title: Effects of two ergonomic improvements in brazing coils of air-handler units.
abstract: The research aims to address the physically loading task and quality and productivity problems in the brazing of coils of air-handler units. Eight operators participated in two intervention studies conducted in a factory in Malaysia to compare the status quo brazing with (1) the use of a new twin-brazing torch that replaced the single-brazing gun and (2) brazing in a sitting position. The outcome measures are related to quality, productivity, monetary costs, body postures and symptoms. After baseline, Interventions I and II were applied for 3 months respectively. The results show a 58.9% quality improvement, 140% productivity increase and 113 times ROI. There was also a reduction in poor work postures e.g. in the raising of the arms and shoulders; bending, twisting and extending of the neck; and bending of left and right wrists, and the back. This research can be replicated in other factories that share similar processes.
authors.affiliation: Ergonomics Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Electronic address: drloohs@gmail.com.
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Loo
authors.affiliation: School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia. Electronic address: paul.yeow@monash.edu.
authors.forename: Paul H P
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Yeow
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000389:Air Conditioning; D001415:Back; D004526:Efficiency; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D066192:Manufacturing Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009333:Neck; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011187:Posture; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D034941:Upper Extremity; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cost savings; Musculoskeletal symptoms; Productivity; Quality; Twin-brazing torch; Work postures