AN ERGONOMIC APPROACH TO ACCIDENT PREVENTION IN A PULP AND PAPER-MILL - STEPS TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

Material handling tasks have been shown to he risk factors in the development of disabling injuries affecting the back and musculo-skeletal system. By increasing awareness of ergonomic factors, it is possible to identify potential problems. Ergonomic solutions can be directed to these areas: the worker, the material/container characteristics, the task characteristics, the work practices and administration. The aim of these ergonomic interventions is to eliminate injuries, but good design and streamlined operations can indirectly affect productivity and efficiency.