Since 1986, twelve (12) injuries and illnesses had occurred among cable formers in several shops of a major telecommunications equipment manufacturer resulting in significant lost time and restricted days. The process engineer, supervisor, plant ergonomist, production associates, and maintenance personnel analyzed the problem elements of the job and developed possible solutions. Ergonomic training, repair of the existing boards, a new cable board design, anti-fatigue mats, step stools, and new scissors were implemented. Significant improvements were realized in employee morale and board set-up time. The degree of musculoskeletal stress suffered by these workers was also reduced.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
SnookStover H.CirielloVincent M., “The Design of Manual Handling Tasks: Revised Tables of Maximum Acceptable Weights and Forces,”Ergonomics, 1991, Vol. 34, No. 9, 1197–1213.
2.
Webb Associates, “Anthropometric Source Book: Anthropometry for Designers,” July 1978, NASA Reference Publication 1024.
