Case history: design of a packaging workstation

Abstract

A general approach to the ergonomic redesign of production systems is given and illustrated with a typical case. The history of the project, and problems and opportunities that arose are presented in order to show what can be done to improve practical work situations and problems the ergonomist has to deal with. The case study concerns packaging workstations where several problems existed. Most serious were complaints about low-back pain and pain in arms and shoulders. In order to improve the situation a multidisciplinary project team was established. For the redesign a phased procedure was used. Based on an analysis of the work situation a redesign was proposed and tested in a mock-up evaluation. In the redesigned workstation unfavourable working postures were avoided and the job quality of the packers involved was enriched. One work station was realized and used for test. Yet, the new workstation did not fully meet the initial expectations. Several factors (for instance high costs and changes in staffing) impeded further implementation in other parts of the packaging department.

Keywords:

• Design procedures
• Workstation design.