M4E #75: Workplace Ergonomics
Workplace ergonomics can be seen as the science of designing the workplace with consideration for the capabilities and limitations of the worker. It aims to create an environment that promotes comfort, safety, and productivity. When talking about lean, it’s also quite important to care about these issues. You’ll want to keep your people always safe! Check some ergonomics basic concepts in this video from ACS Process Systems.
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Ergonomic risk factors, such as awkward postures, repetitive motions, and excessive force, contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The video provides some figures from the United States. In the European Union MSDs account for 32% of all workplace injuries.
Ergonomic evaluation encompasses various methods to assess and improve the compatibility between individuals and their work environment. These methods include task analysis, postural analysis, and tools like the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) to evaluate ergonomic risks. Additionally, techniques such as Occupational Repetitive Actions (OCRA) and the Strain Index focus on specific aspects like repetitive tasks and force exertion to identify and mitigate MSDs risks.
Integrating lean principles with ergonomics aims to improve workplace efficiency, productivity, and worker well-being. Lean methodologies focus on eliminating waste and standardizing processes, while ergonomics addresses designing tasks and environments to fit workers' capabilities. By integrating lean with ergonomics, organizations can identify and eliminate wasteful movements, optimize workstations for comfort and safety, standardize procedures with ergonomic considerations, involve employees in problem-solving, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.