDR16,781,000 in WinQSB software. The final stage of constraint elevation is carried out by allocating operators to bottleneck work stations and obtaining an increase in throughput of IDR6,322,300 or a percentage increase of 27.4% using WinQSB software.

The effect of line balancing on the efficiency and effectiveness of shoe production at PT Wangta Agung

Business competition is increasing, companies must reorganize their business strategies and tactics every day in the era of globalization. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Line Balencing on the efficiency and effectiveness of shoe production at PT Wangta Agung. The research method used is descriptive research. Descriptive research is a type of research conducted with the main purpose of providing an objective description or description of the situation. The results of the research on the actual shoe production workstation configuration consisted of 15 work stations with a cycle time of 16 seconds. Analysis of sewing activity work time takes about 23.75 minutes for one additional operator to assist the two main operators in meeting the set targets. The increased capacity of the shoe-making production workstation consists of 7 stations that have a balance of 16 seconds of delay time with production efficiency with a yield of 87.5%.

Evaluation of Liver Markers, Kidney Markers, Electroyte Panel and Protein Profile in Pump Attendants Exposed to Petrol Fumes from Selected Filling Stations in Ihiala, State, Nigeria

Environmental hazard in a work place is an inevitable experience especially when it has to do with working in a filling stations where volatile and combustible substances like petrol, diesel and kerosene are dispensed via PMS and other channels of distribution or outlets and in the process pollute or saturate the air with hydrocarbons. Individuals working in a petrol station pose different risk of exposure to these xenobiotics that enter the body via different means (inhalation, ingestion and skin or eye contact) and could be detrimental to the body system resulting to death if not properly handled. This research was aimed at assessing some biochemical indicators of occupational hazard in fuel pump attendant from selected service stations in Ihiala, Anambra state. A total of eighty apparently healthy subjects (40 males and 40females) aged between 28-35 years volunteers participated in the study. Each gender was further categorized into two groups of 20 each for control (unexposed workers) and exposed pump attendants respectively. The pump attendants that volunteered for this study had spent an average of 5-6 years on the job. Blood samples were collected from the volunteers with their informed consent and selected biochemical parameters such as liver function test (ALP, AST ALT), kidney function test (urea, creatinine and uric acid), protein profile (total protein and albumin), and electrolyte levels were investigated using standard methods. The result of the investigations showed that urea and creatinine level of exposed female pump attendants (5.80±0.02 mg/dl and 82.50±2.15 mg/dl)were significantly higher (P<0.05) than unexposed female pump attendants (5.00±0.45mg/dl and 58.00±0.11 mg/dl respectively). Serum sodium (Na+ ) electrolyte levels of exposed male and female exposed pump attendant (143.00±1.05 and 141.00±1.25 mmol/L respectively) were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to Na+ electrolyte levels in male and female unexposed workers (138.00±0.14 mmol/L and 139.50±2.11 mmol/L respectively) while the chloride ion level in male and female pump attendants were higher compared to male and female unexposed workers. Alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase (ALT and AST) levels of male and female exposed pump attendant were higher than that in male and female unexposed pump attendant. Petroleum fumes are therefore environmental pollutants that could have serious consequences on biochemical parameters in petroleum product exposed individuals. Therefore, health Safety and Environmental training is recommended for petrol station workers on regular basis to improve their safety and create awareness on the dangers inherent associated with filling station workers exposed to petrol fumes.

Workload analysis using energy expenditure and the work posture evaluation approach with brief method at PT XYZ

