An empirical investigation on association between human factors, ergonomics and lean manufacturing

Most adopters focussed on lean tools and techniques (hard lean practices) alone and neglected human factors and ergonomics (soft lean practices) while implementing lean in an organisation. The implementation of hard lean practices alone worsens workers' Quality of Work Life (QWL) which results in obtaining anticipated long-term lean performance. To promote the adaptation of soft lean practices, the study aimed to highlight the significance of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) in lean performance and sustainability through structural equation modelling using survey data from 168 experts involved in lean environments. The study documented that the degree of lean performance is positively related to HFE. Also, it found that psychosocial and physical factors influence lean performance enhancement more than others do whereas cognitive factors influence them the least. The study will help managers and researchers understand the relationship between HFE and lean performance and thus help to solve human-related issues in a lean environment and lean system design for successful implementation. Finally, the implications, limitations and future scope of the study are discussed elaborately.