Cost–benefit analysis of a socio-technical intervention in a Brazilian footwear company

This article presents a costs–benefits analysis of a macroergonomic intervention in a Brazilian footwear company. Comparing results of a pilot line (composed by 100 multiskilled workers organized in teams) with eight traditional lines (still working in a one human being/one task model) the intervention showed to be worth pursuing since achieved gains were higher than intervention costs: there was a reduction in human resource costs (80% reduction in industrial accidents, 100% reduction in work-related musculoskeletal disorders or WMSD, medical consultations and turnover, and a 45.65% reduction in absenteeism) and production improvement (productivity increased in 3% and production waste decrease to less than 1%). The net intervention value of the intervention was around U$ 430,000 with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 7.2. Moreover, employees who worked in the pilot line understood that their quality of work life improved, compensating the anxiety brought up by the radical changes implemented.

► The macroergonomic intervention in a shoe manufacturer was worth undertaking.
► Workers got more satisfied with their work.
► Accidents, WMSD risk, medical consultations, turnover and absenteeism decreased.
► Production increased and waste (rework and spoilage) decreased.
► The benefit-to-cost ratio of the intervention was 7.2.