Abstract PT XYZ is a company operating in the tire retreading sector on JL. Medan-Banda Aceh, Cot Seurani Village, Muara Batu District, Aceh Utara. Retreading truck tires is carried out through several processes such as inspection, grating, repairing, gluing tire, installing tire treads, installing wheels and rings, cooking tires and finishing. The vulcanization process which is carried out manually and repeatedly makes workers easily fatigued, making them vulnerable to injury and the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This research aims to calculate the workload of PT XYZ workers. PT XYZ to determine the level of worker fatigue using the Energy Expenditure approach and assessing worker work posture using the BRIEF method to assess work postures that cause complaints of pain in workers’ body parts. Researchers measured the resting pulse and working pulse of 8 workers, then classified the Cardiovascular Load (%CVL) and Energy Expenditure workload levels of the workers and assessed work posture using the BRIEF worksheet. The results of calculating the worker’s workload obtained an average %CVL value of 57.92%, the average result of the worker’s Energy Expenditure was 6,8048 Kcal/8 hours with very heavy work criteria. The average BRIEF work posture value is 3.28 in the high risk category. The suggestions given regarding the problem of workers who easily experience fatigue, high workloads and unergonomic work postures are to increase the number of workers, add benchrest jacks at each work station, add a table with wheels and rings and add chairs for finishing workers, lighten the work and reduce excessive bending activities for tire retreading workers.

Has “the Double Hundred Project” Achieved the Professionalization of Talent Teams in Township (Street) Social Work Stations: the Case Study of N Street Social Work Service Station in Guangzhou City

Has “the Double Hundred Project” Achieved the Professionalization of Talent Teams in Township (Street) Social Work Stations: the Case Study of N Street Social Work Service Station in Guangzhou City

‘The Discipline of Steel’: Technical Knowledge in the Coordinative Practices of Steelmaking

AbstractThis is a study of the cooperative work of making steel in a contemporary steel plant. The study is, first of all, a study of the coordinative practices of a cooperative ensemble of operators controlling a time-critical transformation process, while spatially dispersed at different work stations across the plant, working under quite different and varying local constraints and requirements, with only rudimentary means of ongoing communication. Their individual and local contributions to the overall effort must be minutely synchronized to meet the strict temporal requirements of the operation as a whole. These challenges notwithstanding, the operators manage to act concertedly to produce quality steel and to do so routinely. The question is, how do they manage to do that? As the workers in the setting generally are not able to coordinate their cooperative effort discursively, it is analytically both feasible and necessary to foreground and identify the knowledge of metallurgy of steel and of the plant that enables them, as they go about their own local activities, to apprehend the problems and intentions of their colleagues as reflected in the changing state of the technical processes. The underlying thesis of the study is that in order to answer the general question of how workers engaged in cooperative work are able to heed the activities of their colleagues, and to do so routinely, we are well advised to ‘take the concept of practice seriously’.

Analisis Efisiensi Waktu Siklus Untuk Meningkatkan Produktivitas Dengan Line Balancing Pada Proses Pengemasan Produksi Obat Diabetes di PT.OPQ

Operation Excelence is needed at manufacturing process in order to achive optimum cost. One of method is using line balancing. It work by increasing efficiency and remove bottole neck at workstation.. The purpose of this research is to increase productivity in the work path of diabetes drug production line, it means that all work stations can achieve optimum output, eliminate or reduce material accumulation by identifying line balances at work stations. By using the Line Balancing method. The method used is the Ranked Position Weight (RPW) heuristic method. As result productivity was increasing, with line efficiency from 58.36% to 80.25%, balance delay from 41.64% to 19.75%, a decrease in the amount of material accumulation between work stations on the diabetes drug production trajectory from 25 - 1175 doos / hour to 4 - 174 doos / hour, and eliminating the bottleneck on the trajectory of diabetes drug production.

Work fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders in gas station operators in Pontianak city, Indonesia

This study analyzes the relationship between work fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders in gas station operators in Pontianak City. This study used with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consists of 150 gas station workers. Data collection was carried out by observing and interviewing. Respondents characteristics were recorded through interviews using a questionnaire. Data on work fatigue were obtained by interviews using the IFRC questionnaire and musculoskeletal data using the Nordic Body Map questionnaire. The study results show that 50% of workers experience a high level of work fatigue, and 26% of workers experience severe musculoskeletal disorders. There is a significant relationship between work fatigue and musculoskeletal diseases (p = 0.001). The study established the need for intervention as a preventive measure by providing sufficient rest time, stretching, setting work shifts, improving ergonomic work positions for gas station operators, and controlling the work environment through environmental improvement and monitoring and using personal protective equipment.