Furniture Manufacturing Research Articles

Leukemia Incidence by Occupation and Industry: A Cohort Study of 2.3 Million Workers from Ontario, Canada.

Although a significant body of evidence has attributed certain occupational exposures with leukemia, such as benzene, formaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene and ionizing radiation, more research is needed to identify work environments at increased risk for this disease. Our study aimed to identify occupational and industry groups associated with an elevated incidence of leukemia using a diverse cohort of workers' compensation claimants from Ontario, Canada. A total of 2,363,818 workers in the Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS) cohort, with claims between 1983-2019, were followed for malignant leukemia diagnoses up to 31 December 2019. We used a Cox proportional-hazards model to estimate the relative incidence of leukemia in specific occupation and industry groups. After adjusting for age and birth year, males in protective services (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02-1.35), metal machining (HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.07-1.41), transport (HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.06-1.25), and mining occupations (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.02-1.60) had elevated risks of leukemia compared to other workers in the ODSS, with comparable findings by industry. Among female workers, slight risk elevations were observed among product fabricating, assembling, and repairing occupations, with other increased risks seen in furniture and fixture manufacturing, storage, and retail industries. These findings underscore the need for exposure-based studies to better understand occupational hazards in these settings.

Perancangan Aplikasi Penjualan Furniture Berbasis Android

Furniture has high added value and significant global competitiveness, largely due to the diversity of natural raw materials available in Indonesia, such as wood, rattan, and bamboo, as well as distinctive and high-quality designs. This advantage is supported by the skills and competence of the available human resources, making Indonesian furniture superior to products from other countries. Product quality is a key element in winning market competition, as it impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty. Masnur Joglo, a furniture company located on Jl. Muara Karya, specializes in producing various types of furniture from high-quality woods such as super mahogany and red teak. However, the purchasing system, which requires customers to visit the store directly and manually record prices, results in inefficiencies in terms of time and transportation costs. Customers often need to visit multiple stores to find the desired product, which is an inefficient process. To address these challenges, this study proposes the development of an Android-based sales application as a solution. This application is designed to expand Masnur Joglo's market reach and facilitate online ordering of furniture products, anytime and anywhere. The study aims to design and develop an Android-based sales information system that can enhance operational efficiency and streamline the sales process while better meeting customer needs. The application development method employs the waterfall model and uses MySQL and Firebase databases.

The Impact of Quality Control Implementation on Productivity and Product Quality in Industry

Furniture production is one of the activities that has the potential to generate income for educational institutions. The furniture production process is generally carried out by experienced students utilizing industry-standard facilities, namely the Wood Construction workshop along with its machinery equipment. Therefore, the implementation of Quality Control in the production process is necessary. This study aims to determine the impact of Quality Control implementation on improving the productivity and quality of furniture products. The method used is quantitative with 4 stages of Quality Control, including product design, process planning, Incoming Quality Control (IQC), and In-Process Quality Control (IPQC). Productivity measurement is divided into 3 parts: partial productivity, total factor productivity, and total productivity, which includes labor productivity, time, and production output. Meanwhile, product quality measurement is obtained from assessments by practitioners and product quality testing according to ISO 19682. Data is processed using the path analysis method with the help of a smart PLS application. The research results show that the productivity of production output is 87.5%, categorized as good, with labor productivity of 0.125 pieces/person/day and work hour productivity of 0.25 pieces/hour/day. Product quality based on production processes is categorized as good at 83%. Meanwhile, product quality testing, including visual aspects is good (82.3%), product stability (normal), strength (normal), durability (normal), stiffness (normal 34mm/m), and drop test (normal). Based on path analysis, it is known that quality control including product design, process planning, Incoming Quality Control (IQC), and In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) has an impact on improving the productivity and quality of furniture products. the quality control carried out to increase productivity and product quality can be said to be good with the validation of the final result of 0.188 including in the good category.

Multi-objective optimization design of a circular core paper sandwich panel

Abstract Ensuring sufficient mechanical performance while enabling lightweight design is critical for utilizing paper sandwich panels in the furniture industry. To design lightweight sandwich panels that balance mechanical properties and cost, this study developed a circular core paper sandwich panel (CCPSP) and investigated its structural efficiency using multi-objective optimization. The response surface method (RSM) based on Box–Behnken design was utilized to establish mathematical models relating the paper tube spacing, inner diameter, and height to the out-of-plane compressive strength, density, and cost. The resulting models effectively revealed the coupled effects of the parameters on the responses. Subsequently, the models were optimized using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) to find the Pareto optimal trade-offs between maximizing compressive strength while minimizing its density and cost. The optimization solution resulted in an optimal set of paper tube geometries that maximized the structural efficiency of CCPSP. Overall, lower tube height conferred superior structural efficiency, while tube spacing and diameter were constrained. The results highlight the potential of CCPSP as an efficient and sustainable material for furniture manufacturing, enabled by multi-objective optimization of its structure.

