ASSESSMENT OF ERGONOMICS RISK FACTORS IN A SME PLASTIC INJECTION CASE OF STUDY: EUROPOL C.A.

摘要

As part of the graduate studies at Universidad Nacional Experimental del Tachira (UNET) there is a co-operation program with the regional industry, which allows the involvement of students in the development of solutions to particular industrial problems, along with lectures from the university and engineers from the industry. This paper reports the findings of one of such projects, where Europol C.A. requested an ergonomic evaluation of its production line. Identification of key work stations was carried out on statistics of injuries, days off due to illness and complaints from the workers. Appropriate evaluation methods were selected based on direct observation of workers activities. Illumination, noise, temperature and ventilation were considered through the production line, while repetitions, forces, and postures were considered on selected work stations. Involvement of workers, supervisors and managers was encouraged in order to obtain solutions that could be implemented. Several computer based tools were used to process information, videos and photos allowing the evaluation of postures adopted by the workers. The presence of diverse risk factors was detected and some suggestions, in terms of administrative actions, and engineering control were made in order to improve the working conditions and the general environment in the production line of Europol C.A.