Ergonomic effects of manual parcel handling
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Författare
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Modellbyggare
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Sammanfattning
The purpose of this master thesis has been to evaluate the physical, cognitive, and
organizational ergonomic effects of parcels that cannot be handled in the normal
parcel flow at DB Schenker, called Ugly-parcels. Further the purpose of this master
thesis is to suggest improvement suggestions to reduce or remove these effects. To
estimate the effects a current state analysis was performed, where terminal visits at
six terminals were conducted. At the terminals, KIM I and III evaluation were
performed and at least three interviews. During the visits, a statistic study was made
to gain information about which type of parcels that could not be handled on the
parcel sorting conveyor. It was found that the Ugly-parcels were handled at a straight
conveyor belt at the larger terminals, and by the side of the parcel sorter at the
smaller terminals. The number of parcels that couldn’t be handled in the normal flow
was, on average 3,6% of the total volume. The risk rates for physical injury at the
largest terminals were high for all three larger terminals and at an acceptable level for
the smaller terminals.
It was found that both cognitive and organizational ergonomics could be improved
for Ugly-parcel handling. This was reveled by the interviews performed and observations
made during the visits.To suggest improvements for physical ergonomics,
evaluations have been made for combinations of several enhancements. Based on
the evaluations, the thesis suggests that a combination of four improvements should
be introduced. Some methods to ensure that all parcels that can be handled at the
parcel sorting conveyor are proposed there.
Thin and round parcels should be handled at the parcel sorting conveyor by us-ing a
fixture. A cage lifter should be used at the straight conveyor belt. Lastly, especially
ungainly parcels, which are; long, big and unstable should be handled as groupage.
With these changes, the risk rate in KIM I and III can be lowered to an acceptable
level for five of the six terminals. The adequate level has been set to a risk rate of two
to maximum four. To support the cognitive ergonomics, the information on what to
do with a parcel when the conveyor stops should be made clearer. The noise level
should be decreased. The need to memorize the sorting by heart should be minimized.
Standardization of work tasks and work introductions should be used. Lastly, the risk
of sorting errors should be decreased. It is suggested that the process to leave
improvement suggestions should be made clearer to support the organizational
ergonomics. The performance demands should be matched to the available resources.
The physical environment should be improved. The learning process for new
employees should be clarified. It is recommended that the normal parcel handling also
should be evaluated from an ergonomic perspective.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
parcel handling, physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, organizational ergonomics