Physical Hazards/Injuries
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (2010), a physical hazard is defined as a "source of energy that may cause injury or disease. Examples include noise, vibration, radiation, and extremes in temperature and pressure". The two common hazards that assembly line workers are most exposed to are noise and temperature- related hazard.
NOISE Generally speaking, it is inevitable for everyone to be away from noise. However within the assembly line, the use of power tools puts workers at risk; the continuous exposure to excessive noise increases the risk of hearing loss. Especially in a confined workspace, noise will be amplified and thus louder. HEAT STRESS Heat stress is "[the overall] heat burden on the body from the combination of the body heat generated while working, environmental sources (air temperature, humidity, air movement, radiation from the sun or hot surfaces/sources) and clothing requirements” (CCOHS, 2010). Thus, a combination of a hot environment, body temperature and stress that workers experience results in heat stress. It is important for the manufacturer to maintain the indoor temperature of the assembly line. Poor ventilation, hot and humid working environments increases the risks and likelihood of workers experiencing heat stress. This can directly lead to long term health effects and indirectly affect their work performance, creating a more vulnerable situation for an accident to occur. Furthermore, the health status, age and tolerance of an individual worker plays an important factor. |  |
SOLUTION
Ear plugs or muffs can be used as personal protective equipment to aid in the blockage of excessive noise. Moreover, using annual surveys, studies show that to minimize the risk of hearing loss, improvements can be made in the assembly line and workers can rotate their shifts hourly. This greatly reduces the direct impact of excessive loud noise. Manufacturers should have regular inspections around the factory to ensure the working environment is at a comfortable state for all workers. Overall, workers should be aware and know their limits. Workers should stay hydrated, be well rested and should take breaks when necessary.
