Preventive Ergonomics at Škoda Auto
Development of a car does not only mean the ergonomics of the car, which will impact customer satisfaction and health. From the employees' perspective, ergonomics are important to ensure that the series production of a newly developed model takes place with as little physical strain as possible and that possible risks are minimized as early as the development phase. Preventive ergonomics at Škoda Auto is handled by the Ergonomics and Work Physiology department, specifically the Applied Ergonomics Laboratory. This initiative, the significant integration of vehicle development and the prevention of physical strain in future production, is very rare in the Czech Republic.
The Department of Ergonomics and Work Physiology closely cooperates with the departments of development, production and planning. This cooperation makes it possible to have design data available at an early stage, which can then be used to simulate the assembly of a part using a special program and thus predict potential issues before serial production begins. This is the most effective and cheapest approach to preventing physical strain.
Example of ergonomics simulation - connecting the antenna connector
original state → proposal for modification
Based on the simulation, the ergonomics department of technical development proposed a suitable size of the part trim so that the antenna connector could be better mounted.
As part of the production of prototypes, it is possible to physically test the assembly method. It is also possible to verify assembly forces and compare the measured values with the limit, or with the values measured on previous car models. In some cases, it is not possible to measure the assembly force due to the complexity of the movements of the upper limb and fingers. In that case, it is possible to measure muscle load using integrated electromyography, which allows for the direct prediction of the risk of local muscle load factors in the upper limbs, one of the significant monitored factors of hygienic limits in the work environment.