Human Factors and Reliability in Colliery Maintenance
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 1 February 1991
Abstract
New technologies of coal production have improved machine reliability but increased technical complexity. More man shifts are now devoted to maintenance than to coalface production, so maintainability is crucial. The reorganisation of craft work, to increase labour flexibility and reduce workers′ autonomy, reveals a fundamental conflict between the production objectives of the new systems and human factors. The full productive potential of computerised systems is not being realised because of random breakdowns. The new technology has been designed to circumvent the skills and knowledge of the workforce, but its success depends on harnessing these skills. A system designed to enhance maintenance workers′ skills would avoid these contradictions, raise productivity and improve the working environment.
Keywords
Citation
Winterton, J. (1991), "Human Factors and Reliability in Colliery Maintenance", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 8 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656719110002677
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 1991, MCB UP Limited