Work movements: Balance between freedom and guidance on an assembly task in a furniture manufacturer

Symone A. Miguez, Susan Hallbeck, Peter Vink

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study demonstrates that the ergonomic analyses of work must consider why a worker adopts certain movements (gestures) when performing assembly tasks. It discusses the balance between allowing the worker to freely choose the way of assembling goods and providing guidance. On two assembly tasks in a furniture manufacturer, this research performs an ergonomic analysis in which worker movements are emphasized and it investigates the impact of these strategies on the ergonomic risk and on the worker’s health. Data collection instruments included direct observation, unstructured interviews and film footage. The ergonomic analyses show that the work environments are ergonomic, but workers adopt their own movements, unaware that these are awkward postures. Guidance proved to be effective in improving ergonomic risks. This article highlights the significance of understanding work movement, its implications in the corporate training programs as well as in the ergonomic risks and in the worker’s health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Safety Management and Human Factors - Proceedings of the AHFE International Conference on Safety Management and Human Factors, 2016
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages503-511
Number of pages9
Volume491
ISBN (Print)9783319419282
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Conference on Safety Management and Human Factors, 2016 - Walt Disney World, United States
Duration: Jul 27 2016Jul 31 2016

Publication series

NameAdvances in Intelligent Systems and Computing
Volume491
ISSN (Print)21945357

Other

OtherInternational Conference on Safety Management and Human Factors, 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWalt Disney World
Period7/27/167/31/16

Keywords

  • Assembly line
  • Assembly line
  • Ergonomic risk
  • Ergonomics
  • Modus operandi
  • Training
  • Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Computer Science(all)

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