A Practical Framework for Integrating Advances in Ergonomics to Improve Productivity in South African Small and Medium Enterprises

• T. A. Mukalay Department of Industrial Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0006-2311
• J. Swanepoel Department of Industrial Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6861-4437
• T. Nenzhelele Department of Industrial Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9730-0346

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/36-2-3226

Abstract

This study provides a practical framework for integrating advances in ergonomics into South African small and medium enterprises to enhance productivity. Informed by a comprehensive literature review and insights from the 2025 Applied Ergonomics Conference, the proposed three-phase framework comprises an ergonomics intervention trigger checklist and related productivity metrics; an integration matrix aligned with ISO 45001:2018 and ISO TR 12295:2014; and strategies to overcome adoption barriers. The framework incorporates participatory design, simplified assessment tools, and interventions such as wearable technologies. By addressing a gap in the research, this study offers a scalable, cost-effective framework that is tailored to the resource-constrained small and medium enterprises’ environment.