An original device to assess the respiratory impact of indoor air VOCs mixture using an in vitro approach

Exposure to indoor air pollution, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), has been recognized as a risk factor in the development of respiratory and allergic diseases. VOCs are mainly emitted continuously at low concentrations from construction furniture and decoration products. Measurement campaigns carried out in new dwellings in France have shown that aldehydes predominate with a tendency to decrease formaldehyde concentrations and to increase those in hexanal. As the main route of VOCs exposure is inhalation, this project assessed the impact of a mixture of 17 VOCs representative of indoor air (in quality and quantity) on respiratory health using an in vitro approach. This original work was based on the set-up of an experimental device, combining a gas generation and dilution bench and exposure to the air-liquid interface (ALI) adapted to the reconstructed human airway epithelium model. The VOC mixture was enriched with formaldehyde or hexanal in different proportions (from 20 to 240 µg.m−3) to study the biological impact of these aldehydes after repeated exposures of airway epithelium. After examination of the stability of the VOC concentrations in generated mixtures and the found of the optimal operating conditions for the dynamic gas generating system, the gaseous mixtures were distributed to the epithelium using the ALI exposure system providing direct contact between the epithelium and the tested mixtures. Our device lead to reproduce real conditions of human exposure. The results showed that the inflammatory response, assessed by the production of four cytokines, varied according to the nature of the aldehyde present in the VOC mixture (formaldehyde or hexanal), its concentration, and the duration and number of exposures applied. The most original and innovative results concern those obtained with hexanal, pollutant under-researched. Our results showed that this aldehyde could pose risks to respiratory health.

Biomechanical risk factors and subacromial pain provocation in healthy manufacturing workers

Objectives. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the shoulder may manifest subclinically. By combining risk assessment and clinical instruments, it may be advisable to recognize workers who may develop more complex MSDs early. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between biomechanical risk factors and subacromial pain provocation in healthy manufacturing workers. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out with workers in the furniture manufacturing industry. The occupational repetitive action (OCRA) checklist was applied to detect risk factors and three clinical tests used to detect subacromial tissue reactivity: the supraspinatus test, the painful arc test and the Hawkins–Kennedy test. Results. The positivity of the clinical tests is higher in the supraspinatus test, followed by the Hawkins–Kennedy test, and lowest in the painful arc test, for both the right and left shoulders. No significant associations were found with the overall OCRA checklist index or specific biomechanical factors. Conclusion. The biomechanical risk factors and the provocation of subacromial pain reviewed in this study were not found to be related. Other physical tests that are more sensitive and adapted to workers at risk of developing musculoskeletal shoulder disorders should be explored.

Practical Aspects of the Organization of Ergonomics Committees in the Context of the Quality of Ergonomic Activities Undertaken in Manufacturing Enterprises

