Production Workers Health
Block Diagram: Production process
Introduction
Workers spend a great deal of their time in industrial settings. In many industries, workers are exposed to various types of health hazards. Unless the working conditions like lightning, ventilation, cleanliness, temperature, space, etc. are proper, the employees cannot concentrate on work (Gupta, C. B). Health is the outcome of the inter action between the individual and his environment. The life of the industrial worker is full of risk and hazards. Every year hundred thousand of workers are injured in factories, mines, etc. According to the ILO/WHO committees on organizational health, an industrial health is: the promotion and maintenance of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations; prevention among workers of ill health caused by the working conditions and protection of worker in their employment from risk resulting from factors adverse to health (Gupta, C. B).
Analysis
The given block diagram, explains the production process and hazards involved in each step. In this diagram, the widget enters into the production process. There are various hazards that the operators have to identify and manage in the production process. Operators in the production process have to always face the problem of bringing non-hydrocarbons contaminants to the surface during production (Analysis). In general, these contaminants have various things common. Before putting them in the market, these non-hydrocarbons contaminants must be removed from the hydrocarbons. These contaminations are typically found in the well effluent prior to processing (Analysis). It also includes hydrogen sulphide and water, which are regularly removed from the hydrocarbons phase on both fixed and floating installations.
In the industries, workers are exposed to health hazards and diseases. The chemical substances like carbon dioxide, sulphuric acids, limes and alkalies cause injury when they are absorbed through skin and inhaling. Workers suffer from skin diseases, asthma, heart diseases, neurological disorders and cancer (Diseases, Disorders & Injuries). The effects of these diseases are slow but cumulative. These diseases are difficult to diagnose and may become chronic and incurable. Gas, fumes and dust in stones quarries, mines, tone crushing lead or zinc smelting, etc cause severe diseases. The biological hazards like bacteria, fungi, viruses and insects also affect the health of employees (Chemicals & Materials).
The problem that was faced during the flow of production was improper gas flow, dirty lenses, improper settings, etc (Gillespie, 2.91). The variations in the work piece were also affecting the laser cutting. There was the cutting performance deterioration which caused the nozzle interference, improper focal point location and improper gas flow (Gillespie, 2.91). There was a problem of interlock light, due to which the system was overheated and the supply was exhausted (Gillespie, 2.91). The employees in the organization were mainly suffering from the welding blench. If they would not be able to work properly, the productivity will be low and the organization would suffer.
Triclene- Compliant of Employees
Trichloroethene is also known as Triclene. It is a nonflammable, colorless liquid at room temperature with somewhat sweet odor, and a sweet burning taste. It is mainly used as a solvent to polish off grease from metal parts (Trichloroethene). The biggest source of Triclene in the environment is evaporation from factories that use it to remove grease from metals. Many people work at the places where they come in contact with Triclene and can breathe it and get it on the skin. People who breathe moderate levels of Triclene may suffer from headaches or dizziness and people who breathe high levels of Triclene may get harm to the nerves in the face. When people are exposed to the level of Triclene at which its odor is detectable, they have accounted health consequences. These are the reasons why the workers at the production house complained to the authorities (Trichloroethene).
Fumes and their Health Symptom:
The most common metal fumes and gases that generate health problem during the welding and thermal cutting are:
|
No. |
Smokes |
Effects and Symptom on workers |
|
1. |
Cadmium oxide |
Nose irritation and ulceration; Pulmonary edema, chronic effects comprise of kidney damage and emphysema, prostate, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis ( Labour 5) |
|
2. |
Chromium (VI) |
respiratory tract irritation, effects on nose, eyes and ears; Skin irritation, chronic effects ( Labour5) |
|
3. |
Nickel |
Dermatitis, asthma-like lung disease; chronic effects include cancer of nose, larynx and lung |
|
4. |
Fluorides |
Eye, nose and throat irritation, gastro-intestinal symptoms; chronic effects include bone and joint problems, fluid in the lungs, kidney dysfunction |
|
5. |
Nitrogen oxide |
nausea, dizziness, Headache, death, cardiovascular effects ( Labour 5) |
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
A form containing data related to the properties of a particular substance is known as Material safety data sheet (MSDS). It includes information of physical data like melting point, boiling point, flash point, toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill handling procedures (MSDS Management Service). The format of an MSD'S can vary from source to source within a country depending on how specific is the national requirement. For cataloging information on chemicals, chemical compounds, and chemical mixture, MSDS are widely used. The information on MSDS includes instructions for the safe use and avoidance of hazards associated with a particular material. MSDS is generally found where chemicals already exist. With respect to welding bench, it is important to consider the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for controlling the product that is used in the welding operation (Labour 7).
In Canada, the program known as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) establishes the requirements for MSDS's in workplaces. The product regulations are federally administered and controlled by Health Canada under the Hazardous Products Act. This data sheet is used to state the chemical's risks, safety and impact on the environment. It is an effective tool for the MSDS Managers, safety professionals, compliance officers, and emergency preparedness staff, storage personnel and materials management purchasing agents (MSDS Management Service).
Problem in welding blench
Smoke produced during welding is comprised of solid particles, usually less than 1.0 μm in size. They are formed by condensation and oxidation of the vaporized metal. In the gas-exchange region of the lungs, these particles are capable of being deposited (Labour). The composition of the chemicals of the welding fumes and gases not only depends on the welded material but also on the procedure and the conductors used (Labour7). The possible health hazards from exposure to welding fumes are not only dependent on the welded metal, the process and the physical composition of the welding conductor, but also on the work environment, including the location (indoor vs. outdoor), the type and quality of natural and mechanical exhaust ventilation, degree of enclosure of the work station, length of exposure, and personal protection equipment (Labour7).
