Above all I am grateful to my teacher, His Holiness Krishna Das Swami Maharaj, who hails from that great religious part of the earth, Bharat (India). I would also like to thank the management and staff of the organizations that participated in the research.
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION
- Introduction
- Problem Statement
- Signi'ficance of Study
- Why is the Study Important?
- Contribution of Study
- Purpose of this Study
- Expected Outcome of Study
- Future Value of Study
- The Context of the Research
- Limitation of Study
- Definition of Concepts
- Conclusion
These factors greatly limit the use of the current ergonomics knowledge base in South Africa. However, this represents a small percentage of the effort required to optimize and develop human potential.
CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Integrating ergonomics into a workforce culture can have a positive impact by reducing workers' compensation costs, reducing lost time, and improving productivity and quality. The best way to make ergonomics an integral part of the workforce culture is to develop a company-wide program.
Conceptual Background to Study
- Ergonomics Costs and Rewards
- Role Model
- Job Design (ergonomics)
- Employee Well-Being
- Ergonomic Problems
- Medical Research Relating to Musculo - Skeletal Disorders
However, the culture in the company also affects the extent of the management's commitment and employee involvement. Small firms have an advantage as management is more involved in the details of production or service and has closer alliances (Dodge, 1992).
Theoretical Framework
- Standing Workstations
- Good Work Habits
The height of a seat should not exceed the popliteal height of its user (ie the height of the bottom of the knees). Avoid reaching for an object that is too far in front of the body (Putz and Anderson, 1988).
Significant Empirical Research Findings
- Ergonomic Controls
- Whole Body Vibration: Potential Solutions and Preventative Measures Relevant to South African Conditions
- Psychological and Psychosocial Work Factors in Relation to Pain
Kim et al (1994) conducted a study using floor mats and control conditions in which subjects stood on concrete. Such a program would include components such as written policies and operating procedures, organizational responsibilities, equipment selection and maintenance, risk assessment and assessment of vibration exposure areas, implementation and evaluation of control measures, and an ongoing program evaluation component to assess program effectiveness against established norms and standards." , (Joubert, 1999:44).Given the high incidence of absenteeism due to back pain, the researcher strongly recommends an educational program emphasizing proper lifting techniques and prevention.
Epidemiological evidence presented by Videman et al., (1990) documented the increased risk of low back pain in those performing jobs characterized by sitting. Behrens et al., (1994) found the highest percentages of back complaints among employees who performed physically demanding work. Job rotation was embraced and initial rotation strategies were expanded to 85% of the production area.
Conclusion
CHAPTER THREE - METHODOLOGY
- Introduction
- Rationale and Aim of study
- Research Design
- Method of Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Preparatory Work
- Pilot Interviews
- Composition of Respondents
- Validity and Reliability
- Ethics
- Triangulation
- Reporting
- Problems Encountered
Of the two broad categories of research methodology, qualitative and quantitative, the researcher has selected the qualitative method for the study. Observations gave the researcher the opportunity to observe and capture the dynamics of the work processes and uncover new themes. The aim was as far as possible to neutralize any preconceptions about the interview or the researcher.
The researcher had the opportunity to capture the dynamics of work processes, which was not possible with the interview or survey method. Content validity considers the researcher's ability to use research content in questions, checklists, and other types of tools. The theory developed in the literature review is the basis for comparing the study findings.
CHAPTER FOUR - THE FINDINGS
Brief Overview of the Companies Under Study
The company only has two main clients, but occasionally they take on work related to their field. None of the owners have any formal technical qualifications, but have a combined 25 years of combined experience in this type of work. The current owners are two brothers; one is a landscaper by profession and the other is a welder.
The Findings
- Pilot Study
- Interviews
- Company's Records
The majority of the tasks required the workers to stand for long periods on a concrete floor. High levels of noise are experienced by twenty-three percent, probably due to the specific nature of the job, e.g. The majority, 53 percent of those questioned, feel that the air circulation is good.
The findings show that a total of eighty-four percent of the workforce experiences pain of various intensities. Thirty-seven percent of staff were away due to work-related injury or illness. This represents a total of fifty-eight percent of the workforce who are absent due to various aspects of work.
Conclusion
Thirty-four percent stayed away for other reasons, followed by a paltry eight percent who never stayed away.
CHAPTER FIVE- DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Interviews
The results are also indicative that management has previously experienced difficulties in creating change. There is an absolute need to follow a set of guidelines in the implementation of an ergonomic intervention. There is a need for all members of the organization to receive some training in ergonomics and its applications.
Care should therefore be exercised in teaching and training in ergonomics, its applications and benefits. As they are directly affected by any changes in the working environment, employees want more involvement, but also faster implementations. Alexander (1995) mentions strong communication at all levels of the organization as one of the many key success factors.
