Ergonomics - Impact of Present Ergonomic Conditions of the Firm - Essay Example

Running head: ergonomics “Ergonomics in the workplace begins with good design and the best fit and interaction between work equipment and systems, work tasks, the working environment and the people who will carry out the tasks. One of the consequences of poor ergonomic design and poor fit in the workplace may be worker ill health and injury, specifically Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.” Author: Instructor Course: Date: Abstract Ergonomics at the workplace involves workplace designing, tools and techniques to provide safe and secure working conditions for the employees. This research attempts to understand the impact of present ergonomic conditions of the firm through a combined research approach, involving subjective and objective methods. Findings from these methods have then been simulated and analysed separately. Specific strategies and practices have been proposed to address the identified gaps, keeping human psychological and motivational requirements. The research also establishes relationship between ergonomics-related occupational health and organisational performance. Ergonomics Introduction Occupational health through appropriate ergonomics of workplace has been recognized as one of the fundamentals requirement to achieve organisational efficiency in the long term. It impacts the psychosocial characteristics of workplace and to some extent determines organisational culture. The characteristics involve health-related problems in workers like physical health (e.g., cardiovascular disease, chronic backaches, slip disc and other musculoskeletal disorders) and mental health problems such as monotony followed by depression. With the help of study of occupational health and research, issues such as occupational stress, illness, injury can be handled and practices to prevent such hazards can be implemented in a systematic manner. Approaches to both physical and mental wellbeing are different; however, either cannot be achieved without the other. This requires application of psychology to improve the quality of work life and to protect and promote the safety, health and well-being of employees. Besides practices to promote healthy lifestyles and work behaviours, work-site interventions need to be designed and should be effective in reducing risks of injury and health-related problems. Occupational health is, in particular, concerned with the dramatic transformation of work and employment and the changing organisational structures and processes that are influencing the health and well-being of workers and their families (Bullinger, 2000; p.9) An important consideration in ergonomics of workplace should include the mechanisms of work that can cause static muscle fatigue causing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Work that involves constant muscle contractions can be potential threat to the musculoskeletal system. Work involving heavy weight lifting, walking up and down the stairs, constant gazing at the monitor, when performed for prolonged period of time can build substantial pressure on the muscles and nerves. The capacity of every worker differs depending upon their condition of health and motivation status. In all situations, when such work is performed for a long duration of time it causes chronic illnesses related to the musculoskeletal system like chronic backache, joint stiffness, carpal-tunnel syndrome, acute and/or hairline fracture, muscle tear and blood clot, etc. Literature review Laurig and Vedder (1998) argue that ergonomics is more focused on the human operator in action, whereas occupational health focuses on the hazards to the human operator present in the ambient environment. Occupational health deals with possible risk factors associated with work and ergonomics deals with productivity, work design and work pace design besides health and safety of the operator. Thus, ergonomics of work place should consider factors related to occupational health also in order to achieve the desired results in terms of organisational efficiency and employee safety (Laurig & Vedder, 1998; p.29.4) As Cook describes, ‘supervisory control and command systems are knowledge-rich environments where large bodies of information must be processed to successfully function and these can only be interpreted within frameworks relating to the task environment, the organisation operating the system, the team managing the task and the specific tasks themselves’ (2001; p.17). The role of central control room is also precisely the same. The central control room controls a number of process units in many operations with the help of electrical equipment, electronic instrumentation and computer-controlled processing. Thus, the control room personnel are required to do multi-tasking such as local process monitoring and operating machines, security and emergency control. The main function of the central control room is to ensure satisfactory operation of the entire unit effectively and safely. In this area, the earthing, cabling, and shielding are of paramount importance. Job functions require the personnel to constantly monitor functioning of various equipments across different locations. Hence, ergonomic requirements in the central control room are essential to improve the working condition and yield better productivity and reliability of the overall system. Bailey and Wright have described four main categories of tasks performed in control room: monitoring the