Ergonomic intervention and productivity improvement: is it possible?

Abstract

This study aimed to apply an Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA) and compare the productivity results obtained before and after the application in order to demonstrate whether after a deployment of ergonomic improvements in the workplace is increased productivity. The study was conducted in a metalworking company that produces stamped parts for the industry and manufactures private label products. It was explored the concept of ergonomics as a method to facilitate interaction between man and his work in a production system. Among the concepts of productivity, it analyzed the Single Factor Productivity - SFP. The research is characterized as exploratory it was based on action research and guided by the search for integration and complementarity between the qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. The results showed that productivity after implantation EWA increased and operators participating reported decreased pain and discomfort after improvements.