Participatory Ergonomics Management in a Textile Thread Plant in Brazil Employing Total Quality Management (TQM) Tools

Although this paper introduces a study on the implementation of a Participatory Ergonomics Management system using TQM (Total Quality Management) tools, aimed at adapting work stations, the workplace and work conditions in order to comply with Brazilian Labor Legislation. The management system implemented is based on the concepts and principles of Participatory Ergonomics, in which the system users are, namely, the company employees at varying hierarchical levels. As part of this system, all social actors involved take part in operational decisions and implement the ergonomic adaptations in production processes, workstations and in the organization of work, in a democratic and participatory manner. The paper presents the methodology for implementing the management system, from the dissemination of Ergonomic expertise among all those involved (internal company team), to the control of the implementation process with gauging of results for each ergonomic action, based on Ergonomic Regulatory Standard NR-17, part of Brazilian Labor Legislation and mandatory for all companies. Note that the Participatory Ergonomics Management system in question is implemented in a large textile thread plant in Brazil and was initiated in April 2012. It continue to run presently (March 2016) and has been frequently audited. Results are significantly positive in all production sectors due to employee health benefits and the optimization of production processes. It has earned three internal company awards, two in the production unit and one international award from the company’s business units in Latin America.