Observations
A specialized tool must be developed to insert the locking ring, thereby minimizing unnatural wrist and hand positions. To reduce the static muscle load when working with raised arms, the work table should be based on a hydraulic cylinder. An adjustable trolley, specialized cart or platform should be designed to reduce/eliminate the need for bending.
All knives must be designed to be used with the wrist in a neutral position. Workers should be educated on the importance of maintaining a neutral wrist position while performing repetitive motions and tasks. An anti-fatigue mat covering the worker's range of motion must be installed at the workplace.
Questionnaires
It should be able to design a workplace that allows the worker's abilities and limitations to meet the demands of the job. It is arguable that the nature of the physical work activity is not the only cause of pain. The greater the level of precision of the work, the more strenuous it is on the eye.
The age of the worker must also be taken into account, as twenty-five percent are in the 45-54 age group. Much of the discomfort reported in the back and neck can be attributed to static muscle loading in these areas. The majority of the workforce falls in the 35-44 age group and it is a known fact that older people have a higher heat tolerance than younger people.
Company's Records
Other factors that may contribute to heat tolerance include physical fitness, medical history, and nutritional status (http://www.usernomics.com). Sixteen percent who found the heat temperature uncomfortable may be because of their body structure. Obese and stocky individuals have a higher metabolic rate, which produces heat that puts a strain on the cardiovascular system.
Fat and body surface area are two main factors that determine the amount of heat stress that can be tolerated. Further study is recommended on the investigation of absenteeism as socio-cultural factors may also be responsible or contribute to absenteeism.
Implementation Method
- The Strategic Plan
- Action Plan
- Ergonomic Tools
- Education and Training
The strategic plan for ergonomics is best developed by management since they have a view of the overall operations. Action plans are developed outlining the issues to be addressed including methods and outcomes. There is a need to encourage participation and involvement in change management from those who will be affected.
They are good group facilitation techniques to help people identify potential causes of the problem and possible interrelationships (Ambrosini, 1998). It provides immediate feedback and is cost-effective because the actual work situation does not have to be recreated each time (ILO, 1985, ILO, 1986 and Wilson, 1988). Training should focus on developing staff's ability to recognize inconsistencies between job requirements and the performance capabilities of the individuals performing the job.
Conclusion
The success of ergonomics in a company depends on how well the program is structured and implemented.
CONCLUSION OF STUDY
- Main Findings
- Recommendations
- Limitations of Study
- Conclusion
It is the researcher's opinion that ongoing research must be done by creating a research and productivity unit for small production engineers. In order for an ergonomics program to sustain itself over a longer period, it must be perceived as a value-creating element in the organization and must be integrated into the nature of the organization. Change must be achieved through a multitude of small incremental changes and over time; this can lead to a major transformation of the organization.
The research is neither 'complete' in the scope of using all types of measurement methods nor dealing with all components of the user machine system (controls and displays, anthropometry, workplaces, physical environment and psychological environment). It was impossible to conduct a detailed study of all the components of the user machine system due to time constraints and the fact that some components were beyond the researcher's control. The study is not complete in the sense that it did not measure respondents' mental workload rating or thoroughly examine psychological or psychosocial factors.
In Proceedings of the International Ergonomics Society Conference on Human Factors in Design for Productivity and Process Planning, Honolulu, Hawaii: [August 9-11]. Examining the effect of nutritional status and disease patterns on work outcome among black South African workers involved in manual material handling tasks. Cumulative trauma disorders caused by improper use of design elements._American Journal of Industrial Hygiene.
Ergonomics of the 90s and a model for ergonomic intervention at workplaces in Industrially Developing Countries Unpublished report, Lulea University. Reach out to small business owners to improve health and safety, IH professionals told._ The Synergist. Wilson, J.R. 1988. Communications Issues in Occupational Ergonomics, in Proceedings of the International Conference on Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, and the Environment.
Internet References
Bibliography
Proceedings of the 39th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, Santa Monica Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.
Internet Sources
APPENDIX A
3.1) Do you keep your feet firmly on the floor or with the help of a footrest?. Do you use any mechanical aids to move your goods around the workplace eg. Physically demanding Somewhat demanding Not demanding. Do you use any machinery that makes noise that requires you to wear hearing protection?
Do you work in a closed corner or in a narrow space surrounded by equipment or partitions?. Key: Rarely - Less than once a month Often - At least once a month Regular - At least once a week.
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C
APPENDIX E
APPENDIX F
APPENDIX G
APPENDIX H
APPENDIX K
APPENDIX L
APPENDIX M
