| Popis: |
Disorders caused by poor lighting, inappropriate thermal environments, noise and manual handling constitute a daily challenge for workers, since these factors influence worker productivity and can trigger long-term health problems. It is essential to ensure that workers carry out their tasks in suitable conditions, without compromising technicians’ physical and psychological wellbeing, as well as their hygiene and safety. In order to address these issues, the support provided by equations such as NIOSH, noise assessment through spectral analysis or exposure time, as well as assessment of lighting and the thermal environment, enable an evaluation of workers’ conditions and the application of measures to guarantee worker safety. The software tool Safe Work Space (SWS) was tested at a furniture manufacturing company, and was developed to facilitate the daily work undertaken by hygiene and safety technicians, reducing the time spent on data treatment. Based on the parameters of load movement, the results of the NIOSH equation [recommended weight limit] and the lifting index are obtainable in fractions of a second. The SWS tool also assesses lighting and thermal environment values which, according to the references of the workplace location, provide results regarding lighting and room temperature. Finally, a third feature evaluates noise by assessing the need for the use of PPE (personal protection equipment) and, if necessary, it provides information as to which equipment is available on the market. This tool is extremely useful for professionals as it was specifically developed for the analysis of noise, lighting, thermal environment and lifting loads, all in one. |
