Participatory Ergonomics Design intervention in an Iron factory: Ergonomic workstation design to Decrease musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract

To reduce musculoskeletal disorders complaints in an electric Iron esteeming test task, a participatory ergonomic design approach is used. Five phases of a participatory ergonomic Design process were followed (Preparation, Analysis of tasks, Selection of improvements and design, Pilot study with the improvements, Implementation). Two operators on using the steam and water sprayer test workstation they both voluntarily participated in the evaluation of the designed workstation before& after implementing. Prior to the intervention, two interviews were conducted, and one questionnaire was delivered to answer in addition to our own observations of the workers during a full working day, taking notes and discussing realized issues with the workers. These same metrics were employed after the intervention, as well. After the intervention, a new workstation was designed and executed as a prototype considering all the discovered issues that caused musculoskeletal disorders, the new design showed both a posture improvement and comfort improvement. This project shows the importance of iterative testing, deep understanding of the workers complaints, importance of participation of the workers in developing their workstations, considering their needs, and that the right interpretation can lead to the right ergonomic design solutions