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The concept of work compatibility: An integrated design criterion for improving workplace human performance in manufacturing systems
Author(s) -
Abdallah S.,
Genaidy A.,
Salem O.,
Karwowski W.,
Shell R.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
human factors and ergonomics in manufacturing and service industries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.408
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1520-6564
pISSN - 1090-8471
DOI - 10.1002/hfm.20008
Subject(s) - compatibility (geochemistry) , sustainability , computer science , work systems , risk analysis (engineering) , industrial engineering , work (physics) , reliability engineering , manufacturing engineering , engineering , mechanical engineering , business , ecology , chemical engineering , biology
In this paper, we present the concept of work compatibility as an integrated work design criterion that simultaneously improves human health and safety, productivity, and work quality in manufacturing systems. In this respect, we have modeled work compatibility as a work design parameter that mathematically integrates the energizing (i.e., system resources) and the demand (i.e., system requirements) forces in the work system. A mathematical equation has been derived for the work compatibility matrix. Furthermore, an operating zone has been developed in which there is a region of optimality for the employee to function on practical grounds with a good degree of efficiency and sustainability. An application example is provided to demonstrate the potential of work compatibility to improve productivity and quality along with improvement in worker safety and health. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 14: 379–402, 2004.