Theoretical background: In order to systematize ergonomic activities in the enterprise, some of them decide to establish ergonomics committees whose task is to solve problems in this area and also to propose new, often innovative solutions for implementation. The structures of these units often include employees from different departments who have a different view of ergonomics depending on the position they hold. However, the organization of ergonomics committees can cause many problems due to the lack of top-down guidelines for their activities (each company must establish its own rules). In scientific research on the ergonomic aspects of projects, there is a tendency to look for factors that favor the diffusion of ergonomic issues in their implementation. One such factor may be the creation of an ergonomics committee to pursue ergonomic goals. Their activities are not described in detail in the literature (there are no practical guidelines for their functioning), which is why the topic is discussed in this article. Purpose of the article: The main goal of this article is to present propositions for actions that can be taken to systematize the functioning of the ergonomics committees and to link this task with the quality of ergonomics management in manufacturing enterprises. The aim of the article is also to describe, using a practical examples, various aspects of the operation of ergonomics committees and to indicate guidelines for their establishment and activities. Thus, the article aims to fill the research gap in the field of creating ergonomics committees. Research methods: The research used the interview method with participants of ergonomics committees from companies from various industries. The questions were asked in the following groups: organization and functioning of the ergonomics unit in the enterprise and assessment of the effects of the ergonomics team’s activities. The respondents were participants of the ergonomics committees, which was appointed at least 2 years earlier, the industries represented by the respondents are: automotive (2 companies) and furniture production. Data obtained in three selected enterprises (through informal interviews) where such committees operate, as well as a literature review in this area, were used to formulate these suggestions. The results of the undertaken research allowed for the identification of practical aspects of the functioning and organization of the ergonomics committees. This is an innovative area of research due to the fact that few scientific studies describe such units and guidelines for their practical implementation. Main findings: The main result of the undertaken research was to indicate the categories in which the activities of ergonomics committees should be considered and to provide practical guidelines for their activity. These guidelines are presented as structured areas for consideration when establishing an ergonomics committee: (1) establishing the principles of operation and reporting; (2) determining the composition of the committee; (3) determining the scope of activity of the committee; (4) providing appropriate training for committee’s representatives; (5) support for the committee’s activities. The most important conclusion from the undertaken research is the indication that each enterprise must plan the operation of the committee taking into account its internal conditions. The conclusions from the conducted research were supplemented with indications of directions for further research into the conditions for the functioning of ergonomics committees in manufacturing companies.

The role of augmented reality in the customer shopping experience

Purpose This article aims to explore the potential of augmented reality (AR) to enhance the customer shopping experience in the furniture industry. It aims to investigate how AR mobile apps can be used to provide a hedonic and utilitarian shopping experience for customers. Design/methodology/approach W administered an online questionnaire to 180 customers of the company “Cubitte Concept” (www.cubitteconcept.com), which specializes in the manufacture and design of furniture. This company allowed us to contact these customers to disseminate the questionnaire for gathering relevant information. Data collection lasted approximately three months, from July 3rd to October 5th, 2023, yielding 150 valid responses, which represented 85% of all collected questionnaires. The small sample size is justified by the problem of access to our target group, who are reluctant to be questioned in any way and try at all costs to protect their opinions and privacy. The following table describes the main characteristics of the sample. Findings The results indicate that customer experience, with its three hedonic, cognitive and utilitarian dimensions – along with interactivity, performance expectancy and effort expectancy – have a significant impact on purchase intention. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this investigation may open up future avenues of research where we can further explore the impact of AR technology on customer experience and purchase intention in other sectors, as well as study the moderating effects individual, social and cultural factors. Practical implications While the practical implications can help retailers develop effective strategies for integrating AR into their online shopping experiences. By understanding the potential benefits and challenges associated with AR, retailers can make informed decisions about its implementation and design effective AR applications that improve customer engagement and satisfaction. Therefore, these findings present an opportunity for a comprehensive understanding of how AR influences consumer behavior, empowering stakeholders to refine and optimize their AR marketing strategies. Notably, in Tunisia, AR usage is commonplace in the furniture industry. However, based on this study’s insights, we advocate for broader adoption and integration of AR across diverse sectors, including education, tourism, ready-to-wear and beyond. Originality/value This study presents a unique and novel analysis of AR in the furniture industry and contributes to the current understanding of the use of technology to enhance the customer experience and provide recommendations to professionals looking to implement augmented reality in their marketing strategy.

A complete lean system design for team-oriented product development projects

PurposeThe inherent variability on process times and demand are the factors that prevent the efficient application of lean philosophy in multi-project product development (PD) environments. Considering this variability, a hybrid push–pull project control system is developed, and value stream costing (VSC) analysis is performed to reflect the relation between project lead time, capacity and project cost. The assessment of the push/pull project control on lead time improvement and long-term savings on capacity have been aimed with the proposed complete design structure.Design/methodology/approachIn a team-based structure, formed through clustering, push control techniques for planning tasks within cross-functional teams and pull control techniques for planning tasks between cross-functional teams are developed. The final step evaluates the proposed structure through VSC and long-term savings have been pointed out, especially in terms of freed-up capacity. For the validation of the proposed methodology, an office furniture manufacturing firm’s PD department has been considered and the performance of the hybrid system has been observed through simulation experiments and based on the simulation results, the lean system is evaluated by VSC.FindingsThe results of simulation experiments show a superior performance of the proposed hybrid push/pull project control mechanism under different settings of cycle time between projects or shortly project cycle time, dispatching rules within teams and variability levels. The results of the Box-Score (tool to apply VSC) indicate increased capacity in the long term to add extra projects during the planning period with the same project lead time and without additional cost.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough extensive simulation experiments have been performed to quantify the effect of project control structure and positive results have been reported on lead time and cost, the proposed design structure has not been tested in all existing PD environments.Originality/valueTo the best of authors’ knowledge, the quantification of the effect of hybrid project control with VSC is the first attempt to be applied in lean PD projects.

