Volume 8, Issue 3 (Spring 2023)                   Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly 2023, 8(3): 185-192 | Back to browse issues page


XML Print


Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

Badoozadeh E, Babaei-Pouya A. Evaluating Critical Safety and Health Risks by Job Safety Analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process in Industrial Printing. Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly 2023; 8 (3) :185-192
URL: http://hdq.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-428-en.html
1- Students Research Committee, Faculty of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
2- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran. , amiin.pouya@yahoo.com
Full-Text [PDF 558 kb]   (528 Downloads)     |   Abstract (HTML)  (1304 Views)
Full-Text:   (479 Views)
1. Introduction
An important topic of problem in various industries is work-related accidents, which have high costs for the industry [1]. To prevent accidents, it is necessary to identify all the various critical risks in the work process, and then control them with proper evaluation [2]. One of the indicators to evaluate the performance of an industry is the number and severity of accidents in that industry [3]. Identifying critical risks and providing control measures are important in reducing accident costs and increasing system efficiency. Reducing work-related injuries and illnesses, creating effective and efficient ways of doing work, reducing compensation costs, and increasing worker productivity are among the benefits of critical risk management [4].
One of the methods of accurate and systematic study to identify the potential risks of each job is the job safety analysis (JSA) method, which is recommended in the operation phase to identify and analyze the risks [5]. This method is implemented with minimal equipment and financial resources and only with a careful study based on the ability of the assessment team and the experience of the interviewees (workers and operators). All people, both managers, and workers benefit from the results in proportion to their information which will increase employees’ understanding of the level of risk and will have a positive effect on their behavior [6]. As a result, it will reduce critical safety and health risks [7]. OSHA recommends that by performing proper occupational safety analysis, many accidents and diseases can be prevented, and finally, the necessary measures of engineering control, training, personal protection, and executive instructions can be determined [8].
Studies show that analytic hierarchy process (AHP) hierarchical analysis is the most popular and widely used method among various multifunctional decision-making methods [9]. This method calculates the prioritization of options by considering different weighting criteria and is used for problems with more than one decision criterion. In some studies, this method has been used to analyze risk factors affecting the occurrence of accidents, safety management, and risk assessment. AHP hierarchical analysis method is used to identify and prioritize safety risk factors affecting the occurrence of accidents [10].
Understanding the causes of occupational accidents and prioritizing them is helpful in risk management and prevention. This method was developed by the clock in 1970 to solve problems caused by complex decisions with a relatively simple method [11]. One of the most important industries in the country is the printing industry. The printing industry is 13% and the book printing and binding industry is 40% of the total industry [12]. Cleaning and preparing the printing machine, embedding the paper, removing the printing machine jam, maintaining the machines and supervising the printing process, moving the printed paper, cutting the paper, and binding are among the important tasks defined in the printing industry that usually involve difficult situations and cause unsafe situations and behaviors. The rate of accidents and occupational diseases in the printing industry depends on the final product. Workers in this industry are exposed to extensive mechanical, ergonomic, physical, and chemical hazards [13]. Therefore, this study aimed to assess critical safety and health risks through JSA and AHP in industrial printing.

2. Materials and Methods
The present descriptive and analytical was conducted in one of the printing industries in Iran, in 2020. Because JSA had to be performed by a team, the executive team consisted of a researcher, an occupational health officer, a workshop supervisor, and an operator.
Information was collected by visiting, observing, and completing an occupational safety analysis checklist. Then, the steps of the work were determined and the hazards (ergonomic, mechanical, physical, and chemical) existing or potentially related to each step were identified and determined [5, 6, 7]. Critical health and safety risks were considered for tasks that are a real threat in which decision-making and action to correct that situation are necessary.
To correctly prioritize the identified critical risks, the probability and severity criteria were first determined. In the next step, the importance of each of these criteria was determined, which was done by pairwise comparison of criteria. Finally, critical safety and health risks were prioritized using the AHP method using Expert Choice software, version 11 [9, 10, 11].
In this method, in each pairwise comparison of critical health and safety risks according to the personal judgments of decision-makers and experts, a number from 1 to 9 is assigned, and the meaning of each number is given in Table 1.

These comparisons were made once based on the intensity criterion and the next time based on the probability criterion.
Relative weights are obtained from paired comparison matrices, while the absolute final weight of each option is obtained by combining relative weights.
One of the advantages of the hierarchical analysis process is the possibility of examining the consistency of the judgments made in determining the coefficient of the importance of the criteria.
For this purpose, a coefficient called the compatibility coefficient is considered, which is obtained by dividing the compatibility index by the randomness index.
If this coefficient is less than or equal to 0.1, consistency in the judgments is acceptable; otherwise, the judgments should be revised.
The index of randomness is RI can be extracted from Table 2 according to the number of criteria.

3. Results
Study units included design, lithography, cutting, offset printing, coating, bonding, packaging, and warehousing.
Identified tasks include four-color two-sheet offset user, one-color two-sheet offset user, one-color offset user, two-color two-sheet offset user, propeller user, letterpress user, cutting user, thermal and manual cellophane user, user Envelopes, adhesive box user, punch user, sewing machine user, carrier user, and warehouse load were.
A total of 23 hazards were identified.
The results of Figure 1 showed that mechanical hazards (61%) and chemical hazards (9%) had the highest and lowest frequencies, respectively.

