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A socio-technical approach for improving a Brazilian shoe manufacturing system

Issue title: IEA 2012: 18th World congress on Ergonomics - Designing a sustainable future

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Renner, J.S. | de M. Guimarães, L.B. | de Oliveira, P.A.B.

Affiliations: Institute of Health Sciences, Feevale University, Rodovia RS-239, n° 2755 Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS, 93352-000, Brazil | Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Osvaldo Aranha 99 5o andar, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-190, Brazil | Department of Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600 sala 413 - CEDOP Santana, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil

Note: [] Corresponding author. Email: [email protected] tel: +55 (51) 3586-8800

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0379-1743

Journal: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 1743-1750, 2012

Published: 2012
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Abstract

This article presents a macroergonomic intervention in a footwear company in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to improve both the quality of life of the employees and productivity by optimizing the traditional Taylor/Ford work organization. Multi-functionality and team worki ng were implemented as means of making tasks more flexible and richer and the working hours were changed. The results showed a reduction in human and material resource costs and a consequent improvement in health and workers quality of life. Although middle managerial staff displayed strong resistance to the project and to breaking traditional production paradigms, the socio-technical system has been implemented throughout the plant and is expected to end up becoming the benchmark for other companies in the sector. Keywords: Macro-ergonomics, footwear industry, organization work.

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