Application of integrated ergonomic risk assessment in the automotive sector

It has been proven in many countries today that occupational musculoskeletal disorders are associated with exposure to ergonomic risks. For this reason, the importance given to ergonomics in the world and in our country is increasing steadily. Nevertheless, the applications of ergonomics in the business and their effects are not fully understood. In this study, in an effort to investigate the importance of the integrated ergonomic risk assessment approach and its implications, an ergonomic risk assessment is performed on the main assembly line and transport line in an automotive subsidiary factory. Considering the limitations of the methods to be used and in accordance with the ergonomic guidelines of the factory, ergonomic risk factors are assessed by using Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) as a reactive method and company specific ergonomic control list (ECL) and ergonomic motion area (EMA) calculations as proactive methods. Ergonomic risk factors were evaluated with these methods and suggestions for improvement were made in order to reduce these risks. It has been determined that pursuing a systematic and integrated ergonomic risk assessment approach by which work related musculoskeletal disorder risks can be detected and making a robust business plan is needed to prevent both costs and problems that can be experienced on a person and company basis