title: The ergonomic evaluation of work stress in the furniture industry.
abstract: In some furniture factories an ergonomic analysis of work stress was carried out at 10 workplaces typical for this industry. Physical and psychological stress, the influence of the work environment and some elements of the work-organization were measured. In order to compare the stress at the different workplaces, a point scale was applied. This investigation showed that the energy expenditure of the workers varied between 1026 and 1937 kcal during one shift. Psychological stress was not large. Environmental conditions were stressful. Noise levels at all locations exceeded 90 dB(A), and lighting was inadequate. The investigations also showed that the greatest stress appeared in the operation of the horizontal belt sanding machine and of the tilting arbor saw. The least stress was observed in the operation of the hydraulic hot-plate press and of the edge-glueing press-chain conveyor system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene and Work Safety, Agricultural University, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bielski
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wolowicki
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zeyland