Quality and Ergonomics Management

Abstract

Although there are many conceptual similarities in-between the areas of quality and ergonomics, and despite that several indicators point to the fact that poor ergonomics causes quality deficiencies, there are up to date few examples of integrated improvement efforts. As a consequence there is also lack a well-grounded common theory. To overcome some of the gaps this paper outlines a conceptual framework for an integrative approach to the development of quality and ergonomics in concert – the reasoning and results based on a extensive research program involving experience from twenty-five Swedish organizations during a period of eight years.

Measurement of management efforts with respect to integration of quality, safety, and ergonomics issues in manufacturing industry

“…To address this problem, many organizations are utilizing a variety of management philosophies, standards, regulations, and methods to improve efficiency in an attempt to satisfy the needs and expectations of all stakeholders (Attaran, 1996;Axelsson & Forsberg, 1998;Johnson, 1997;Manuele, 1995Manuele, , 1997. To date, however, there has been no attempt to synthesize various factors to measure management efforts and outcomes with respect to simultaneous improvements in quality, ergonomics, and safety areas (Nauhria & Chadha, 1998;Oakland, 1993;Sayre 1996;Schneid, 1998;Weinstein, 1996Weinstein, , 1997Zink 1999).…”