system/operations, control adjustments, alarm/emergency procedures, and staying alert (2003; p.215). Workshop usually involves a very rigorous activity. An ergonomic approach of workstation in a manufacturing industry as explained by Das (1998; p.43) refers to a design meant to obtain adequate balance between worker capabilities and work requirements. He specifies that the aim is to optimize worker productivity and the total system, as well as enhance worker physical and mental well-being, job satisfaction, and safety. Time and space can have a significant impact on the organisational efficiency. These workstation dimensions can determine occupational health and worker productivity. Das (1998) asserts that inadequate posture caused by an improperly designed work-station causes static muscle efforts, eventually resulting in acute localized muscle fatigue, and results in decreased productivity and increased risk of operator-related health hazards. The store room is used for storing additional equipment and instruments. The work in a store room requires more of physical than mental activity. Physical activity because manpower in store room is mainly used for shifting items from store to workplace, from workplace to the store, or from shipping to the store. Items stored in a store room include furniture such as chairs, tables, draws; electronic equipment such as monitors, CPUs, keyboards etc; also includes electrical equipment such as wires, bulbs, pipes, ducts etc. The storage consists of the main store and several smaller store rooms with each demarcated for its specific stowage. Computerized record of storage has replaced the traditional manual record keeping in most of the industries (Robertson, 1994; 180). In Roberson’s view, storage process is highly time consuming and manpower intense due to the type of work involved. This could be because of the amount of work, nature of work, or even the environment in which it is carried out. This study is based on the Wilson and Grey’s concept emphasizing the fact that the actual states of, and the attitudes of workers towards, job content, work procedures, work context, technology and the physical environment have a combined influence on the performance and well-being of workers (Roberson, 1994; p.180). Though the concept of the study was based on this model, the interventions have been changed. One of the approaches proposed by Wilson and Corlett (2005; p.33) is the direct observation or objective approach in which true and unbiased observations about working conditions by observing how people behave, perform and think. Another approach suggested by them involves indirect observation or subjective approach involving data collection from workers to understand their interpretations of work and their motivational levels. Any one approach would be insufficient to get the right picture. Hence, in order to get the right picture, observation coupled with questioning has been adopted in this study. Methodology: The main interventions of this study included workplace environment, health and hygiene, work culture and support, technology and procedures, and performance. Based on these categories, observations were recorded by the observer in three different departments of the firm namely, central control room, workshop and the storage. Observations were recorded manually in a sheet that was preformatted with an intention to identify potential risk factors leading to chronic and/or acute musculoskeletal disorders among the workers. The chosen interventions were only a broader classification of all considerations that occupational health entails. Based on the nature of work being done, possible musculoskeletal disorders could be chronic/acute back pain, caused either due to slip disk or development of pressure along the spine; carpal-tunnel syndrome among workers involved in computer-based work in which the median nerve gets compressed at the wrist joint (Mc Cabe, 2002; p.20); joint pains due to jerks, slips or falls caused due to heavy weight lifting; joint pains caused by adoption of improper postures while working; accidental injuries caused while at work; and, any other illnesses related to eyesight, hearing and skin. After recording and analyzing the observations, questionnaire was prepared on similar lines. These were administered to the workers in the Central Control room, the workshop and the storage room personnel. These questionnaires were designed on the same five guiding principles, i.e., workplace environment, health and hygiene, work culture and support, technology and procedures, and performance. Likert’s scale of marking was employed in the questionnaire based on scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being lowest and 5 being highest (Wilson & Corlett, 2005; p.93). The questionnaire was administered to a total of 30 workers from all three departments and included 2 workers from the central control room, 10 from storage and 18 from the workshop. The questionnaire also sought for general information such as name, age, gender and department. In total, the questionnaire contained 25 different questions categorized into the five main groups. Findings: Observations recorded on the pre-formatted sheet revealed various facts and considerations related to the occupational health and ergonomic conditions of the workplace. Findings have been explained based on the five guiding principles: workplace environment, health and hygiene, work culture and support, technology and procedures, and performance. The overall design of