STPA systemic approach for OHS and operational risk analysis of data glove use in 4.0 assembly

Abstract

The complexity of manufacturing is rising considerably and it enhances through the introduction of new technologies to the system. Advancements in new technologies (in this study data gloves) and their application in the 4.0 assembly context will bring about new and emerging occupational health and safety (OHS) and operational risks. This study aims to apply STAMP (Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes)-based approach to analyze these risks when a data glove is introduced to an assembly system. The application of STPA (Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis) on realistic case studies provides a systemic view of systems’ control structure from OHS and operational concerns. Findings indicate that STPA is a promising method for OHS and operational risk analysis when a wearable is introduced to a complex assembly system, especially in designing step. However, technology readiness level limits access to numerical and detailed data in providing insight into intensity of the different control structure’s effect and system components and their interactions on the studied system.