Introduction
In the industry where there is a need for physical strength, the workers as well as the employers should establish strategies to prevent the hazards related to their work. The most popular industry that falls under the ergonomics program is mainly manufacturing. Manufacturing processes and procedures definitely involved physical strength and have a hazardous environment.
Background of the Study and Problem Statement
The term “Ergonomics” is applied in the profession of the health providers. It is describe as the science of work or the science of making things comfortable and efficient (Bleeker, et al., 2005). However, there still an attempt to make better use of the knowledge on ergonomics in terms of manufacturing the products and designing an effective service or processes. And due to the globalization and tight competition in the industry it is emphasized that there is a need for the development of the ergonomics program to support the vast areas of manufacturing.
Research Objectives
Ergonomics as a study of the relationship between people, their nature of work, and their physical working environment, has its purpose (Haggy, 2007). The main goal of the research is to support the idea of ergonomics and be suitable to the job of an individual. Aside from that, the research is aiming to clarify the issues through preventing the pain and suffering as well as the cost or expenses associated with the ergonomic-related injuries that most especially occur in manufacturing industry. Through the combination of the training, evaluation of workstations, work practices, and implementation of ergonomics control strategies, a newly-developed ergonomics program will be established.
Research Questions
Ergonomics is designed in many complex ways and still there are questions that are concern in meeting the needs of the people. Even if there are many studies that conducted and measured its effectiveness, still, there is a need for review that might contribute to the development of the ergonomics program.
i. What are best practices in manufacturing ergonomics program?
ii. How important is ergonomics in making things comfortable and efficient?
iii. How can people measure its effectiveness?
Literature Review
The past studies suggest that an effective ergonomics program can help prevent workplace injuries. In association to the issue of prevention, it is identified that an effective ergonomics program is supported by the reduction of the medical records, diminishing rate of work-related disorders, and preserving the strength of the workforce. In addition, the ergonomic program has effects in several areas such as health, economics, and the quality of the product and services. In holistic view, the effective ergonomic program can reflect in the entire industry most specifically in manufacturing (Schoomaker and Hudson, 2003; Bleeker, et al., 2005). All of the intervention and development of ergonomics program revolves in the four known core elements. There is an identification of problem related to job and the areas of work. Also, there is also a development of control measures, training and education, and the appropriate healthcare management of ergonomics-related cases (Edwards, 2003). The involved areas or activities in the ergonomics program are the evaluations of the several risk factors in job or workstations and can cause a high probability of injury.
Methodology
The applied method to answer the questions regarding to the ergonomics may be helpful during a detailed analysis. The research proposed to utilize the different data and analysis tools in identifying its impact and effectiveness. The data can be used are the incidence, accident, injury reports, and absenteeism. Other than that, to provide the further justification or supporting data, the use of questionnaires and interviews, observation and job analyses can be applied to add in the research’s measurement and conclusion.
Conclusion
Ergonomics processes can address the workplace hazards. The approaches applied to the ergonomic issues are hazard identification, case documentation, assessment of control, and healthcare management techniques that can employ and address the other safety problems. A successful program not only results in reduction of injuries, but to achieve the quality and productivity in workplace settings. Therefore, it is important that an entire organization should apply their commitment and participation in the ergonomic processes and provides necessary resources to ensure the success.
References:
Bleeker, M., Ford, D., Vaughan, C., Lindgren, K., Tiburzi, M., & Scheetz, K., 2005. Effect of the Lead Exposure and Ergonomic Stressors on Peripheral Nerve Function. Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 113, No. 12
Edwards, R., 2003. Voluntary Ergonomics Guideline for the Furniture Manufacturing Industry, American Furniture Manufacturers Association. [Online] Available at: http://www.nclabor.com/osha/ergoguideline.pdf. [Accessed 22 Jan 2010].
Haggy, M., 2007. Ergonomics Program, University of North Dakota. [Online] Available at: http://www.und.edu/dept/policyoffice/Policies/safety/safety/PDF/ergonomics.pdf. [Accessed 22 Jan 2010].
Schoomaker, p., & Hudson, J., 2003. Medical Services Ergonomic Program. Department of the Army Pamphlet, Vol. 40, No. 21. [Online] Available at: http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/p40_21.pdf. [Accessed 22 Jan 2010].
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