Issue 5
Process Improvement & Efficiency
Articles
Software
Laidler Associates have launched a module for their Risk Management Software system covering Part III of the Provision...
Virtual Machine
How Interactive is Your Safety Training?

Course include: CE Marking, PUWER, EN Standards, Risk Assessment and Pressure Equipment Directive.
Jigsaw
Piecing Together Machinery Safety.



Risk Assessment - Training
CE Marking - PUWER
Laidler Associates Consulting Service
Improve process, productivity and safety with one service.

A fundamental of efficiency is to understand that the output of a production machine is the key element in a successful production operation. All other machines and departments must act as services to that final machine.

When identifying areas of inefficiency, it is important to understand the balance that exists between input services and the production element.

'Safe processes are inherently efficient'

Laidler Associates have launched a new service which has a twin focus of safety and process improvement.

The service includes a survey of the entire process including:

  • Analysis of Machine Efficiency
  • Ergonomic Assessment
  • PUWER Assessment

The aim is to perform to the maximum potential by balancing the machine, department and organisation.

Following the assessment, a report will be produced which will include:
  • An ergonomic assessment of the machine operators' normal tasks
  • PUWER Report addressing the 24 Regulations that make up the Use of Work Equipment regulations
  • Recommendations to gain conformity where non-conformities exist
  • Recommendations for process improvement
  • Copy of the Laidler Risk management software package and the database produced for the inspection
  • Where relevant, detailed drawings

For further information regarding PIE or to discuss your requirements, please fill in the online form.

 
Case Study

A worker on an engine assembly line has to use a handheld impact wrench to fit a temporary adapter to an engine. The assembly line makes up to 2400 engines a day and it takes approximately 3 seconds to tighten each adapter. As well as the risk from using a vibrating tool, the worker often had to adopt poor postures to reach some parts of the engine. He had to repeatedly stretch out his arm and constrain his posture while tightening the adapter.

After some time on the job, he found he was leaving work with shoulder and neck pain. One tea break, his line manager saw him rubbing his neck and shoulder and recognised the pain could be due to the type of work he was doing. The line manager told the company health and safety representative about what she had seen.

The company responded by making the following modifications:

  • They replaced the impact wrench with a smoother running device
  • and suspended it to support the weight. As a result, very little vibration would be passed to the operator.
  • They modified the workplace layout and allowed workers better access to all sides of the engine, so they didn't need to adopt poor working postures.
  • They implemented a job rotation scheme whereby the five workers on the line were moved around a number of different tasks. Some of these tasks still required the use of vibrating tools, but the overall exposure was halved.

As a result of the modifications there was:

  • a reduction in vibration exposure;
  • no need to adopt poor and constrained postures;
  • reduced boredom and fatigue for EddieOs team; and
  • improved productivity.

(Case study adapted from HSE leaflet 'Understanding Ergonomics at work', INDG90 (Rev2) available from HSE Books.
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