control room was conformed to the requirements, however, the seemed congested. As the number of personnel working in the control room was only 2, the space constraint did not seem to really cause any hindrance to their work. The workshop and the store room were very huge and had slip-resistant flooring, probably covered with leather or rubber, meant to reduce the risk of injury or breakage of equipment when dropped accidentally. Ventilation with air filters and lighting were noted in the central control room. However, the workshop and the store room contained lighting and temperature controller only. The central control room was being operated by two operators, each one performing specific tasks. Besides operating the machines, they were also monitoring the CCTV and operating on the computer. They seemed to be involved in multiple tasks at the same time. The central control room had instructions displayed at individual workstations. They also had safety and emergency control measures and actions listed. A few connected wires and cables were found on the floor, but were not getting in the way. Interaction with the workers in control room revealed that their jobs and responsibilities are well-defined and follow a shift rotation system. The technicalities of the control room seemed very complex and required swift operation. Location of the control room was away from the workshop and was completely sealed, with restricted access. Throughout the observation, the two workers worked with absolutely no interruption. Workers in the workshop performed a myriad of activities including moving items from one place to another, assembling, cutting, filtering and pouring, assisting in lifting items etc. The most challenging work seemed to be lifting of heavy weight objects while performing these activities. The workshop was equipped with many different kinds of mechanical aids meant for specific activities. Workers used these aids to reach out for objects at greater height, lift heavy weight objects, move or tilt items, cutting, shaping etc. The workshop was demarcated into specific work areas for specific tasks. All workers in the workshop were clad in peculiar aprons made of leather and had gloves and head caps on them. One supervisor for every workgroup was monitoring and recording the work. Maximum part of the supervisors’ work was on the computer. Observations in the store room were quite similar to that of the workshop. The store room was huge and had demarcated stowage areas, with slip-resistant flooring. The store room had no machinery, but only mechanical aids like trolleys, carriers, mechanical lifts, and other items like ropes, wires, etc. The store room was meant to house the completed and packed goods from the workshop. Every demarcated area in the storage had designated workers, clad in specific leather jackets, gloves, and caps similar to that of the workshop workers. The store was being supervised by two personnel majorly involved in directing the workers and computerized record keeping. The store room was staffed with 10 workers, two workers aligned to one stowage area. Findings from the questionnaire were consolidated to gain an overall idea of ‘what and how’ workers felt about their working conditions. Responses from 30 workers were simulated on one sheet, and the rating that received the maximum response for each question was noted. The same has been represented graphically. Workplace environment: Most of the workers (83%) reported average overall satisfaction for working environment. Almost half of the sample population felt that safety and security arrangements, moving space, following procedures and practices, special devices were below average. However, significant number of responses also indicated average satisfaction. Notable points among these responses were the moving space and special devices which received the lowest rating, reported by the control room personnel. Health and hygiene: About 60% of workers reported usage of accessories to be really helpful and was good. Maximum number of workers was averagely satisfied with the adjustability of chairs and tables being used. The noteworthy factor in this case is that not all workers use chairs and tables at all times during work. Hence, workers who use chairs and tables for longer durations have given a good rating. Majority of workers reported below average satisfaction with regards to overall lighting, ventilation and temperature of workarea. The control room personnel showed absolute dissatisfaction in this context. Significant number of sample population reported high incidence of illnesses reported due to musculoskeletal disorders like joint pains, backache etc. Lower incidence of these illnesses reported was only by 7% of the workers. Almost half of the population felt that illness caused due to other reasons also existed. Work culture and support: A significant proportion of the workers rated leadership and support to be of average category. Half of the sample population (57%) reported poor job rotation practices and slightly lesser number of workers reported average satisfaction on job rotation practices. Only 77% of the workers reported average satisfaction on procedure and process training. Maximum workers reported average satisfaction on awareness of the safety devices and equipment to be used while at work. Majority of the population (73%) expressed average satisfaction on health and accident insurance policies provided by the organisation. Technology and procedures: About 70% of sample population