Managing Ergonomic Challenges In The Manufacturing Industry

Résumé: There is a robust interplay between the worker, the work and the workstation in the manufacturing industry either small, medium or large. The work environment comprises the physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psycho-social components each with its own group of associated hazards. The mechanical/ergonomic work environment has been further examined in respect of the challenges posed and how best to manage these challenges especially in the manufacturing industries where production targets are the main focus and the attendant risks can only be controlled and reduced to the barest minimum. The hazards in the work environment including ergonomic hazards may not be completely eliminated or eradicated but definitely can be managed to the best of the situation in the interest of the worker’s health and ultimately in the interest of the employer by way of improved productivity. The roles of the ergonomist as a manager of these ergonomic challenges have been examined in this paper. A number of measures on how to manage these challenges have also been recommended thus making the worker, the employer and the society better for it. These measures include health education and awareness creation, engineering controls, administrative controls, environmental monitoring and factory inspection. Others include epidemiological monitoring, periodic medical examination, use of health and safety committees, promulgation of relevant legislations and practice of good housekeeping and standard operating procedures.

Publié dans la revue: الوقاية والأرغنوميا