Belastningsskador vid montering : Påverkan på svensk tillverkningsindustri och hur effektivt förebyggande kan bedrivas

Sammanfattning: Abstract According to research made by Statistics Sweden on the members of the labor union IF Metall the number of reported musculoskeletal disorders for employees working under the collective bargaining agreement for the automotive industry has almost doubled since 2003. During 2004- 2006 and 2008 male assembly workers were the occupational group with the highest amount of reported work related disorders in Sweden. To prevent musculoskeletal disorders is according to Rose and Orrenius important both for the individual, the society and the industry by reducing economic and personal costs. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze how the manufacturing industry is affected by musculoskeletal disorders that occur when working with line assembly and how companies can prevent them. The report aims to provide the reader with an understanding of what musculoskeletal disorders are, to which extent they occur in assembly, how companies are directed by laws and regulations and how they affect the Swedish manufacturing industry and their employees. The paper also analyses how musculoskeletal disorders occurs and how to minimize the risk of them occurring in the hand and arm region. Highlighted are how different factors of lean production can contribute to better ergonomics and how important the proper use of tools is. The paper consists of a literature study and a case study. The case study is based upon a series of interviews with employees at Scania CV AB in Södertälje Sweden during February, March and April of 2014. A goal with this paper is to compare how preventive measures for musculoskeletal disorders are described by researchers and authorities with how preventive measures are actually carried out in a large, Swedish manufacturing company. Both the literature study and the case study conclude that correct workload ergonomics and preventive work improve quality and productivity in the manufacturing industry. Musculoskeletal disorders in the hand and arm region has been found to be related to different factors of exposure in the literature study, such as repetitive work and transmission of power and vibrations. In addition, the literature study presents the most common preventive measures that reduce the risk for musculoskeletal disorders in assembly. Measures that can contribute to improved workload ergonomics have been found in the literature study; a focus from the management on workload ergonomics, that employees are educated in ergonomics that emphasis is put on work rotation and development are among the important factors. Teamwork and dedicated teams that work with improvements to the work environment are also of importance. It is also essential to standardize processes correctly and to measure ergonomics and work environment as well as to involve all employees in the work of improvements. In the case study employees at Scania pointed out the importance of management asking for, and demanding ergonomic improvements as the key to better workload ergonomics. To maintain a continuous rotation between workstations on the assembly line and reducing the level of stress were according to all the interviewed employees of importance to create a good work environment. To take account of ergonomics throughout the products entire life cycle was also brought up as a key factor to be able to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the future.