Optimal break and job rotation schedules of high repetitive - Low load manual tasks in assembly lines: An OCRA - Based approach

Human labor still plays a crucial role in many work contexts. However, increases in production rate require increases in human workloads. The authors propose two integer programming models aiming at finding both optimal break and job rotation schedules in work-environments characterized by low load manual tasks with high frequency of repetition. In such a work environment a major risk consists of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Workload risk and acceptability are evaluated by the OCRA index (ISO 11228-3:2007). Models proposed are applied to an assembly line from the automotive industry. Results obtained revealed the effectiveness of the models as they proved to be adequate tools to jointly address the reduction and balancing of human workloads among employees, which are consistent with acceptable workload limits and required production levels.