Ergonomics Oriented to Processes Becomes a Tool for Continuous Improvement

A holistic view is essential for qu a lity initiatives such as Total Quality Management (TQM), Standard No. ISO 9001:1994 (International Organization for Standardization [ISO], 1994), Concurrent Engineering, Business Reengineering, and Business Process Improvement. The challenge is knowing how to transition from this theoretical concept to implementation. The relationship between quality interest and an ergonomics program will be the focus of this discussion. An ergonomics oriented improvement program includes (a) ergonomics or fittin g the jo b to the person; (b) integration of operations management, safety engineering, medical management, and employees as coowners of the process; (c) the emphasis of ergonomic precepts in the engineering of new processes and improvement of curre nt processes; and (d) the emphasis of employees tak in g responsibility for their own well being and the improvement of their work environment. The parallel between the continuous improvement process delineated by the quality-system requirements in Standard No. ISO 9001:1994 (ISO, 1994) and the improvement contributions of ergonomics are very revealing (Getty, Abbott, & Getty, 1995). It is the con tentio n of this ap proach that if the precepts of ergonomics were applied to the work environment, it would sup po rt the objective of world class quality and productivity, resulting in improved global competitiveness of businesses.