Effectiveness of ergonomics as a labour productivity intervention: Evidence from a selected automotive assembly organisation in South Africa

Abstract

The affirmative correlation between labour productivity and corporate performance has, over time, underpinned the economic theory for the industrial sector.  Organisations in this industry consistently seek methods to enhance workforce productivity.  Their ongoing reliance on labour-intensive production underscores the significance of working posture among operators, which concurrently impacts their physical health.  Improper management of working position adversely impacts production yields and product quality.  This statement underscores the significance of ergonomics.  The objective of ergonomics is to provide an optimal alignment between individuals and their tasks, thereby enhancing comfort, safety, and efficiency in the workplace.  This study examines the impact of ergonomics on workforce productivity within a chosen automobile assembly organisation in South Africa.  The study employed a quantitative methodology to investigate the production and associated experiences of an automotive assembly organisation that has implemented an ergonomics strategy for enhancing productivity.  The corporation functions within the eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. The study was conducted by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on production targets met, spoilage, and absenteeism.   The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was employed to analyse data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).  The data reveal that neither absenteeism nor spoiling rates correlate with worker productivity.  It disclosed the correlation between the attainment of production objectives and labour productivity. 

Keywords: {'name': 'Absenteeism, Automotive Assembly Organisation, Ergonomics, Labour Productivity, Production Targets, Spoilage, South Africa.'}

Authors & affiliations

Robert Walter Dumisani Zondo
Affiliation not supplied

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