The ninth lean production system (LPS)principle – Work safety and ergonomics

LPS have been introduced and are practiced in order to achieve the objectives determined by the management. Due to the reduction of waste, production processes have become more efficient and contribute to the general objectives quality, time and cost. Several studies show that LPS can have a negative impact on the physical and psychological health of the workers and, as a result, on their efficiency. Methods in the field of work safety and ergonomics can be integrated into the LPS in order to prevent a loss of efficiency and to increase efficiency. In this article, the importance of work safety and ergonomics in supporting the achievement of enterprise objectives as well as the integration of work safety and ergonomics as the ninth LPS-principle are described. © Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG