Evaluation of workstation in a metal industry company

Unsuitable workplace conditions make problems for workers and have some adverse effects on their health and the quality of production. Recognizing and reducing risk factors related to the work pressure will improve their occupational health and prevent related economic losses of workers. The purpose of this study was to determine workstations status regarding underlying human, occupational and environmental factors responsible for occupational accidents using Finnish questionnaire. In this cross sectional study, 118 workers from all workstations of a metal industries company in Isfahan were enrolled. The workstations were evaluated using the Finnish questionnaire which was completed by direct observation and interview. Environmental condition, lighting, noise, and heat stress was measured by means of related instruments. In 84.7% of workstations, the standard working environment conditions had not been considered. In 13.6% and 15.3% the method of physical activity and lifting was inappropriate, respectively. In 5.1% of cases, body posture during hard work and the pressure load on arms was inappropriate. In 23.7% of cases, the risk of accident was high. In 52.2% of cases, the worker had limited communication due to work condition. In 89.8% of cases, there was no problem in decision making. Work was repetitive in 33.1% of cases. Lighting was lower than standards in 44% of cases (P < 0.05). The WBGT was 29° C. Heat exposure time was lower than standard and there was no heat stress (P < 0.05). Noise was higher than standards in 20% of cases. Inappropriate workplace makes problems for implementing the work duties of employees, their health and the quality of companies’ products. Workstation’s conditions, environmental conditions, and posture at work are the underlying factors for occupational accidents and diseases. The results can be used by other metal industry companies to provide an appropriate workplace which would improve the occupational health of workers.