Activities Triggered by Waste Generated in Steel Production: A Study from the Ergonomics Standpoint

Abstract

The treatment of waste in industrial production creates a sector apart from the production process in which activities are developed with varied ergonomic risks, either in treatment, transportation or disposal of material generated. Using Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA) methodology, questions were raised about the influence of waste generated in the production of steel and its implications at work. The determining factors for ergonomic risk in a work activity are related to various aspects of the production process, the industry's physical characteristics, the layout of the work area, the types of tools used and work organization. These elements may influence the operating mode a worker adopts. Understanding the variability of activity may allow for taking corrective actions or for design in the workplace, providing better interaction with humans, reduced physical and cognitive overloads which directly influence worker productivity. Therefore, this study highlights the determinants for ergonomic risks, recommending improvements in the work process that are related to adequacy and sustainability in the production process.