The right track for ergonomics in assembly work? A comparison between two production concepts on ergonomics and productivity

To improve productivity and ergonomics in an emergency lighting manufacturing company an integral participatory approach was applied. In close cooperation with company representatives a new assembly concept was developed and designed. To evaluate the new assembly process and lay out a comparison was made between batch production (old situation) and flow assembly (new situation). The goals were to assess productivity, physical workload, mental load and job satisfaction. Six workers with experience in both the old and the new work situation participated in the comparison. They worked during a whole day in the old situation and a whole day in the new situation. The new situation turned out to be better on almost all parameters. But it is important to keep in mind that increased productivity also intensifies the work; so more attention to job rotation is recommended.