An Ergonomic study of a handmade polymer clay crafter workshop
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Date
2023
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Université d'Oum El Bouaghi
Abstract
The current study aimed to improve work conditions in home work shops througher gonomics
To achieve that goal, the ergonomic approach in solving problem shad been applied on a hand made polymerclay craft home work shop in Oum el Bouaghi state as a study case.
Data were collected using direct observation and interviews, in order to analyze the crafter's job, taking intoaccount that the work shop is a sub system in her home social system.The outputs of thisanaly sisled to the diagnosis of some points where an ergonomic intervention would beuseful, connected mainly to work place as well as personals paceorganization, working postures, lighting, ventilation, and somehazards.As a solution, two initial proposalswereelaborated for the crafter's room/workshop. Theyweresimulated and discussedwith the crafter. Bothproposalsencompassedcriticalweaknesses (poorlighting, dust contamination risk, poorprivacy…);therefore, a third one had been developedincludingmoving the room/workshop to another room inside the family home.The new design got the crafter's approval, and then experimented on the field. After 28 days, the crafterwasasked to evaluateher new workshop/bedroom design. The main feedbacks includedimprovement of focus by increasingprivacy and ergonomicallyarranging the workplace (clutter free, withinreachtools and materials), improvement of lighting, protection of the paste fromdust contamination, and improvement of postures as well. Regardingusing protection toolssuch as gloves and mask, the crafterdid not agree on usingthem, due to the discomfortthey trigger.
Keywords
Home work shops; Crafts; Hand made polymerclay