Design of a difficult workplace fettling shop operations.

Fettling is a typical industrial operation involving processing with hand tools, and handling of materials. The ergonomics of fettling shops are examined in this article. Analysis of the workplace showed that the main causes of stress were the machines used and the direct design of the workplace. Changing the machine design would be a long-term project, so efforts were concentrated on the workplace. Aspects considered include noise, dust, transport, communication between operatives, and the design team. Reference is made to a particular installation in Sweden.