Ergonomics Improvement in Order Selection in a Refrigerated Environment

The purpose was to conduct an ergonomics improvement in the order selection process in a refrigerated dairy factory. The workers' task was to pick dairy products to fulfill orders. Plant walkthroughs, unstructured interviews, and direct observation methods were used to study the existing process and problems. Ergonomics intervention was made by introducing a wireless handheld scanning system. A field experiment was carried out to compare the conventional paper pick list with the new system. Results indicated that workers faced difficulty in the paper pick list system, that is, to grasp a clipboard, turn pages, and place marks while wearing thick gloves. The new system eliminated this problem, and because of its ergonomics visual and audio feedback properties and more efficient process, it increased productivity (by 8.4%) and workers' satisfaction, simplified tasks, improved work quality, and reduced delay in invoicing. Replicating the intervention, other process-based manufacturing companies may reap similar benefits. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.