Design Concepts of Handy Ergonomic Checklists for Small Workplaces

摘要

Design concepts of ergonomic checklists suited for improving small workplaces are discussed. Action-oriented checklists developed through inter-country networking for field workplace interventions were analyzed. These checklists were used for identifying and implementing simple improvements in small and medium-sized enterprises and in rural areas. Check items were presented in action forms showing simple improvements effective for improving both working conditions and productivity. Serial interventions using the checklists led to concrete improvements in different settings. We could confirm the usefulness of handy checklists listing low-cost improvements in multiple technical areas. As most small workplaces had numerous ergonomic problems, it was found essential to design each checklist so as to cover several technical areas including materials handling, workstations and teamwork environment. In designing a locally adjusted checklist, it was useful to select a few check items representing workload, tolerance and flexibility viewpoints for each of these areas. For a small workplace intervention, it is suggested to design a handy ergonomic checklist by listing 20-40 low-cost actions corresponding to the matrix concepts comprising technical areas and multiple remedial viewpoints. Such a checklist can best be utilized by organizing a checklist exercise followed by group discussion on checklist results and planning of new improvements.