Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and equipment investments are often considered as long term investments. Unreasonable/undue changes in production size or design are not common for pharmaceutical industries as compared to automobiles or smart phones industries. In case for registration purposes or for some reason smaller/bigger size tablets/capsules are required to be manufactured for effective dosage or FDA approval or for increasing profit margins, then minor manual changes/settings in manufacturing equipment becomes necessary. Depending upon demand and supply such changes must be required monthly or weekly or daily. Therefore, it becomes necessary to have a correct as well as convenient design of experiment/process/equipment from the beginning. Complicated design may result into faulty ergonomic design, where manual settings may result musculoskeletal disorder to operator/pharmacist. A common problem associated with MSDs is mismatch between human abilities and task/process design (Taylor 2005). From the business point of view, poor ergonomics causing employee discomfort and dissatisfaction directly affects quality of final products and decreases productivity.
Major reasons of musculoskeletal disorders that develop in pharmaceutical industry
include awkward working posture of employees and unergonomic equipment. Labbafinejad et al.
report that low back pain and neck pain in particular are increasingly common workrelated
musculoskeletal disorders, which often result in missed work and disabilities (586). Lack of taskrelated
training and physical activity outside of work as well as a monotonous nature of work are
associated with 3152% possibility of developing either condition over the years (589). A study
performed by Torres and Rodrguez at a pharmaceutical facility shows that low scores in the
rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and strain index observed in packing, stamping, and baling
workers are largely caused by unergonomic equipment (6467). Thus, the employer is
responsible for lowering the impact of risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Updating equipment to be more comfortable in use is essential, closely followed by the
employee training. Torres and Rodrguez recommend that the heights of tables, seats, feet
supports, and backrests be adjusted to fit the 5th and 95th percentile of women to lower the undue
stress on vulnerable joints (68). As far as workload is concerned, at least 90 minutes of rest per
shift are associated with lower neck and back pain and higher productivity (Labbafinejad et al.
591). Employees should also be educated on the correct posture and benefits of physical activity.
Musculoskeletal disorders are widespread among the shopfloor level employees of
pharmaceutical industry. They are usually caused by an incorrect posture during light but oftenrepeated
tasks. Employers should encourage correct posture by providing ergonomic equipment
and educating workers about its importance. Such initiative has health and economic benefits for
all stakeholders, as it is conducive to fewer medical leaves and disabilities.
Are you looking for a similar paper or any other quality academic essay? Then look no further. Our research paper writing service is what you require. Our team of experienced writers is on standby to deliver to you an original paper as per your specified instructions with zero plagiarism guaranteed. This is the perfect way you can prepare your own unique academic paper and score the grades you deserve.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]