Question

What are some recommendations for a workplace design (considering design for routine operations as well as spills, leaks, and emergencies) specifically for machine operators? In this case, looking at machine operators who deal with machinery that processes from raw material to finished goods.

Answer 1

Workplace design plays an important role in maximizing the productivity of employees and the safety of the workers. Workplace design refers to processes of organizing and maintaining a working place that improves the performance and health safety of the employees. When it comes to designing a working place for employees who operate big machines or engineering works.

it becomes crucial to take care of the working place in such a way that follows all safety and health guidelines suggested by the federal or state government and also the worker can work comfortably and smoothly with no fear of any kind of accidents. Providing a great workplace with all essential facilities and a safe environment is the main responsibility of any organization and employer. Below are some of the important recommendations that can improve a workplace for machine operators,

a. Proper distribution of space: Proper distribution of space available for the workplace for factory or manufacturing process is a very important factor to make the manufacturing facility space more safe and comfortable. There should be proper space for everything from machine operations, worker's movements, inventory storage, etc. All tools, materials and other equipment using in the manufacturing process should be available within the short area from the employees. This will make employees travel less in the manufacturing facility and the same energy could be used by the employees in more productivity in the organization.

b. Proper arrangement of machines: It is important to arrange machinery or equipment in a proper process that follows from converting raw materials to finished goods. When any worker is working on machinery, he should have enough space so that he can move his body properly to operate the machinery. All the required tools and other materials should be in the range of reach of the employee so that he would not spend so much time in finding the tools and materials. This can lead to less productivity if the worker is spending his time on unnecessary things. All the machines should have latest technology and updated as per the industry standards.

c. Proper working conditions: A good manufacturing facility will have all manuals and proper working conditions in which workers will not feel any difficulties and issues while working on the risky equipment and machinery. All the workers should be provided proper sitting and working conditions. Many processes will require workers to stand and follow the operation process, but some processes will need workers to sit and finish his part of the work. The facility should have all kinds of safety tools (helmets, gloves, boots, goggles), handy tools, chairs, tables, stationeries, etc. We should have proper communication and support facilities in the manufacturing plant so that if the worker has any issues regarding his job work or with any machine, he can immediately contact the concerned person or authority.

d. Cleanliness and must-have facility: A clean environment and workplace can help in improving the productivity and efficiency of the employee, so the workplace should be clean and healthy every time. All workers will prefer to work in a clean workplace. All kinds of other must-have facilities should be provided at the nearest place to the working area of the employees such as the water facility, toilets, canteen, rest area, etc. Employees need a break after some interval so that they will come back with free mind and energy, this will improve both productivity and efficiency of the employee.

e. Safety features: All manufacturing facility should follow the guidelines suggested in occupational safety and health management and other laws to make sure the plant has all kind of safe environment and equipment in case of any kind of accidents happen in the factory. The facility should have all the precautions for any kind of emergency that can be happened in the future. It should have proper water facilities, fire extinguishers, medical facilities to provide the best safety to employees.

A manufacturing facility should be designed very carefully and according to all suggested guidelines by legal or safety laws so that we will not require the change or update anything in the near future. It takes a huge investment to build and manage a manufacturing plant but it is necessary to invest in factories because it will improve efficiency and productivity of the employees as well as the organization.