Working conditions and health effects of workers in a microware manufacturer of medical furniture, Maracay 2019

The present study aimed to determine the working conditions and health effects of the workers of a medical furniture manufacturing microenterprise. For this purpose, a quantitative and descriptive research was carried out, applied to 6 workers, the data collection technique was based on non-participant structured observation to know the work process and a structured interview in which the guide questionnaire was applied Colombian technique 450 to identify risk factors, their level and acceptability; To recognize the health effects, the questionnaire on risks and damages by Pere and Laurent was applied with the body diagram of pain. The hazardous work processes identified were: inadequate lighting, sharp objects, moving machines and tools, particle projection, welding smoke, wood dust, vibrations, gases and vapors, lifting and transporting loads, inappropriate positions. The risk factors identified were: physical and chemical with a level of risk III being acceptable, as well as dysergonomic and mechanical with a level of risk II being not acceptable, likewise the health conditions identified were injuries by accident, eye and respiratory problems and muscle aches, the most frequent areas of pain being legs, neck and lumbar region

Strategic Mobility Plan for Employees of Coolwood SA Company

In contemporary business environments, effective management of employee mobility has become paramount for companies striving to maintain competitiveness and sustainability. Neglecting to develop suitable mobility strategies can result in decreased productivity, increased operational costs, and environmental concerns, jeopardising a company's long-term success. Coolwood SA, a middle-sized furniture production company, is planning to relocate its headquarters from Maastricht to Hasselt by 2030, necessitating the design of a sustainable and cost-efficient mobility plan for its employees. This study aims to address this challenge by crafting a tailored mobility strategy that facilitates a seamless transition to the new headquarters. Drawing on insights from literature and empirical research, this study emphasises the importance of effective mobility planning in enhancing employee satisfaction, productivity, and operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact and costs. By analysing employee profiles, mobility measures, and various scenarios, the study identifies the most suitable mobility strategy for Coolwood SA. Through rigorous cost calculations and scenario comparisons, Scenario Two emerges as the most favourable option, offering significant cost reductions and accommodating employees' diverse needs and preferences. The study's findings underscore the importance of strategic and personalised mobility planning for companies undergoing relocation or expansion. By considering factors such as employee profiles, transportation modes, and cost implications, organisations can optimise decision-making and ensure a smooth transition to new locations while promoting long-term economic success and sustainability. This research provides valuable insights and recommendations for Coolwood SA and other companies navigating similar mobility challenges, highlighting the critical role of mobility planning in achieving organisational objectives and fostering employee well-being.

Strategi Pemulihan Usaha Kerajinan Rotan di Era Pasca Pandemi Covid-19 Pada Usaha Adit Furniture

This study examines the business recovery strategies implemented by Adit Furniture, a rattan craft company, in facing the challenges of the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the rattan craft industry, including decreased demand, supply chain disruptions, and changes in consumer preferences. This study uses a qualitative analysis method with a case study approach, where data is collected through direct observation at Adit Furniture's production site and in-depth interviews with the owner, employees, and related stakeholders. Observations were conducted to understand the production process, implementation of health protocols, and operational adaptations, while interviews aimed to gain information about the strategies implemented, challenges faced, and future visions. This study also reveals the challenges faced in the recovery process and the factors that contributed to the success of these strategies. These findings are expected to provide valuable insights for other rattan craft business actors in navigating the post-pandemic business landscape and designing effective recovery strategies.

Comparative Study of Conventional Machine Learning versus Deep Learning-Based Approaches for Tool Condition Assessments in Milling Processes

This evaluation of deep learning and traditional machine learning methods for tool state recognition in milling processes aims to automate furniture manufacturing. It compares the performance of long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, support vector machines (SVMs), and boosting ensemble decision trees, utilizing sensor data from a CNC machining center. These methods focus on the challenges and importance of feature selection, data preprocessing, and the application of tailored machine learning models to specific industrial tasks. Results show that SVM, with an accuracy of 96%, excels in handling high-dimensional data and robust feature extraction. In contrast, LSTM, which is appropriate for sequential data, is constrained by limited training data and the absence of pre-trained networks. Boosting ensemble decision trees also demonstrate efficacy in reducing model bias and variance. Conclusively, selecting an optimal machine learning strategy is crucial, depending on task complexity and data characteristics, highlighting the need for further research into domain-specific models to improve performance in industrial settings.

