Ergonomic factors in metal recycling sector: A challenge for ergonomic intervention

1. Ergonomic factors in metal recycling sector: A challenge for ergonomic intervention Theoni Koukoulaki (presentation: Antonis Targoutzidis)

2. Recycling sector in Greece Methods for assessment of ergonomic factors(QEC, RULA, KIM) Painful work posts Results of assessment in a sample of duties General ergonomic principles Proposed interventions Structure

3. Repetitive work Painful body postures (extreme or static) Use of force Standing Manual weight handling Psychosocial factors Ergonomic factors in recycling

4. 18 systems for alternative handling, involving: Packaging (4) Vehicles (1) Electrical and electronic equipment (equipment, lamps) Lubricants (1) Used batteries (4) Used car tires (1) Construction and demolition waste (4) Recycling sector in Greece

5. 27 units for packaging waste 105 units for vehicles’ lifecycle end 9 units for electrical and electronic equipment 7 units for lubricant oil regeneration 7 units for lead acid batteries 6 units for mechanical processing, 1 for power exploitation, 1 for cutting Recycling sector in Greece

6. Methods for assessment of ergonomic factors • QEC (Quick Exposure Check), Geoffrey D., Woods V., Li. G., Buckle, P., The development of the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) for assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Appl Ergon., 2007 • QEC assesses the exposure of upper limbs, neck and back in static and dynamic duties. It is one of the most recent methods for assessment of MSDs. • Exposure levels are assessed for various work postures, repetitive movements, use of force and duration for various parts of body. It also takes interactions into account.

7. QEC (Quick Exposure Check) Shoulder/Arm CPosition of hands: C1 Waist height C2 Chest height C3 over shoulders D Shoulder arm movement D1 Rare D2 Frequent D3 Very frequent Duration of the task J1 Less than 2 hours J2 2-4 hours J3over 4 hours Weight H1 light (5 kg or less) H2 moderate (6 -10 Kg) H3heavy (11- 20 Kg) H4very heavy (> 20 Kg)

8. RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) (Atamney et al, 1993), • It is a method for assessment of effects of repetitive movements on body, upper limbs and neck. • Body postures are written down and scored through a check list. • Force required by muscles is estimated and scored. • A global index risk combines all above scores and action levels are defined.

9. RULA

10. RULA Wrist Upper hand Lower hand Neck

11. RULA Body Legs

12. KIM(Key Item) method, BauA • Steinberg, U.; Caffier, G.; Liebers, F.: Assessment of Manual Material Handling based on Key Indicators – German Guidelines. In: Handbook of Standards in Ergonomics and Human Factors. Ed. by W. Karwowski. Lawrenz Erlbaum Associates. Mahwah, New Jersey, London 2006. S. 319-338 • Assessment • Lifting and carrying tasks • Pushing and pulling tasks • Parameters: • Frequency, duration • Weight • Body postures • Working conditions

13. KIM(Key Item) method, BauA + X +

14. KIM(Key Item) method, BauA

15. 1. Unloading: KIM method 112 36 22 Lifting Pushing Pulling

16. 2.Electronics: QEC - RULA Prolonged standing Repetitive work Pulling pallet jacks 42 7

17. 3. Press (screens):KIM method 8 50 Hands over shoulders Pulling large bags

18. 4. White devices: KIM method 112 Manual weight handling Prolonged standing and repetitive work

19. 5. Manual copper sort: QEC-RULA Work on knees Twisting Hands over shoulders Bending 52 7

20. General ergonomic principles • The worker must have access to working surface without twisting or stretching without particular reason. • Avoid strainful work postures by redesigning work posts or reduction in exposure. • Avoid working on floor. Use working tables. • Suspend equipment from ceiling to reduce strain.

21. General ergonomic principles • Avoid prolonged standing where possible. • If a task does not require high force and can be performed in confined space the worker can be sitting. • Sit/stand for works requiring sitting and standing. • Resting and breaks

22. Proposed interventions • Investigation for pre-cutting of materials (reduction in initial volume and weight of scrap) • Handling less volume – better material storage before processing • Changes in productivity assessment (e.g. by table, collaboration) • Assessment based on material’s handling difficulty (e.g. materials with cables) and not only based on weight • Resting and breaks • Use of grapnels for “hair opening” in copper • Changes in the shape of table and placement of bins to avoid upper limb stretching and body twisting preparation assessment technical

23. Proposed interventions • Use of mechanical lifts and conveyors for lifting white devices and other heavy weights to reduce manual handling. • Automatisation • Training in correct manual lifting and breaks • Better arrangement of materials around the press to reduce carrying large bags • Conveyors must have he correct height and width to avoid bending and stretching • Improvement of tables in electronics and placement of waste bins on conveyors