Expertise of thermal environment in metallurgical complexes in Romania

Abstract

Workplace microclimate is determined by temperature and humidity of air, air currents and caloric radiation of work environments. All microclimate factors act combined and simultaneously on the human body. Thermal comfort plays a decisive role in mental and physical abilities of workers, and decisively influences workplace performance of employees. In order to ensure the highest possible yield for workers, employers mustregularly evaluate microclimate parameters by measurements. The paper presents a case study on the thermal environment of several metallurgical complexes in Romania, by calculating the PMV and PPD indices at various workplaces that are found in all studied units. After correlating the PMV and PPD indices for each workplace in particular, in all studied units, results were used to create a regression analysis that is expressed by a regression graph, in order to present as concise and objective as possible differences between the studied workplaces. Importance of the paper is outlined by the need to develop research in the field of Health and Safety at Work, in order to objectively assess working conditions in Romania and to develop new methods to ensure a proper work climate in order to maintain or increase the level of workers’ productivity.