Work ability and work quality as indicators for a longer and more productive working life

Objective: In order to cope with the new challenges posed by globalization, job tasks and mental and physical workloads have to be re-designed to fit with levels of productivity in an ageing workforce. Methods: We tested the work ability index (WAI) and the work quality index (WQI) in a group of 14 workers in a food manufacturing plant, before and after a kaizen intervention to promote total productive maintenance. Results: The average WAI was 43, and it was not affected by age (r= 0.086, p NS), nor did it vary by occupation, whether in supervisors or in production line workers. However, among supervisors, WAI showed a modest inverse correlation with age (r = -0.239, p NS), while it was higher among production line workers (r = 0.596, p NS). Work quality (WQI) also improved, due to a 10% reduction in the average heart rate; an 84% reduction product loss in the boxing area and a 3% increase in total production. Conclusion: Although inference is limited by the small population study size, our experience suggests that kaizen intervention positively affects WAI and WQI, thus representing a good tool to promote and maintain health and safety in an ageing working population.