Improving Worker Productivity at an Antenna Assembly Unit Through Ergonomically Designed Workstations
摘要
This paper addresses the issue of poor worker productivity in the antenna assembly unit of a small firm specializing in manufacturing composite tools and equipment. The assembly process took place in a “clean room,” a dust-free section of the factory, where skilled technicians manually assembled one-meter (1 M) antennas for aerospace applications. A preliminary assessment using anthropometric measurements and the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) score revealed that the existing workstation design was inadequate, with technicians experiencing discomfort and had high RULA scores of up to 7. To address this issue, a comprehensive study was conducted to determine the extent of musculoskeletal disorders and develop an ergonomic solution. The proposed method involved the creation of an ergonomically designed workstation comprising of an adjustable table height and dedicated compartments for storing raw materials such as tiny metal parts, hooks, pins, and other necessary components. This ergonomic setup aimed to improve the RULA scores and minimize worker mobility, ultimately enhancing overall worker productivity. The findings demonstrate that the implementation of the ergonomically designed workstation resulted in significant improvements in worker comfort and productivity. The proposed workstation design not only reduced the RULA scores but also eliminated the need for excessive movement and searching for tools or materials. The ergonomically designed workstation proved to be a valuable intervention, addressing the issues of discomfort and inefficiency while enhancing the productivity of the antenna assembly unit.