EVALUATION OF A WORKPLACE REDESIGN OF A GROCERY CHECKOUT SYSTEM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on the working postu res and movements of a cashier when two different locations of the sca les (one to the left of the cashier, the other under the conveyer belt in front of the cashier) were used in a grocery checkout system. Two cashiers (of average stature and short stature) were videotaped while working, in both sitting and standing working positions. Analysis of t he video tapes was performed using the WOPALAS method and video observ ations. The results of the study show that the design of the checkout system with the scales under the conveyer belt provides a more favoura ble working position for both the taller and the shorter cashier. Addi tionally, the results indicate that a standing position is more favour able than a sitting one for the taller cashier while for the shorter c ashier the sitting position is better, (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.