Ergonomics and Safety Issues of Armtec's Production Site

Ergonomics and Safety Issues of Armtec's Production Site

Introduction

In the construction industry, the role of ergonomic based site is considered to be an important aspect which influences the output of work performed by the laborers. It has been observed that the strains and back sprains are common injuries among the workers who tend to work at the construction site. Usually, the bad ergonomics at the construction site directly affect the electricians, laborers, carpenters, plumbers, roofers and pipefitters. These injuries to the laborers are a result of bodily motion and overexertion. The sources of injury involve tools, wood lumbers and containers. The movement of body with heavy things, working lower than the knees, performing repetitive jobs and working higher than the height of the shoulders lead to the increased risks for the workers towards ergonomic injuries.

Since, ergonomics deals with the art and science of marching the job to the workers. Organizations involved in construction industries need to reduce the risks of injuries brought about by poor ergonomics. This paper discusses the ergonomic issues related to a construction and Infrastructure Company of Canada named Armtec. The company uses the Flexwall system which is an insulated; pre stressed and precast concrete wall system. The Armtec Company design and manufactures the complete wall systems for the customers under the brand name of Flexwall (Armtec, 2013). They also provide custom design for each individual building or project. It has been observed that there are several ergonomics and safety issues with the production facility of Armtec that manufactures Flexwalls for the customers. This paper analyzes and discusses the issues based on the DMAIC format. DMAIC stands for Define, measure, analyze, improve and control. This report will define the problem with Flexwalls. Measure and analyze the situation and then provide suggestions for the improvement and control of the system in line with the ergonomics standards.

Overview of the Company

Armtec is one of the leading manufacturer companies of Canada that provides infrastructure and construction solutions to the clients through a comprehensive range of its products and services based on highly integrated engineering systems. The company provides its products to a wide range of corporate and business customers as well as individual customers in almost all the regions of Canada. It also serves in the international market but in selected locations of the world. The markets involved in the customer base of Armtec include the regional and national public infrastructures as well as the private markets of different sectors such as commercial buildings, agriculture drainage, natural resources and residential construction. The company operates through a wide range of its regional offices across Canada and has placed its production facilities around the whole country. The engineering solutions of Armtec includes bridge applications, drainage products, rehabilitation and water management system, soil retention, corrugated steel and concrete pipe, corrugated polyethylene of high density, a wide range of structural and architectural pre stressed and precast products of concrete that are made up of steps, slabs and wall ...