Ergonomics assessment in an aluminum factory in Iceland

• Main Author: Gudjonsdottir, Anna
• Other Authors: Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu 2015
• Subjects: ergonomics; ergonomic assessment; aluminum factory; working position; fi=Fysioterapia|sv=Fysioterapi|en=Physiotherapy|; Degree Programme in Physiotherapy; Iceland
• Online Access: http://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/86424

The purpose of this study was to do an ergonomic assessment in aluminum factory and to write a literature review of factory work and health. The results from the ergonomic assessment where then compared to the literature. The aluminum factory in which the ergonomic assessment was carried out was the Rio Tinto Alcan factory in Iceland. The reason why I did choose to do the assessment there was my work experience as summer worker for 2 summers in the factory’s casthouse. What was found in the literature review supported the results from the ergonomic assessment, that factory workers are at risk of developing work related musculoskeletal disorders due to awkward, repetitive or static working positions and heavy lifting. But what was also found was that factories are modernizing workstations with aim of making them ergonomically safer for workers. The ergonomic assessment showed that workers are aware of their ergonomics while working and are creative in figuring out ways to improve their ergonomics themselves.