Ergonomic analysis and determination of manpower requirement in a chemical products manufacturing plant

Abstract

Most of the Chemical Products Manufacturi~g Plants in Bangladesh are loosing concerns due to competitions they are facing from the similar private sector enterprises. the main reasons for such failure It is believed that one of is the absence of proper utilization of resources and manpower. A study was conducted in Kohinoor Chemical Company (Bangladesh) Limited, an old organization of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Cor p0 rat ion. The pro dU"ct ion 1i n e s, man power and pro d u c t ion methods were set long before. It was not possible for the" management to apply latest possible tools and techniques to determine manpower requirement and working methods. Standards of production were not set properly. Over the years different work procedures came int0 practice. The main objective of this research was to carry out an Ergonomic Analysis fdr the cosmetic and soap processing plants of KCCL and deter"mine the manpower requirement to improve productivity. In conducting this study the basic principles of (a) Production "Method Study, (b) Work/Activity Sampling Technique, (c) Time and Motion Study and (d) Ergonomics Methodology were utilized. xv From the Production. Method study and Ergonomic analysis, various improved/modified prbduction methcids and layout and applications of ergonomics on the des ign ,9f exis ting work places, han'dling loads, hand tools and devices, work ing env ironmen t and mot ion economy were suggested. From Work Sampling and Time study technique the required manpower requirement was determined. It was found that. about 3~% and 48% excess manpower were being used in cosmetic and soap processing plants. respectively. It was also found that about 41% and 44% less pr~duction were bei~g produced in cosmetic and soap ~rocessingplants respectively. It '.•as suggested that the application of the present investigation will contribute in improving in productivity. and profitability of this enterprise.