Ergonomic design of material handling tasks with buffer stock in production system for effective operations

Abstract

The use of ergonomics study is to improve the workers safety and health, increase job satisfaction and enhances performance. Lack of ergonomics criteria in workspace and workstation design can cause physical and biological hazards to the workers. Ergonomics evaluations in industrial setting have recently received increased attention due to the cost incurred as a result of repetitive motion injuries. In Flexible Manufacturing System, the human capabilities and limitations must be respected to ensure safe effective operations. The material handling tasks, workplace and the equipment must be designed so they are easy to operate which eliminates strenuous labor. Supplies of unfinished workpieces called buffer stock put in front and behind each workstation eliminate time pressure for the worker. This arrangement gives much flexibility and better organized at work. This can lead to improved productivity in the Flexible Manufacturing System. The ergonomic design and equipment selection with buffer stock must be safe for the human operators and Flexible Manufacturing System.