Abstract
In Romania there are approximately 200,000 employees in the automotive industry, ranking 4th in the EU, after Germany, France and Poland. Many workers in these industries complain of musculoskeletal disorders caused by the high pace of work, awkward positions, handling of masses, etc., often being cumulated. It is therefore essential that these risks related to ergonomics are correctly identified, assessed and treated. The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) is an advanced exposure assessment method that combines observational assessment and self-reporting. This paper presents an applied study of the QEC methodology, a technique based on questions that will be answered by both the observer and the evaluated worker. The research analysed the activity of manually transferring metal parts (components from the automotive industry) from a trolley on a conveyor belt for processing and, vice versa, taking the processed parts from a conveyor belt and placing them on a trolley, because these activities generate many risks to workers’ health. Analysing the results of the evaluation of the ergonomic risks generated by incorrect and / or awkward positions during the activities, using the QEC method, it is found that there are some areas of the body that are much affected during these activities.
Highlights
The term ergonomics comes from the Greek words ergon and nomos and means the science of work
This paper briefly presents the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) methodology and an example of its application, which is an observation tool developed for occupational safety and health (OSH) specialists to assess exposure to ergonomic risks, especially the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, work-related and to provide a basis for taking measures to improve ergonomics in workplaces where there are problems
These findings indicated the QEC as an appropriate tool to carry out ergonomic risk assessment for a range of activities where workers face ergonomic issues, affecting their health
Summary
The term ergonomics comes from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (rules) and means the science of work. Ergonomic risk assessment is a process which consists of identifying situations in which workers may be subject to ergonomic risks, estimating and assessing these risks using an appropriate methodology. It is a systematic examination of all aspects of work, in order to establish: - the causes of possible harming or injuries, - the possibilities to eliminate ergonomic risk factors and, if this is not possible, - the prevention or protection measures that are or must be implemented to control ergonomic risks. MSDs are found in several industries and professions, where they can have rates up to three or four times higher than other industries and professions, and the automotive industry it is part of such industries [9]. In Romania the rate of employee's number which is affected by MSD is to high [10]
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