expressed good display of technological aids requiring wires, cables etc; i.e. these aids did not cause hindrance to their work while moving. The same population also reported safety of the workarea in terms of shock, fire and combustion. The point made by the control room personnel in this context relates to high risk of shock, fire and combustion. Regarding the work procedures using technical aids, about 80% of personnel reported average satisfaction. Most of the workshop and store room personnel reported below average satisfaction in terms of the mechanical aids available for carrying heavy loads. Most of the workers did not feel that the technology available helped in easing strenuous work. Performance: More than 80% of the workers reported average performance in terms of productivity, and almost at the same level was overall performance of the department. About 60% of the workers feel that average incidences of absenteeism at work is caused due to injuries caused while at work. Slightly higher number of workers (63%) also felt that average incidences of absenteeism at work were due to illnesses caused because of work load. Only half of the population felt that technological and mechanical aids used contributed to enhancement of the productivity to a certain extent. Discussion Ergonomics of workplace are intended to ensure safe and healthy work environment for all the workers. Hence, effective ergonomic practices must consider all aspects of safety and wellbeing, in turn also helping in achieving increased organisational efficiency. As mentioned earlier the point made by Robertson (1994, p.180), performance and happiness of workers are determined by various factors including their attitude, nature of work, procedures, context, technology etc. Relating our study of ergonomics in the central control room, workshop and the store room can provide sufficient evidence of Robertson’s philosophy of ergonomics. Management strategies to mitigate the risks of workers developing musculoskeletal disorders have been suggested based on the three-tier system of managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (Mirka, 1998; p.327). For instance, this approach involving observational and interventional methodologies, correlation of results was minimal. Though, no one approach provided complete evidence of the actual state and attitudes of workers, each one could not be complete without the other. However, the research is aimed to identify the present gaps and look at possible measures that can be introduced to improve the situation. Feedback on the overall work environment is not encouraging which could mean better services can be provided. The reason for low satisfaction with regards to the available mechanical aids could be the numbers and types of mechanical aids. Observational data indicated mechanical aids available for the heavy load category only and that too in limited numbers. This again can be related to the moving space on the floor, which received maximum below average satisfaction scores. As explained by Mitchell (1998; ch.14), time and space both decide worker productivity. This adage holds true in the current situation. Speed of positioning the load using appropriate mechanical aids will directly reduce the time wasted in loading. Along with this, proper planning and discipline in the moving area can avoid confusion and chaos. Appropriate designing of the floor at the planning stage is the best approach to avoid such productivity wastage. Health and hygienic aspects of the workplace have received maximum satisfaction in most aspects; however, good number of incidences of musculoskeletal disorders and problems with sensory abilities also existed. This is an important aspect of ergonomics that can decide the overall productivity and quality of work. Notably, control room personnel have rated their room environment to be extremely poor. The control room houses the most important machinery of the entire operation. Hence, it needs to follow specific guidelines of machinery maintenance. These machines are run on fuel or electricity, and tend to emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Hence, appropriate ventilation systems to filter the harmful gases are a must. At the same time, the risen temperature must also be controlled to keep the machinery in good working condition. Keeping these in mind, suitable temperature required for the workers cannot be ignored. Constant monitoring of the temperature and adjustments being done can help to a great extent. Control room operations must be well-designed including appropriate break timings for the personnel, lesser shift timings, better job rotation practices. These can help in reducing stress and discomfort to a great extent. Other health issues can also be addressed by implementing these practices. For those working on the computer, the most common complaints are found to be development of pressure at the wrist joint and lower back. Both these issues can lead to severe consequences requiring surgical interventions. To avoid this, appropriate job planning and break timings, shift changes and contingency planning can help. The main cause for concern pointing the work culture and support is appropriate training on procedures and work planning. Appropriate training was a concern for the store room personnel who probably did not follow specific procedures in loading and lifting weights. This again points to development of musculoskeletal issues and accidental injuries. In appropriate work planning causes