Ergonomic analysis of workplaces in the iron casting industrial pole in Claudio, Minas Gerais - Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is currently recognized as the 10th largest producer of castings, and the city of Cláudio, MG is known worldwide as the "Greatest foundry and metallurgical pole in Latin America", with more than 80 companies. However, this large number of enterprises and increasing investments in product development has demanded an increase in manpower and working hours of workers in the sector, proportionally increasing the incidence of occupational related health problems like RSI (repetitive strain injury), WMSDs (work-related musculoskeletal disorders) and industrial accidents. This article aims to characterize the industry from previously conducted case studies to relate the main causes of occupational diseases and outline possible interventions through design, showing how this tool can contribute to improve the working environment, workplace, tools and equipment through ergonomics adjustments.

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“…The application of ergonomic principles in the workplace can result in the following [3]:  Increased productivity;  Improved health and safety of workers;  Lower workers' compensation claims;  Compliance with government regulations such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards;  Improved job satisfaction;  Increased work quality;  Lower worker turnover;  Lower lost time at work;  Improved morale of workers;  Decreased absenteeism rate The improvement of the conditions of work cannot be limited to environmental aspects and physical attributes but the ergonomics aspects too.An ergonomic analysis shows the critical points of the work, through study of the real activity of workers, identifying risks and their characteristics to detect disequilibrium found between the job and the man, capable of providing an increased workload and cause negative health consequences [4]. These improvements will bring more comfort to the workers, who will be better able to perform their tasks, which is interesting not only for the employee, but for the company, which will have best results as a reflection [5]. Also, working practices and conditions that seem harmless can eventually lead to serious illness.…”

Indices Assessment of Ergonomic-Psycho-Sociological Workplace in the Metal Casting Industry of El Hadjar (Algeria)

“…The application of ergonomic principles in the workplace can result in the following [3] The improvement of the conditions of work cannot be limited to environmental aspects and physical attributes but the ergonomics aspects too.An ergonomic analysis shows the critical points of the work, through study of the real activity of workers, identifying risks and their characteristics to detect disequilibrium found between the job and the man, capable of providing an increased workload and cause negative health consequences [4]. These improvements will bring more comfort to the workers, who will be better able to perform their tasks, which is interesting not only for the employee, but for the company, which will have best results as a reflection [5]. Also, working practices and conditions that seem harmless can eventually lead to serious illness.…”