Ergonomics management model based on good practices of large industrial companies: Structured elements through the fuzzy set theory

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Most organizations perceive the concept of ergonomic actions as a local tool used to improve workplace issues. Ergonomics however is not included in global management systems. The paradigm of ergonomics action in large organizations proposed by this study is that of management systems whose primary objective is the pressing need for continuous performance improvement, acquisition of excellence, and integration into all aspects of the business. OBJECTIVE: The general objective of this work is to draw a frame presenting a model of ergonomics management based on good practices in managing this discipline in large industrial companies. METHOD: In this study, we describe a strategy based on the fuzzy set theory to aggregate a group of good practices expressed by experienced ergonomists attached to large industrial companies for handling the lack of ergonomics in an organization. RESULTS: A set of good practices was compiled as a basis for application in ergonomics in large companies. CONCLUSION: This study shows that ergonomics should not be considered an isolated phenomenon but in a strategic, proactive, integrated, and perennial way as one of the management subjects.