Title: Simulation-based decision support for production improvement using integrated ergonomic and productivity performance indicators

Authors: Regina Dias Barkokebas; Chelsea Ritter; Mohamed Al-Hussein; Xinming Li

Addresses: Hole School of Construction Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada ' Hole School of Construction Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada ' Hole School of Construction Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Abstract: Workers in the construction manufacturing industry are exposed to labour-intensive tasks with ergonomic risks such as forceful exertion and repetitive motion. Due to increased productivity and repetitive motions resulting from improvement initiatives implemented in offsite construction manufacturing, the investigation of ergonomic risks associated with these changes is needed. In this context, this paper explores an existing panelised floor production line aiming to minimise its ergonomic risks while improving its current productivity rate. Information pertaining to human body motion and productivity is extracted from video recordings. The ergonomic risks associated with specific tasks are identified using two existing ergonomic risk assessment methods: the rapid entire body assessment and the rapid upper limb assessment. A simulation model is used to evaluate various process improvements from the perspective of both ergonomic risks and productivity to support the decision-making process and the prioritisation of process changes in the factory.

Keywords: simulation; process modelling; decision support systems; integrated decision-making processes; production improvements; ergonomics; ergonomic risk assessments; rapid entire body assessment; REBA; rapid upper limb assessment; RULA; productivity performance indicators; productivity; offsite construction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM.2021.115867

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling, 2021 Vol.16 No.2, pp.161 - 174

Received: 02 May 2020
Accepted: 21 Dec 2020
Published online: 25 Jun 2021 *

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