Ergonomics as Element of Process and Production Optimization

AbstractIn view of the ongoing demographic change, working organizations of companies are faced with new requirements. The average duration of illnesses successively increases with the increasing age of the employees. In this context, about 25 percent of sick days are caused by musculoskeletal disorders. Diminishing work related strain can contribute to reducing the number of sick days. At Siemens, the topic “Ergonomics” is promoted and taken to the factories throughout the world in close cooperation with the internal Process and Production Consulting department and the corporate Human Resources department. On factory level, consultants for ergonomics work directly together with the various stakeholders. Given that employees in production are well aware of any weak points at their work stations, involving them is the key to success. Through the interaction of all parties, sustainable ergonomic design measures are introduced and implemented. In its competence field “People in the Factory”, Production and Process Consulting of the Siemens AG deals with the human resource as an essential factor of success. In this context, ergonomics play a decisive role. Based on ergonomic expertise gained through specific trainings, experts apply scientifically validated assessment methods for analyzing and evaluating work stations. The methods are modular and comprise checklists for a preliminary rough analysis for identifying improvement potentials. Based on these results, tools for analyzing specifically demanding areas in more detail are occasionally being applied. Through ergonomic measures, a reduction of sick days seems to be possible. This also enables Siemens manufacturing departments to be equipped for the demographic change and to set up age-appropriate work stations. Currently, corporate departments offer two modules for support: ergonomics assessment including the implementation of optimization measures and train-the-trainer trainings for developing ergonomics experts at the specific locations. This lecture is about explaining and discussing experiences, problem areas and best practices