Implementation of an ergonomics program in the manufacturing companies.
Strakova, Nada ; Hatiar, Karol
Abstract: Systematic introduction of an ergonomics program should
be the standard for manufacturing companies.
Ergonomics program is one of the tools for sustainable improvement
of the efficiency of human labor in business. The article describes the
results of an investigation of real integration of ergonomics program
and interconnection with other processes in the manufacturing companies
in Slovakia and in some selected countries.
Key words: ergonomics program, ergonomics analysis, process
management, research
1. INTRODUCTION
In the developed countries, the experience of the ergonomics
program provides the creation of suitable working conditions and working
environment, removing all negative influences, whether psychological or
physical in safety and prevention of occupational risks, and a
significant reduction in associated costs to society (Cohen L.C., 1997).
Finally, I must also mention the satisfaction of employees who are not
willing to avail themselves of the program, although it is a long-term
investment and highly refundable.
In developing countries, where levels of law enforcement are low,
the efficiency of human labor is generally achieved at the expense of
their employees through low wages, high job growth and a low level of
care in protecting health. In developed countries, where the
effectiveness of human labor are achieved through an Ergonomics program
that allows solving problems systematically and simultaneously focuses
on workers' health and cost benefits (Hatiar K., 2010).
2. IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW
Since the application of Ergonomics program (EP) is a common
practice in developed countries it has been surveyed to determine the
application of ergonomics program in Slovakia and abroad. To analyze the
state of implementation of contemporary ergonomics program in business
practice, questionnaire methods have been used and the target groups
were manufacturing companies.
The questionnaire contained seven questions, which was to determine
whether businesses have introduced ergonomics programs and its links
with other processes in the enterprise (Grasseova M., 2008). At the
beginning of exploration, targets have been set:
Detect.
--whether companies have implemented ergonomics programs
--or ergonomics program is introduced as a separate process or as
part of occupational safety and health (OSH) programs,
--whether the companies have developed ergonomic teams that
performed the analysis,
--whether the companies perform regular ergonomics analysis,
--how to implement an ergonomics program,
--whether the ergonomics program is linked to other processes,
--how they see the benefits of implementing an ergonomics program.
3. SURVEY RESULTS
Of the 898 questionnaires sent out, 73 were returned, which is
8.12% were contacted mostly domestic companies but also foreign.
Completed questionnaires not returned at this stage are mainly from
companies from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Cyprus.
Of the returned questionnaires 51 were from SR (from 73,
representing 69.9%), 16 from CR (21.9%), 6 from Cyprus (8.2%). A
substantial part of the questionnaires was from medium and large
enterprises. For better visibility of the participants, states are shown
graphically in figure number 1.
[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]
From the perspective of the industry represented were automotive,
mechanical, chemical, food and electronics industry. 38 companies
(representing 52%) out of the 73 that do not have an ergonomics program
implemented, or health and safety program do not have any program at
all. The Ergonomics program has 34 enterprises established under the OSH
programs, one company has an ergonomics program introduced separately
(together 48%). For a clearer picture, see below chart number 2.
Enterprises that have an Ergonomics program implemented under the
OSH programs usually do not have to create ergonomics teams. Not all
companies that reported the introduction of the ergonomics health and
safety programs implemented regular ergonomics analysis and subsequent
rationalization of work. The condition of the system to implement this
program is the ergonomics analysis of work. Therefore, the ergonomics
program is deemed to be established only if a scheduled ergonomics
analysis is followed by rationalization, which is repeated every year.
From this perspective, an ergonomics program has only 25 businesses,
representing 34.2%, specifically, Cyprus--0 companies, Czech Republic 10
companies (62.5% of the total 16) and Slovak Republic 15 (29.4% of the
total 51).
Surveyed with a questionnaire and an ergonomics program were links
with other processes in the enterprise, the way of successful
implementation of an ergonomics program and perceived benefits from the
introduction of the EP within the company.
From the perspective of the most frequent answers:
1 Linking EP with other processes in the enterprise.
* EP program established under the OSH 48.6%.
* Linking the project implementation phase and the process of
change, 25.7%.
2 Ways of successful implementation of the EP.
* Modifying the workplace (automation and robotization), 20%.
* Use health and safety audits, 20%.
* With Change Management, 17.2%.
* External consulting firm, 14.3%.
3 The benefits of implementing the EP.
* Reducing the risk of occupational disease, 42.8%.
* Employee satisfaction, 17.1%.
* Reducing the burden of employees, 11.4%.
