Ergonomic intervention for rivet machine at assembly department of an aircraft manufacturing company

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to solve ergonomics problem/issue at assembly department of an aircraft manufacturing company. The study applies some ergonomics assessment tools to define and assess the problem. The problem was identified which the worker confronted awkward posture while working with the rivet machine and they need some improvement for rivet machine by developing new design, where can reduce the risk factors that experienced by the worker. Development of new rivet machine needs ergonomics practice to avoid awkward posture by the operator during the process. The objectives of this study are to identify ergonomics issues when working with rivet machine, to assess the risk by using suitable ergonomics assessment tools and to design tool and simulate to improve rivet process. Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was used to assess the risk. Based on the assessment, the task, at certain point was performed in high risk situation (based on RULA and REBA results). The new improved design of the rivet machine has been suggested and simulated using CATIA software to ensure the machine is suitable for the worker. After simulation, it shows that the REBA and RULA score has drop from high risk to negligible risk, which it give best result of the new design for rivet machine. Finally, recommended ergonomics improvement and solutions were proposed to the company.