Motion Muda

The efficient use of the human body is critical to the well being of the operator.  Extra unneeded motions are wasteful.  Operators should not have to walk excessively, lift heavy loads, bend awkwardly, reach too far, repeat motions, etc.   New tools should be designed to help with strenuous hand or body motions.  The layout of the workplace should be redesigned to take advantage of proper ergonomics. Each work station should be analyzed for ergonomic and motion requirements.  Ergonomics can eliminate factors in the workplace that may cause injuries and lost production.  Some guidelines for providing sound ergonomic principles include:

Emphasize safety at all times

Fit the employee to the job

Change the workplace to fit the employee (not vice versa)

Design the workplace so that neutral body positions are maintained

Redesign tool handles to reduce stress and injury

Vary tasks through job rotation, every 2 to 4 hours

Make the machine serve the human

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