A Posture-Productivity Index: A Proposed Methodology

Abstract

The working posture of an individual influences his working efficiency and working efficiency significantly affects productivity. An index of productivity as a function of posture-related variables is needed to assess the significance of posture's effect on productivity. A posture-productivity index expresses the capability to increase productivity by changing working posture. The index is based upon the following nine ergonomie guidelines or contributing factors for working posture described by Ayoub (1971): static work, overload of muscular system, mechanical advantage, joint positions, unnatural postures, proper sitting posture, allowable change of posture, accommodation of large operators, and operator training. The advantage of this procedure is not only to be able to determine the posture-productivity index, but more importantly, the capability to improve worker efficiency by modifying working posture is indicated. Such an indication will be an invaluable tool, especially since most changes to improve working posture would normally require minimal investment.

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