Ergonomic Risk Analysis

ASSESSMENT OF ERGONOMIC RISK IN LIFTING OPERATION

K.Deepankumar#1, K.Murugabhoopathy*2, Dr.K.Visagavel#3, Dr.H. Abdul Zubar#4

#Mechanical Engineering, Knowledge Institute Of Technology, Salem, India

[e-mail], [e-mail]

2Assistant General Manager, Salem Steel Plant, India

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

This paper deals with analysis of Ergonomic principles and knowledge of the human body, this paper mainly addresses the issue of team lifting, pushing and pulling when changing the job holders of electrically operated Tong Crane in a Hot Rolling Mill. This work also analyzes the ergonomic risk factors by the tools such as Rapid upper limb Assessment tool (RULA) and Revised National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lifting equation. Ergonomics hazard is evaluated by NIOSH hazard evaluation worksheet to minimize the hazard level. Based on the analysis it is found

Using the RULA worksheet, the evaluator will assign a score for each of the following body regions: upper arm, lower arm, wrist, neck, trunk, and legs. After the data for each region is collected and scored, tables on the form are then used to compile the risk factor variables, generating a single score that represents the level of MSD risk as outlined below[3]:

2. NIOSH lifting equation

The main objective is to evaluate the internal validity of the NIOSH lifting equation[4] with the results of psychophysical and biomechanical data obtained from laboratory studies.

NIOSH, National institute for occupational safety and health, developed the lifting equation to assist in the identification of ergonomic solution for reducing the physical stress associated with manual lifting.

a) Evaluate the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL)

b) Estimation of the Lifting Index (LI) of the different task conditions studied;

Result and discussion

I. Field study and data