more stress. In case of absenteeism, stress is further added onto the existing personnel. Hence, cross training the workers in different areas can be useful in times of need. Moving workers from more difficult work to lesser ones can also help in easing stress. Most of the workers have expressed average satisfaction on the technology and procedures. However, two areas of concern are the mechanical aids and technology. Availability of mechanical aids for use by maximum number of workers can improve the situation. Appropriate training could be a cause for workers unable to use the available technology. Dependency of both these aspects on each other is also a major sphere that needs addressing. An important point to be made in this context, based on observational data, is related to the accessories provided to the workers. As the workers are involved in moving heavy loads, slip-resistant flooring does play an important role in avoiding injuries and accidents. Also, provision of special kind of oil-wet slip-resistant footwear can help (Bauman et al, 2004; p.33). Performance and productivity are reflections of all the above discussed practices. Hence, results from the survey reported average performance satisfaction. This could be enhanced by reducing absenteeism caused due to injuries and other illnesses; adopting better and more number of mechanical aids catering to all kinds of loads; making space for movement, and thus saving time; providing relevant training to all workers, and also cross training some of them as a part of contingency planning; adopting appropriate job rotation practices, etc. In fact, job rotation and job enrichment have a two-way impact on performance, i.e., eases stress and improves motivation (Hunt; 2004; p.154). Conclusion: In conclusion, strong links between employment, individual health and the health of the organisation can be established through this study. In a healthy workplace, for the employer, their workforce is their most important resource and society benefits from high employment and a fit and productive workforce. Also, the impact of organisation culture on individual behaviour and the outcomes in relation to the potential occupational hazards of work stress were evident from this study. Management and leadership play a vital role in identifying potential occupational hazards that come from a myriad of sources. Hence, addressing occupational health should be considered as a strategic management practice and appropriate measures need to be designed. Periodical assessment of control measures put in place is also an important integral part of ensuring occupational health. References Books Bailey, D and Wright, E. (2003). Practical SCADA for industry. London: Newnes. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=rylG0sJYREoC&pg=PR13&dq=central+control+room+software+IT+industry#v=onepage&q=central%20control%20room%20software%20IT%20industry&f=false Bauman et al. (2004). Comparison of Standard Footwear for the Oil Wet Ramp Slip Resistance Test. In MacCabe, P’s (ed.) Contemporary Ergonomics. U.S.A: CRC Press. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=Vu861Z__TKYC&pg=PA33&dq=oil+manufacturing+ergonomics#v=onepage&q=&f=false Cook, M. (2001). Memory and complex skills. In Noyes, J. M and Bransby, M’s (eds.) People in control: human factors in control room design. London: IET Publications. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=exZed9bOhZUC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false Das, B. (1998). Manufacturing workstation design. In Karwowski, W and Salvendry, G’s (eds.) Ergonomics in manufacturing: raising productivity through workplace improvement. U.S.A: SME Publications. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=UTvILIxCrAoC&pg=PA43&dq=workstation+manufacturing+ergonomics#v=onepage&q=workstation%20manufacturing%20ergonomics&f=false Hunt, J.G (2004). Organisational behaviour. 8th ed.. Published by John Wiley & Sons. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=tAIdtEyNEzYC&pg=PA154&dq=job+rotation+and+job+enrichment+ergnomics#v=onepage&q=&f=false Laurig, W and Vedder, J. (1998). Ergonomics: Tools and Approaches. In Stellman, J.M’s (ed) Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety: The body, health care, management and policy, tools and approaches. (edn 4). Geneva: International Labour Organisation http://books.google.co.in/books?id=vW6rXFvm4sQC&pg=PT906&dq=ergonomics+occupational+health#v=onepage&q=ergonomics%20occupational%20health&f=false Mc Cabe, S (2002). 101 Questions and Answers about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What It Is, How to Prevent It, and Where to Turn for Treatment. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=48qqjn-dS6MC&pg=PA20&dq=carpal+tunnel+syndrome+symptoms#v=onepage&q=carpal%20tunnel%20syndrome%20symptoms&f=false Mirka, G.A. (1998). Managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In Karwowski, W and Salvendry, G’s (eds.) Ergonomics in manufacturing: raising productivity through workplace improvement. 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USA: CRC Press. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=dSmKYLp82b4C&pg=PA238&dq=Wilson+Grey+1986+ergonomic+model#v=onepage&q=consequence-oriented&f=false Magazine Bullinger, H, J. (2000). The changing world of work: Prospects and challenges for health and safety. Magazine of the European agency for Safety and Health at work, pp.1-47. Accessed on 12 October 2009 http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/magazine/2 Read More