1. Applications of Ergonomics in a Food Processing Factory
2.Problem Definition
In industry, humans have to operate machines. However in the meat industry, there are many
difficulties in mechanization and as a result a higher percentage of the work force performs manual
labour. As a result there is a large risk of Cumulative Trauma Disorders. These disorders can greatly
affect the quality of life of the workers and reduce productivity and efficiency in the company. Most
people have the view that ergonomics creates more problems and thus more costs. This project aims
to show that ergonomics can improve productivity and efficiency.
5. Methods
Measurements of work stations were taken to assess for compliance with standards. Noise, temperature and light readings were taken in accordance with ISO1 standards. The noise dose for
workers in the plant was calculated and compared to OSHA2 permissible limits. In addition, temperature readings were taken to perform heat stress analyses in accordance with US Navy
criteria. Light readings were taken to assess for luminance uniformity. Moreover the risks for musculoskeletal disorders were assessed by using RULA3, Strain Indices and ACGIH HAL TLV4
methods. Lifting was assessed for risks using the NIOSH5 lifting equation. Additionally, a slip potential assessment was done for the plant flooring in accordance with the HSE6.
1.Abstract
In a meat processing factory, numerous manual tasks are carried out daily. Thus it is very important to maintain a good work environment. Ergonomics provides just that. It is the science of
designing equipment, the workplace and even the job to fit the worker. It allows workers to be at their most productive for longer. This project deals with increasing the
safety, comfort, productivity and performance in a meat factory by using ergonomic principles. The problem will be solved by the analysis of field data. This project will significantly improve
the enjoyment and fulfilment of the workers at this factory by making the workplace more suitable for them.
3.Objectives
•To analyze several routine tasks in a food factory.
•To identify which ergonomic factors affect these tasks and show how these tasks
can place strains on the body
•To compare measurements taken at the factory to International Standards.
•To make recommendations in order to improve worker efficiency and productivity
as well as improving the task and its fit to the worker.
6. Results
7. Recommendations
1. Decrease risk of
Musculoskeletal Disorder
2. Improve Workstation Design 3. Decrease manual handling
Use chairs that fit 95th
percentile of users and
meet comfort criteria.
Use gloves that provide a good
medium between protection and
manual dexterity
8. Conclusion
This report demonstrated various instances which deviated from international standard requirements. The work stations and chair design
generally did not satisfy criteria stipulated for adaptability and comfort. In addition, workers were not aware of the risks placed on their
bodies or the proper techniques to avoid them due to lack of training. Moreover, the plant flooring is a high source of risk for the workers
due flooring material itself combined with the high level of water and fat oil contamination. Noise studies indicated that only for the
operation of the pneumatic machine were noise conservation methods necessary. Heat stress indicated that the worker’s health could
become compensated due to heat stress. In addition the manual tasks done by the workers were shown to pose risks of Musculoskeletal
Disorders for the workers. The analyses carried out helped to indicate the risks the workers are exposed to and simple solutions for solving
these problems.
9. References
4.Prevent exposure of extremity
skin to cold temperatures
Musculoskeletal disorders
Noise
Work station design
Attwood, D. A., Deeb, J. M., & Danz-
Reece, M. E. (2004). Ergonomic Solutions for
the Process Industries. MA: Gulf
Professional Publishing
ISO 8995: Principles of Visual Ergonomics -
The Lighting of Indoor Work Systems.
(2002). Geneva: ISO.
Engel, Z., Augustynska, D., Koton, J., &
Kaczmarska, A. (2001). Noise -Definitions. In
W. Kawowski (Ed.), International
Encyclopedia of Ergonomics and Human
Factors. NY: Taylor& Francis Inc.
4.Literature Review
Work station Design – “a location where the operator may spend only a portion of the working shift”. (Attwood, Deeb, & Danz-Reece, 2004) Workstations must be designed to
accommodate the extremes of the user population. Musculoskeletal Disorders - A disorder of the muscles, bones or tissues that accumulates with time as the worker repeatedly performs
the activity over a long duration of time. Light – The aim of visual ergonomics is to provide optimal perception of visual information used during the course of work. “Luminance is the
physical measurement of the stimulus which produces the sensation of brightness.” (ISO 8995, 2002) Noise – This is defined as any disturbing, annoying, strenuous, hazardous sounds that
influence the hearing organ and other senses of a human body. (Engel, Augustynska, Koton, & Kaczmarska, 2001). Noise dose is the measure of the exposure to noise expressed as a
percentage of a maximum permissible exposure. OSHA2 states that 90 dB(A) is the maximum permissible exposure to continuous noise for an 8hr shift. Temperature – Exposure to both
excessive heat and excessive cold can produce performance degradation and health problems. Heat impacts negatively on performance of cognitive and physical tasks. In addition, low skin
temperatures in the cold are positively correlated to increased muscular strain and pain in the tissues beneath the cooled skin.
Lighting
Temperature
Wrist is deviated from neutral position
Poor workstation design
Worker has to arch back
High hand stresses are created.
High hand strength needed
Use a pneumatic scissors
Use a mallet to replace
striking with hands.
1 International Standards Organization
2Occupational Safety and Health Authority
3Rapid Upper Limb Assessment
4American Conference of Governmental Hygienists Hand Activity Levels Threshold Limit Values
5National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety
6Health and Safety Executive
5. Use slip resistant boots
On floors with high levels of water
contamination, boots specifically
made for slip resistance are
suggested.
Vacuum lifting tube system eliminates
need for worker to exert effort during
lifting .
University of the West Indies
Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Toni Lucio 809002552
Industrial Engineering and Management
IENG 3012: Industrial Engineering Project