EVALUATION OF ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS IN A PRODUCING COMPANY OF STAINLESS-STEEL FIBERS

Abstract

In this study, an analysis of the job positions in a stainless-steel fiber manufacturing company was conducted to identify ergonomic risk factors that could affect workers' health.                   A total of 14 tasks that make up the job positions were identified through ergonomic evaluation methods, including observation and interviews. Eleven tasks (1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14) were classified as critical, while three (2, 3 and 12) were deemed negligible. To assess the risk level of the critical tasks, the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) ergonomic evaluation method was applied. The analysis results determine that task 4 received a risk level of 2 (changes may be required); Task 11 received a level of 3 (changes are required); and Tasks 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13 received a level of 4, implying the immediate need for modifications. The application of this method allowed for the identification of tasks that require immediate changes to prevent potential injuries to workers due to the inadequate design of the current job positions.