FLYWHEEL TRUING - A CASE-STUDY OF AN ERGONOMIC INTERVENTION

Using a structured participatory approach, an automotive manufacturing facility identified and analyzed a specific problem related to ergonomics, the manual truing of fly-wheels. They also identified and implemented a solution. The problem identification, problem analysis, intervention development. and intervention implementation processes were characterized by (1) employee participation, (2) supervisor participation. and (3) strong engineering support. Comparison of the health and safety data pre- and post-intervention revealed a 29% decrease in the incidence of total musculoskeletal disorders, a 78% decrease in the incidence of upper extremity disorders (cumulative trauma disorders), an 82% decrease in restricted or lost days, and a shift in the spectrum and type of morbidity. These observed changes in morbidity corresponded to the effects of the intervention. Analysis of subjective worker assessments of the process and effects of the intervention also were favorable. This case study demonstrates that a participatory and structured approach to ergonomics-related interventions can be effective in achieving defined goals, including a favorable impact on worker health and safety.