Abstract
Abstract
In today's lean manufacturing environment, resources may be scarce and need to be utilized as economically as possible, especially those personnel in supporting roles, the so-called ‘overhead’. To improve the use of existing resources, a change in the workplace that moves from an expert-based ergonomics system to a culture-based one can be beneficial. The concept of an ‘ergonomics culture’ is one where everyone understands and bears some responsibility for ergonomics. This implies that all members of a work organization are informed and empowered to make improvements appropriate to their level of assigned responsibility. Of course, this concept is not implemented overnight and senior management must understand, endorse and visibly support such an initiative with their time and resources. The eventual result, however, is worthy of significant recognition for its positive workplace effect, with reduced injuries and their related costs and loss reductions, together with increased productivity, improved quality, better workforce stability and morale gains.