Improve Productivity at Weigh Stations with Engineering Improvements

Repeated or continual movements in awkward postures may lead to fatigue and discomfort. Over time, injury to the back, shoulders, hands, wrists, or other parts of the body may occur. Injuries may include damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Injuries of this type are known as musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs. Engineering Improvements can minimize occupational injuries and simultaneously improve worker comfort, productivity, and job satisfaction. They include rearranging, modifying, redesigning, providing or replacing tools, equipment, workstations, packaging, parts, processes, products, or materials. As a part of Lean and Energy Assessment at a facility, it is suggested to redesign the weighing operation by installing a weigh table and weigh the packs on the same table avoiding turning motion during quality checks. This measure eliminated the risk of lower back MSDs for the worker and improved productivity to a significant extent by saving estimated 260 man hours a year and thereby $7,800 annually.