HAZARD PROFILE IN MANUFACTURING: DETERMINATION OF RISK LEVELS TOWARDS ENHANCING THE WORKPLACE SAFETY

This study focuses on occupational hazards and the determination of risk levels derived from them. Indoor climate, noise, and dust are examined. An approach with numerical criteria is offered to assess these occupational hazards in manufacturing using a simple/flexible risk assessment method. Practical examples and the results of measurements of occupational hazards in five industries (mechanical, printing, wood, plastic and clothing industries) in Estonia are presented. Noise, as the most obvious health hazard, is analysed in depth, and the risk for noise-induced hearing loss is estimated. The overall purpose of the paper is to draw attention to the importance of measurements of occupational hazards in industry and to act as a reminder of a number of issues of practical relevance to effective workplace risk assessment from which employees, employers, occupational hygienists and physicians as well as authorities can benefit today and in the future