Ford Motor Company Global Ergonomics Process

The use of ergonomic principles in the design of automobile assembly and manufacturing operations has become an important part of a comprehensive health and safety process as well as an integral part of the engineering systems. Ford Motor Company has developed an ergonomics process to manage issues related to injury and illness (e.g., musculoskeletal diseases) and to ensure the appropriate use of human resources on the plant floor. The ergonomics program uses joint labor and management teams to identify and evaluate jobs and develop and implement solutions. This paper summarizes the Ford Motor Company efforts in implementing and maintaining the program. Key strategies are outlined that provide important links to internal organizational units that are critical to fully utilize the ergonomics process. In addition, the paper outlines differences between proactive and reactive efforts and shows the importance of using the information generated by the initiatives for process improvement.