Another problem in the welding bench that was recommended by the workers was that there is an occasional smell in that particular area. They compliant the smell is of truck exhaust and excess of the solvent stored. According to them, there is haze over the welding bench due to which there was frequent headaches, dizziness, etc. The employees were suffering from many health problems. There were environmental hazards available, which caused the problems like radiation, noise, vibrations shocks. X-rays or radio active exposure may cause hearing loss vibration and shocks may cause nerve injury and inflammation o tissues in the body.
Application of health and Safety legislation
OSH uploads the organization's health and safety policies and procedures, as well as assign and track employee training. It helps to make plan and check the workplace health and safety activities and requirements. It emphasizes to meet the requirements of national and international OH&S Management System standards like CSA Z1000-06 and OHSAS 18001. In improving health and safety performance in the workplace, it performs audits and act as a user-friendly guidance (OHS work). It accesses hazard awareness tools, reports for incidents and audits, sample emergency response plans and other programs. It integrates the organization's e-mail software and intranet to simplify reminders and new task notification. According to the section 8(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, an employer should ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the employees.
In Canada, workers are covered by provincial or federal labour codes which usually depend on the sector in which they work. Workers covered by federal legislation (including those in mining, transportation, and federal employment) are also covered by the Canada Labour Code (CanOSH). In the organization, all the workers are covered by the health and safety legislation they work in. An agency of the Government of Canada, known as the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) was created in 1978 by an Act of Parliament.
The act was based on the belief that all Canadians workers have a fundamental right to a get a healthy and safe working environment (CanOSH).CCOHS is authorized to promote safe and healthy environment in the workplaces and also to help prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) also states that the managers are responsible for the health and safety of their workers, who are present at the workplace (CanOSH). The employers should provide a safe working condition ensuring safe entrances and exits. The prime job of manager is to ensure the safe use, handling, storage and transport of plant and substances (CanOSH).
Recommendations
To avoid the problem of welding bench, it is recommended that while cutting performance deterioration, the nozzle tip should be realigned and the direction of focal points should be checked (Gillespie, 2.91). The improper flow of gas can be checked by proper flow of meters. It is also suggested that the dirty lenses should be timely removed and replaced to avoid delays. The interlock light problem can be solved by installing new gas bottle. It is suggested that front doors should be closed. On gas housing, the knob should be pulled. The shutter should be switched to open. For operating CRT or CNC correctly, the executive tape should be reloaded timely (Gillespie, 2.91).
To avoid the sweet smell of welding blench, the operators should properly manage the production flow so that there is no excess passing of material. It is recommended that timely replacement and maintenance should be done to minimize the haze and fog from the welding machine. According to OHS Act, the employers should take reasonable care for the health and safety of their co-workers who may be affected by the harmful chemicals used in the production process (OSH Works). It is the duty of manager to look that the employees are wearing and using the prescribed safety equipment. They are carrying out work in a safe manner and are following the instruction related to the health and safety (OSH Works).
Recommended Layout
It is recommended to the project manager to put attention on proper cleaning, timely greasing and washing of all the equipments used in degreasing and welding. The equipments which are producing large amount of noises should be cleaned, greased and lubricated in regular interval of time. Aqueous cleaners are recommended to use in degreasing tank in place of solvent vapors to avoid inhaling problems and prefer those chemicals for degreasing and welding processes which are less harmful and will not cause breathing problems which are caused by Triclene. Because as a caution for Triclene is provided with a caution telling Avoid inhaling vapors, do not swallow.
It is recommended to the manager to put an outlet fan near lift truck to avoid the problem caused by the exhaust of lift truck. We should give preference to storing only required amount of solvent because bulk storage is of no use for the production house. It is recommended to manager to change the discharging or outgoing channel of solvent. It is prescribed to cover the whole channel to avoid the solvent smell. It is recommended to put severe attention towards the health and safety of workers because it is given that workers are facing headache and shortness of breath over the past years.
Conclusion
Thus, it can be concluded that to avoid the problems in the welding blench, the hard chemicals like antifoaming agents, antishrinking agents, antislip agents, antistats, etc should not be used by the project manager in the production process. The manager should try that the production process is easy so that the employees can easily handle it (Gupta, C. B). The timely replacement should be done by the manager to avoid the delays and the fogs in front of the welding blench. In order to avoid the delays and health hazards, the employees should be trained so that they know how to use the machines and equipments (Gupta, C. B). The employees should be given proper care so that they work hard and the productivity increases. It they are given proper care and benefits, they would work hard and the company would be able to achieve their targets.
Work Cited
Analysis, 2008. June 18. 2008 <http://www.petroleumeconomist.com/default.asp?page=14&PubID=46&ISS=8621&SID=325506>
CANOSH, 2004. June 19. 2008
<http://www.canoshweb.org/en/>
Chemicals & Materials. 2008. June 19. 2008
< http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/>
Diseases, Disorders & Injuries. 2008. June 19.2008
<http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/ >
MSDS Management Service, 2008. June 19.2008
<http://www.ccohs.ca/products/msds/msdsservice.html>
Gupta, C. B. Human Resource Management (5th Edition)'. New Delhi: Sultan Chand & Sons Educational Publishers. (2007).
Gillespie, LaRoux K. Troubleshooting Manufacturing Processes: Adapted from the Tool. Published by SME Manufacturing Processes. 1988.
OSH Works, 2008. June 19. 2008.
<ttp://www.ccohs.ca/products/oshworks/
Labour, 2007. June 18. 2008 <http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/labour/publications/health_safety/pdf/hhhcmrwap.pdf >
Trichloroethene, 1995.June 19. 2008
<http://www.eco-usa.net/toxics/tce.shtml>
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