Optimizing worker productivity and the exposure to hand-arm vibration: a skill-based job rotation model

ABSTRACTProductivity and concerns regarding the well-being of workers exposed to vibrations stand as significant topics within labor-intensive sectors. In particular, this study contributes to the existing research by analyzing the problem with linkages among worker skill level, production rates, and vibration exposure. A bi-objective mixed integer linear programming model was employed to optimize both productivity and the exposure to hand-arm vibration in the manufacturing workplace. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to examine the impact of key parameters on the trade-off between productivity and vibration exposure. The results demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in determining the best job rotation schedules by achieving optimal productivity and vibration exposure for low and medium problem sizes. Moreover, the numerical case study points out that strengthening the workforce by adding more proficient skilled workers can maintain a good level of productivity with a decreased likelihood of excessive vibration exposure.KEYWORDS: Job rotationhand–arm vibrationworkforce schedulingoptimizationergonomics Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.Additional informationNotes on contributorsSaleh AlBaitiSaleh AlBaiti is a Research Assistant in the Sustainable Engineering Asset Management Research Group (SEAM), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. He received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates and obtained his master’s degree in Engineering Management from the same university. His current interests are focused on optimization, vibration, ergonomics, and artificial intelligence.Naser NawaysehNaser Nawayseh is currently a Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. He obtained his PhD in human responses to vibration from the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. After his PhD, he worked as a Research Fellow for three years at ISVR where he was involved in several European and International projects. He then moved to the Gulf Region for an academic position. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the European Society of Biomechanics. His research interests are in the areas of biodynamic responses to vibration, postural stability and seating dynamics.Ali CheaitouAli Cheaitou is Associate Professor in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, and Coordinator of SEAM Research Group, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management between 2018 and 2022 and as Coordinator of the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Engineering Management between 2013 and 2017 at the University of Sharjah. Prior to joining the University of Sharjah, Ali Cheaitou worked as Assistant Professor at Euromed Management (Kedge Business School), Marseilles, France, and as Lecturer at École Centrale Paris, France. He also spent two years in the industry as ERP and supply chain management consultant, with L’Oréal, Paris, France. His main research interests are in production planning and inventory control, supply chain management, and optimization of logistics systems.