Occupational Risk Assessment for Workers of Aluminum Production Using the Example of RUSAL Bratsk OJSC

Abstract

Abstract Aluminum is considered one of the most commonly used materials and has a wide range of applications in various industries. However, the production of aluminum is associated with a significant negative impact on the health of workers engaged in technological operations to produce it. In this regard, the aim of the work was to assess the occupational risks of workers in aluminum production. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the technological process for producing aluminum has a complex of negative effects on the health of workers, which includes industrial noise, general and local vibration, gas and dust contamination of the air in the working area, exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiation, adverse microclimate parameters. The totality of dangerous and harmful factors in working conditions and negative indicators of injuries and occupational morbidity for aluminum production workers requires carrying out a procedure for assessing occupational risks. Of the whole set of methods, we selected the three most informative and easy to use methods, i.e. the method of scoring occupational risks, the method of assessing the IOR level and the Fine-Kinney method. The object of the study was RUSAL Bratsk Aluminum Smelter OJSC. Based on the results of the assessment, it was established that the general level of occupational risk in RUSAL Bratsk OJSC corresponded to the “medium” and “high” values of these methods, which is considered unacceptable. To reduce the risk, it is necessary, in particular, to implement additional or modernize existing labor protection measures.