Participatory ergonomics in a mobile factory: Ergonomic device to decrease neck pain

To reduce neck complaints in a cell phone assembly task a participatory ergonomics approach is used. Five stages of a participatory ergonomics program were followed (initiative, problem identification, selection of solution, implementation and evolution). Twenty-eight women, all operators on an assembly line of cell phone boards, voluntarily participated in the design and evaluation of a device before implementing the device to all 215 employees performing that job. Prior to the intervention, RULA, comfort experiences and interviews were used. These same metrics were employed after the intervention, as well. After the intervention, an ergonomic aid which is an adjustable angled small counter, these metrics showed both a posture improvement and comfort improvement. It also showed that the initial prototype needed to be modified to reduce sharp edges/compression points for the forearm. This project shows the importance of iterative testing and that the initiative should come from workers.