Operations Management: An Integrated Approach, 5th Edition

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

So far we have discussed job design and methods analysis in detail. We also need to understand the effect of working conditions on worker productivity, product quality, and worker safety.

Temperature, relative humidity, ventilation, lighting, and noise level are all factors in work system design. People work well when the temperature is comfortable; typically, the more strenuous the work, the lower the temperature should be. Excess humidity is uncomfortable for most people and can be detrimental to some equipment. Too little humidity results in dry air and may create undesirable static charges. Exchanging or filtering the air can prevent the stale air caused by poor ventilation. Inadequate lighting can lead to production mistakes and/or physical discomfort such as headaches. Detailed work normally needs stronger light. Also, high noise levels can be distracting and can result in errors or accidents as well as impair hearing.

Concern for worker safety brought about the enactment in 1970 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The law was designed to ensure that all workers have healthy and safe working conditions. It mandates specific safety conditions that are inspected randomly by OSHA inspectors. Violations can result in warnings, fines, and/or court-imposed shutdowns. The law requires the company to ensure a safe working environment for its employees. Therefore, worker safety is the ...