Modern Requirements of 18-25 Years Old Adults Against Seating Furniture in Hungary

This research examines the evolution of seating furniture in Hungary over the past 200 years by comparing three representative pieces. The first is the famous tulipános hope chest, also known as the wedding chest, a traditional piece of Hungarian furniture. The second example is a bench from 1965, designed by József Zalavári, a renowned Hungarian designer and university professor. The third piece is the Kuube smart street bench from 2020. These three pieces exemplify the changing requirements and preferences for seating furniture over time. To support this comparative analysis, an online questionnaire was conducted in April 2024 targeting young adults aged 18-25 years. The survey aimed to understand their preferences and expectations for modern seating furniture. It was distributed and completed through various Hungarian Facebook groups, where these respondents are regularly active. The primary focus of the questionnaire was to identify the most important factors for the next generation in terms of seating furniture usage. Surprisingly, the results indicated that respondents were not particularly concerned with recycling and renewable energy sources in furniture production. Instead, they prioritized multifunctionality and ergonomic design. These findings provide valuable insights for future designers and projects, highlighting the essential considerations for creating seating furniture that meets the needs and preferences of Generation Z and Alpha users. By understanding these trends, designers can develop innovative solutions that align with the evolving demands of younger generations.

An innovative application of diagonal ridge elements of classical Suzhou-style buildings to furniture design based on Kansei engineering and shape grammar

This paper proposes a furniture design method combining Kansei engineering (KE) and shape grammar (SG), to explore how the diagonal ridge elements of classical Suzhou-style buildings can be applied to furniture design and to explain how the styling elements match the cultural imagery in furniture products. Suzhou-style armchairs and cultural elements of diagonal ridges were collected, the most suitable armchairs were selected for incorporating such elements, and their shapes were deconstructed along with characteristic interpretations. A factor bank of diagonal ridge elements was constructed, first through Kansei word selection and evaluation experiments, and then through factor analysis which determined the main cultural elements of the design. The shape grammar theory was applied to design and innovate the selected armchair samples, achieving three design solutions. The solutions were then comprehensively evaluated, and the optimal one was used for the final physical product. The results of the study showed that users had clear subjective feelings about the design incorporating diagonal ridge elements, with their Kansei on three aspects: aesthetic style, decorative complexity, and structural balance. The approach used in this work blends furniture products with cultural imagery on diagonal ridges, providing a feasible methodological reference and an empirical case for cultural sustainability through furniture design.

A multiple criteria decision analysis approach for assessing the quality of hardwood species used by Greek timber industries

Abstract Timber industries make an essential contribution to economies worldwide, while the sustainable supply of timber generates revenue, supports employment, and contributes to economic activity. The strategic choice of wood species using specific criteria can have substantial economic outcomes for the timber industry in Greece. This study assessed the suitability of hardwood species most commonly used by Greek timber industries. The assessment was conducted with the use of a Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis approach, taking into consideration specific criteria that affect the quality of timber. According to the findings, walnut was the optimal alternative that outranked the other examined species. Chestnut, oak, beech, ash, and hornbeam also achieved positive scores, and therefore, they are also acceptable alternatives as broadleaved species suitable for furniture manufacturing and sawn timber production. Greek timber industries can enhance their products’ value and market appeal by focusing on species that meet high-quality standards and consumer preferences.

The Preference for Purchasing Rattan Furniture among Residents in Taman Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia

A study was carried out to evaluate consumer knowledge of rattan furniture and determine the factors that consumers prioritize when purchasing rattan furniture. Recognizing that various factors can affect consumer choices, thus rattan furniture manufacturers will need to align with current customer preferences. These preferences encompasses aspects e.g. sustainable consumption, social status, environmental safety and modern design. Data was gathered via random sampling using a questionnaire, and descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the frequency and percentage of responses. The questionnaires were distributed via online to 315 respondents in Taman Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, Perak. The findings of the survey indicated that rattan furniture usage was perceived as safe, with 62.86 % of respondents answering affirmatively and 37.14 % negatively. Similarly, a majority (56.83 %) considered the environmental impact of rattan furniture production to be minimal. Additionally, most respondents (89.94 %) deemed rattan's characteristics—flexibility, strength and lightness—suitable for furniture production. The survey also revealed that modernity was the primary purchasing factor for respondents, followed by social status, environmental safety and sustainable consumption. These insights into consumer preferences can guide rattan furniture manufacturers and retailers in making informed decisions regarding production and marketing strategies.

