Workplace accommodation for workers with intellectual or psychiatric disabilities

The current study applied productivity improvement tools, e.g., hierarchical task analysis, standard operating procedure (SOP), checklist, and plant layout analysis in two sheltered workshops for the disabled to facilitate the sustainable operation of the workshops. The study was conducted in two sheltered workshops where intellectually disabled workers were trained and employed to perform cleaning tasks as janitors while psychiatrically disabled workers were trained to assemble a stationery box. On-site job analysis was conducted to find feasible workplace accommodations for both workshops. The preliminary on-site job analysis indicated the need of a standard operating procedure for the cleaning tasks in the first sheltered workshop. Therefore, SOPs were developed based on hierarchical task analysis and will be presented in a checklist format for the training and payment of the disabled. In the second sheltered workshop, flow diagram analysis of the initial assembly layout revealed excessive moving and backtrackings of material handling. Thus, a revised layout is proposed to remove all of the inefficiencies. Relevance to industry: The current study demonstrates feasible applications of several productivity improvement tools in two sheltered workshops for disabled workers in order to enhance sustainability.