Question

Discuss the principles of work design: Machines and Equipment

Answer 1

Work design can be defined as a process through which a professional designs a work in order to make it more efficient in nature. It can also be the process of transforming a particular design in order increase productivity and/or increase protection of those who are working under that design. This can also be related to safety measure that is updated with time to ensure that every single person involved in that work is accomplishing her/his task without any risk of life.

In order to understand the various principles of work design we need to know that a work design is highly dependent upon the nature of work, the product or service being provided and the level of expertise required to fulfill the work process.

Initially it is very important to focus on the safety levels of a work design, this must be the prime aspect in the initial stages of a work design especially when it’s related to machines and equipment. There is a risk of injury when dealing with heavy machinery and/or parts. The skilled and semi-skilled workers must be given adequate training and at the same time the work flow must show acceptable levels of consistency, speed and breakdown support. In no way a work design can compromise with the well-being of the people involved with it.

Once the safety aspect of work design is taken care it is equally important to create a work environment which promotes engagement thereby bringing more productivity in work. This in turn will help the employees to have a well-balanced professional life that promotes healthy well-being and helps them to grow in their personal life as well. This is also a major principle of work design where the health of the employees are given priority and is an integral part of the work design in the initial stages. Focus is given on this principle because a trained employee associated with the work will stay longer with the organization and also help in training the new ones.

Once the work design moves to the next stage the focus is now on increasing productivity, a design must promote a work environment that is open to new changes and improvement. There must always be scope for innovation which in turn will help to diminish the risk factor in the business as the machines installed and equipment used cater to the advanced demand of the market. Time management is one aspect that will help decide the machine framework and type, it will give the designer an idea of selecting the right machines and equipment that will help achieve set business goals in the required time frame.

Work design related to machineries and equipment always focuses on effective work culture, the amount of productivity is indirectly associated with the machine capacity, but at the same time it is directly associated with the person in charge of the machinery. It is the operator of the machines and the user of the equipment who will be impacting the productivity through their working style. The work design has to consider that aspect in totality so that the chances of an employee not performing at the maximum must be diminished by promoting a well-balanced, efficient, safe, hazard free, engaging and work life balanced environment while at work.