ISO 6385:2004 - Ergonomic Principles in the Design of Work Systems

[Marc]

Has anyone looked at ISO 6385:2004 - Ergonomic Principles in the Design of Work Systems? I was reading an article over at the Quality Digest site about it.

The Quality Digest article is somewhat misleading - It starts out saying it is a new standard "A new International Organization for Standardization standard on the design of work systems is expected to benefit ..." but in the last paragraph says it replaces ISO 6385:1981 "ISO 6385:2004, which replaces ISO 6385:1981, has been updated to include a description of the design process, definitions of ergonomics and design principles. It also includes an overview of the components involved in the design of a work system and provides a framework for the design of new or existing work systems, with a view toward facilitating the work behavior and well-being of users from office staff to assembly line workers...".

Just curious if anyone has had any experience with this standard.

 

[Tanahy]

Marc,
I Studied some about this issue in univeristy,two years ago! and this standard was JUST MENTIONED but no more details, i remember my professor in university said " Its not commonly used!" Probably people are looking for QMS standards and certifications first! I donno, I am curious to hear about any experience with this standard too and about the new revision or replacement!!.

 

[John Broomfield]

ISO 6835:2004 has some interesting requirements particularly for those of us designing or redesigning manufacturing processes per clause 7.3 of ISO/TS 16949:2002.

Try these paraphrased requirements for size when designing tasks within the manufacturing process, designers of tasks shall fulfil these goals:

1. Use experience and capabilities of workers
2. Variety of skills, capabilities and activities
3. Tasks identifiable as whole units of work
4. Tasks make a significant contribution
5. Contributions understandable by workers
6. Appropriate degree of worker autonomy in deciding priority, pace and method
7. Provide feedback meaningful to workers
8. Develop existing skills and develop new ones
9. Avoid overload and avoid repetitiveness
10. Avoid lone working (without contacts with others)

Unfortunately, it appears that TC159 did not talk to TC176 when it comes to synchronizing requirements for the design process.

 

[harry]

In my 'Newby' days, I made a post on this subject in the ergonomics section which is more AS related. Looking back, it wasn't really the correct place to post but the others were kind enough not to flame me (that's the civil part of the cove which I appreciate very much).

This is the link.

 

[John Broomfield]

Harry, Your link is to a most useful post. Thanks, John