Improving Working Conditions for Technicians: A Case Study Reflection

This case study reflection discusses the need for improving working conditions for technicians in a coffee machine repair company. It suggests adjustments in shifts, workshop layout, repair tools storage, repair van seats, working schedules, and technological advances to reduce physical strain and increase productivity.

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Case study reflection-strategic presentation
Student name
Student id
Trainer’s name
Assessment due date
Actual submission date

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Dear Sir,
Re: Response to Gary king subject study case
It is in reference to the incident related to the employee addressed above. The renowned
technician suffered severe back pains while on duty. He has a chronic low back condition for
the past twenty-five years. He however claims effectively managing the condition over the
years. The subject employee recorded statements on the incident. He seems to believe that
the injuries are work related. He has also pointed out potential areas that need to be adjusted
in the technical department. This will help create a better working condition for the
employees.
The incident was a revelation to the various issues that need to be addressed. In respect to the
fair work act 2009, shifts should be reviewed. The shifts should be adjusted to suits the work
pressure experienced. Currently, there is an increase in customer visits. This may result to an
employee left to manage the workshop alone. The workload will thus increase. A single
technician thus cannot effectively do all the work. This may lead to fatigue. Fatigue may
eventually lead long term consequences. This may include the severe back ache experienced
by the technician. The shifts should be tailored to fix this problem. They should ensure no
technician has more workload than they can handle.
The layout of the workshop reported to be unsuitable. The national employment standards
demands safe working environments. This facility should thus be employee friendly. This is
in respect to the many hours they spend working there (Shinar, 2017). The workshop is the
technicians’ primary workstation. The workbench is too high too comfortable work on. The
company should introduce benches with adjustable height. This will suit all technicians, as all
have varied heights. Adjustable-height working benches will thus ensure a more favorable
working environment.

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The storage of repair tools should also be reviewed. Currently they are being stored under the
bench. This makes their access hard to some employees. They should be relocated to
positions that are more favorable. Storage cabinets are the most recommended. This will
improve accessibility of the repair tools. It will also be easy to organize the repair tools. This
will enhance performance and effectiveness when repairing the coffee machines.
The technicians use the repair van to access customers’ homes. The rides may be long ones at
times. The van’s seats should thus be comfortable enough. This however is not the case. The
seats are uncomfortable thus being a probable injury-causing thing (Young, 2018). Taking
long uncomfortable rides had creates medical challenges. This may include spinal cord
complications, back pains and neck pains. The company should thus adopt vans with the right
for the employees. The seats should have some basic comfort ability features. Seat shock
absorbers, adjustable height and adjustable back incline should be noted. Seats bottom
cushions should firm with dense foam. The seats should also have adjustable bilateral arm
rests. Adjustable head restraint with lordosis is also key. Training employees is a key
requirement by the WHS and OHS acts. The employees should be educated on how to adjust
the van. This will ensure that the seats fits their individual physical features. The employees
will have comfortable and safe trips in the repair vans.
The working schedules should be flexible and not rigid. This is in reference to the fair work
act of 2009.This will assist in adopting rosters that enhance performance. Breaks for example
can be alternated. This is better than when all workers break all at once. This ensures that the
work continues as others rest. Enough rest will enhance performance. It will also prevent
physical strain that may have adverse effects

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to their health. Some tasks they undertake are repetitive. This thus requires them to stay
standing for a long time. Alternating will ensure that the standing duration is reduces. The
expected work is done without physically and mentally straining the technicians.
Technological advance should also be applied. This is in line with the WHS act. The act
requires the management to maintain and upgrade necessary infrastructure .This will
increases efficiency. It will also reduce the workload. Modular component repair should be
adopted. It allows repairs to be done onsite (Santos, 2105). Movement and dismantling the
machines for repair becomes unnecessary. This hugely reduces the amount of work to be
done. Risks of having immediate or long-term injuries are also reduced. This is primarily
because the machines weigh up to fifty kilograms. Repairing the machine onsite ensures that
the technicians do not physically endanger themselves. Elder employees like Gary King will
be greatly advantaged by this strategy. They do not have a lot of energy to constantly move
the coffee machines every now and the machines.
Implementation of these changes will positively influence the company. Better working
condition will be created for the technicians. This will increase productivity in maintaining
and repairing the machines. Increased productivity consequently leads to increased profit for
the company. This greatly boosts the financial capability of the company at large. I
recommend that the adjustments should be made as fast as possible. This will minimalize the
possibility of another employee being injured at the workplace (Young, 2018).
Yours Faithfully
…………………

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References
Shinar, D. (2017). Traffic safety and human behavior. Emerald publishing limited.
Santos, E. (2015). Ontology alignment repair through modularization .academic journal.
Vol.10 issue 12, p1-19. 19.
Young, Y. (2018). Social behavior and personality; an international journal. Volume 46
issue 7, p1057-1070