Pacing stress, human adaptation and training in car production

Paced systems of production offer economic advantages but are often lacking in terms of ergonomic principles. Stress arises through forcing longer than standard work cycle times into a fixed time allowance. Operators adopt strategies to reduce these stresses, but where they persist, human reactions can include collective strikes, local unauthorised line stoppages, or transfer to other work. Problems include the lack of rest breaks and the desire for maximum earnings. The solutions proposed include off-track training, higher payment grades for trained workers, assured rest breaks, and removal of work from the line for fault rectification or for final assembly by older workers.