Ergonomics boosts productivity: Optimizing industrial workloads

This study investigates the impact of ergonomic factors on worker productivity in the industrial sector, specifically focusing on machine operators in parts production. The research aims to identify and address workflow problems and ergonomic issues arising from the handling of defective products in the packing process. The Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) method is employed to determine the permissible load limits for workers and assess the risk levels for packing operators. This information is then used to optimize the layout of machines, raw materials, and workload distribution. The results reveal that operators 3 and 4 experience higher work risk levels compared to their counterparts. While operator 3’s workload (0.73 < LI) does not pose any risk to their activities, operator 4’s workload (1.05 > LI) increases the likelihood of low back pain complaints and exceeds standard load-lifting limits. This study highlights the importance of ergonomic considerations in improving worker productivity and overall industrial efficiency.