A questionnaire was incorporated into the light box of the parent
company and its impact on the integration of ergonomics program in a
subsidiary. Fifty-two companies said they are not subsidiaries. The
remaining 21 were foreign parent companies. Twelve of them have
introduced the same ergonomic program as their parent company. Of the
remaining 9 companies, 6 have established their own ergonomics program.
Three companies have not introduced the EP at all.
4. EVALUATION RESEARCH
Ergonomics program has introduced separately or under the OSH
programs to 52% of surveyed companies. The rest of enterprises declared
the introduction of the EP. It is important to note that not all
businesses have indicated the existence of this kind of ergonomics teams
had created and regularly analyze the subsequent rationalization of
work. In view of the complexity, of the program only 34.2% of
enterprises have implemented ergonomics program systemically.
Most businesses incorporating ergonomics programs under the OSH
program provide an ergonomic analysis of safety and health through
regular audits. As the perceived advantage, it reduces the risk of
occupational disease. Some companies reported cost savings as an
advantage. The companies were asked an additional question regarding the
practical assessment of the financial savings following the introduction
of ergonomics program. None of the companies made this kind of
analysis--an evaluation of implementation of the program.
From a perspective, the impact of parent companies to subsidiaries
indicated the effect of encouraging the introduction of ergonomics
program. However, no parent company always insists on introducing a
similar program.
Much of the information is repeated in the questionnaires, but some
answers were quite enlightening. Questions 5-6-7 were answered in brief
description. Two companies are affiliated with the ergonomics program
quality management system. There are three companies which are linked to
ergonomics program running ISO 9001--ISO 14001--OHSAS 1801 (Quality
Management System--Environmental Management--Management of health and
safety).
5. CONCLUSION
Future process-oriented manufacturing enterprises are the
integration of systems (ISO 9001--ISO 14001--OHSAS 1801). Penetration of
these standards and process management (Zavadsky, J. 2004), linking
Environmental management in the enterprise with an ergonomics program is
the goal of developing a common orientation to people. One part of
environmental management is the protection of workers, work safety and
accident prevention threatening a business environment. To restore
mental and physical state, man urgently needs suitable conditions and
environment. The surrounding environment largely affects the mental and
physical balance and human health. The goal of an ergonomic workplace
adaptation is continuous maintenance of required job performance and
ensuring security and safety at work that is an integral part of
providing an acceptable environment (Hatiar K., 2004). Ensuring
acceptable environment is not only seen as creating a conducive
environment in the workplace, but there is an effort to understand, not
damage the environment outside the work environment as inherently
important to recover and maintain good health workers. Only a rested,
healthy and happy worker may perform work tasks well.
Ergonomics programs advise the management system of health and
safety OHSAS 18001. This standard does not yet deal with programs to
improve health. It is only a matter of time, this standard will extend
to these programs and ergonomics program will be one of them. Thus,
integrated systems should be especially large companies. It would be
ideal if the medium-sized businesses have a system of health and safety
management, but this standard which is adopted internationally, became
the first international standard.
Preservation of human health, the company is building a
society-wide recognition, the satisfaction of their staff, and not
least, it has a significant impact on economic indicators.
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This work was supported by KEGA--3-7285_09 Content, Integration and
Design University Textbook "Specialized Robotics Systems in Print
and Interactive Modules".
7. REFERENCES
Cohen, L.C. ; Gjessig, CH.C. ; Fine; L.J.; Bernard, P.B. ;
Mcglothlin, J.D. (1997). Elements of ergonomics programs: A Primer Based
on Workplace Evaluation of Muskuloskeletal Disorders, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, NIOSH, Publication No. 97-117, ISBN:
078817-095-3, pp. 133, Columbia Parkway
Hatiar, K. (2004). Ergonomic and preventive ergonomics programs,
Institute of Occupational Safety s.r.o., ISBN 80-8063-113-1, pp. 3-6,
Trnava
Hatiar, K. (2010). Ergonomic and legislation, In: Ergononomics 2010
: Progressive methods in ergonomics. Slovak Ergonomic Society, ISBN
978-80-970588-6-9, pp. 33-42, Zilina
Grasseova, M. (2008). Process management in public and private
sector, Computer Press, ISBN 978-80-251-1987-7, pp. 62-65, Brno
Zavadsky, J. (2004). Process management in the practice of the
manager, SP Synergia, ISBN 80-98734-8-2, pp. 238, Trnava
Fig. 2. Company replies to the application questions of the
Ergonomics program (EP)
EP 1; 1%
under OHS 34; 47%
no program 38; 52%
Note: Table made from pie chart.