PRODUCTION OF VALUE-ADDED BIOCHAR AND BIO-OIL FROM MICROWAVE CO2 PYROLYSIS OF MEDIUM-DENSITY FIBERBOARD WASTE

This study investigates the feasibility of using microwave CO2 pyrolysis to dispose of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) waste, a significant by-product of the furniture manufacturing industry. The primary goal is to transform MDF waste into valueadded biochar and bio-oil, exploring an alternative to conventional pyrolysis methods that typically use nitrogen (N2) as a purge gas. The research emphasises the potential benefits of CO2 utilisation in pyrolysis, both to enhance the quality of biochar and bio-oil and as a strategy for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. This research reveals that conducting microwave pyrolysis in a CO2 atmosphere increases biochar (up to 44.8%) and bio-oil (up to 21.2%) yields over N2 pyrolysis. CO2 hinders volatile thermal cracking and aids in gas defragmentation and repolymerisation, with biochar yield rising with time and biooil peaking at an optimal duration. This study underscores microwave CO2 pyrolysis as a promising alternative for converting biomass waste into valuable products, potentially contributing to fuel utilisation. It also highlights the environmental benefits of this method, particularly in terms of CO2 utilisation, aligning with the broader objectives of sustainable waste management and renewable energy production. The findings provide a basis for future research in this area, focusing on optimising process parameters, exploring potential applications of bio-products, and assessing the economic and environmental viability of this innovative approach.

PPE Education to Reduce the Risk of Workplace Accidents in The Furniture Industry

Occupational safety and health is an important aspect in the industrial world, including the furniture industry. If a company implements the Occupational Health and Safety well, it can reduce the risk of work accidents, thereby increasing work productivity. Work accidents can occur due to workers’ negligence or suboptimal implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety System. To reduce the risk of work accidents, a risk analysis is carried out, which is one part of risk management. One of the risk analyses that can be done is by using the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method. Risk identification in the furniture industry is based on field reviews, which then assess the severity (S), occurrence rate (O), and detection level (D). Then the assessment results are sorted to determine the highest Risk Priority Number (RPN) value variable. In the furniture production process, there are various potential hazards, with the highest RPN found in the cutting process, where a machine incident occurred with an RPN value of 120. The severity factor is given a value of 6 because the error leads to torn injuries and equipment damage, so it must be handled immediately, and there is the repair of the damage. One effort to reduce the risk of work accidents is to provide PPE at work.

FORMATION OF THE SUBJECT ENVIRONMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH THE USE OF MODERN ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGIES

The article outlines the principles of reformation of the subject-spatial environment in the New Ukrainian School based on the conceptual foundations of the Ministry of Education and Science. Modern pedagogy puts forward new requirements to educational centres, such as the creation of opportunities for flexible organization of learning. This process involves the formation of a multivariate subject environment for group and individual lessons fitted out with innovative furniture and equipment, various configurations of mobile learning spaces, and in general promotes the development of children’s teamwork skills motivating them to learn. The development of new models of student furniture based on the principles of versatility and multi-functionality is considered to be the most promising component of the future change of the subject environment. The article analyses the possibilities of designing furniture and equipment through the use of additive manufacturing technologies that are becoming more accessible to a wide range of consumers, while the production of such elements with the use of 3D printing opens up wide opportunities for designers and constructors. Other advantages of manufacturing of innovative furniture with the help of 3D printing include individual approach, creative ideas, short manufacturing period, and the possibility of equal use by all participants of the educational process owing to the principles of universal design. All of these principles can be realized using a combination of both traditional production and new technologies. Such furniture and equipment perfectly complement the educational subject environment and make it more technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, expressive and original. The rational consumption of natural resources, environmental impact, and recycling principles represent the environmental component of the manufacture of furniture and equipment for the educational environment, allowing the participants of the educational process of the New Ukrainian School to form a personality that acquires environmental literacy, a culture of environmental behaviour, and realizes the importance of caring for the environment for the sake of own life and health and lives of others. Keywords: education, school, subject environment, inclusion, additive technologies, 3D printing, universal design, ecology, recycling.