The highest priority of critical risk related to upper musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) was related to bookbinding and cutting tasks and MSDs in the lumbar region and manual loading.
Injuries to the back and back of the printing industry are common. In warehouses, it is typically caused by improper lifting, stretching, and twisting.
The next priority of critical risk was related to chemical agents, respiratory exposure to organic solvents, and dermal exposure to organic solvents.
The chemicals used include a type of detergent used to wash the machine.
Oil is used to wash the whole car or certain parts that need to be cleaned, and gasoline is used to wash the rollers, gaskets, and rubber parts of the car. Ink or paint is poured into the device tank.
Water, alcohol, and hydrophilic are used in the tank for roller machines such as offset printing to wash and facilitate the rolling process, and the presence of benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylene compounds due to the lithographic unit of the offset machine.
The most important sources of sound production are propellers, liter presses, two-color two-sheet offset, and monochrome two-sheet offset.
According to the available documents, the sound level range was at least 68 decibels and at most 80 decibels at the sound pressure level in the measuring stations, which is within the allowable limit.
Examination of the documentation related to light evaluation and thermal stresses showed the appropriate limit of the conditions.
The steps of offset printing include turning on the machine, removing the paper from the pallet and placing it in the paper tray in the machine, removing and folding the edge of the zinc and placing the zinc in the zinc roller, washing the ink with gasoline and oil and putting the paint in the ink, cleaning or washing the special washer and rubber roller with gasoline and removing the printed product and placing it on the pallet, which at every step is accompanied by hazards such as electric shock, improper posture, sticking and cutting off fingers, slipping, and exposure to chemical vapors.
Also, the steps of working with the letterpress press include turning on the letterpress machine, removing the paper from the pallet and placing the paper on the work table, pressing to bend the paper by hand to prevent machine error, and placing the paper on the tray. This is accompanied by the hazards of electric shock, noise, wrist flexion, improper posture, direct skin contact with mechanical damage, stuck fingers, and pressing on the rotating rollers (Table 3).

4. Discussion
This study shows mechanical hazards and chemical hazards had the highest and lowest frequencies, respectively. The identified safety and health hazards included MSDs in the upper and lower back, respiratory and skin exposure to chemicals, the risk of electric shock, and mechanical hazards (hand entrapment, hand amputation, and falling objects).
MSDs of the upper region were related to bookbinding and cutting tasks and MSDs of the lumbar region were related to manual lifting and carrying. Injuries to the back in the printing industry are common [14].
In line with the present study, in the study of assessing the risk factors for MSDs using the LUBA and RULA methods and comparing the results obtained by Khandan et al., the results of physical condition assessment in both methods showed that the printing industry workers put a lot of pressure feel at their elbows and shoulders. The results of this study showed that corrective action in manual binding, shearing, and cutting tasks should be given priority. According to the evaluations, the development and implementation of training programs to improve ergonomic behaviors and modify the method of work are recommended [15].
Also, in another study conducted by Khandan et al., the validation of the postural load assessment method on the upper body in the printing industry showed that problems in the lower back with a prevalence of 35.1% had the highest rate, which is consistent with the results of this study.
The next case was respiratory and skin exposure to chemical agents. The chemicals used include detergents, oils, gasoline, inks, paints, and solvents that are used for a variety of purposes [16]. 
These results are consistent with a study by Rostami et al. on exposure to BTEX concentrations and the assessment of related health risks in print and copy centers. The results showed a significant concentration of BTEX in PCCs. However, the concentrations obtained were below the limit for the workplace and above the allowance of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The concentration of BTEX in the workshop environment depends on the amount and quality of ventilation and the type of device [17]. 
A study by Zendehdel et al. on local impact risk assessment for printing press operators in selected industries was conducted using the RISK OF DERM method. According to the risk statements, the inherent toxicity of the thinner in creating local effects was determined as moderate. The actual hand exposure rate score for the hand was determined to be high and the activity time with thinner is 0.4-1 hour per day. The risk of local effects was determined in 75% of the subjects with grade 6. Due to the high skin exposure to thinners, reducing contact with dermal printing operators has a significant effect on reducing the risk of local effects. It was suggested that printing machine operators wear gloves when operating [18].
To control or reduce the risks of ergonomics, measures such as teaching ergonomic principles to employees, double cargo handling, and observing the principles of manual cargo handling can be useful. It is also recommended to use a mask for chemical hazards and to install general and local ventilation.
In the case of the risk of electric shock, such hazards can be controlled by measures such as keeping the device dry around, checking the ground system, using electrical insulation shoes and gloves, and if possible, using insulated footrests in the operator’s presence.

5. Conclusion
A total of 23 hazards were identified. Mechanical hazards (61%) and chemical hazards (9%) had the highest and lowest frequencies, respectively. The highest priority of critical risk was related to MSDs of the upper and lower back. The next priority of critical risk was related to chemical agents, respiratory exposure to organic solvents, and dermal exposure to organic solvents.
To improve the conditions of the working environment in terms of critical safety and health risks, improving general and local ventilation, creating a suitable and natural work posture, avoiding excessive force, easy access to tools and equipment, the appropriate height of the work, reducing repetitive tasks and movements, reducing fatigue and static load, reducing the pressure on the organ or tissue, sufficient extra space, regular exercise, and physical exercises are recommended.

Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines

This article was approved by the Student Research Committee, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARUMS.REC.1399.144.

Funding
This article was extracted from a research project and the Student Research Committee of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences funded the present study (Code: 3740).

Authors' contributions
All authors equally contributed to preparing this article.

Conflict of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.



References
  1. Tei-Tominaga M, Nakanishi M. Factors related to turnover intentions and work-related injuries and accidents among professional caregivers: a cross-sectional questionnaire study. Environmental health and preventive medicine. 2020; 25(1):24. [DOI:10.1186/s12199-020-00863-8] [PMID] [PMCID]
  2. Moeuf A, Lamouri S, Pellerin R, Tamayo-Giraldo S, Tobon-Valencia E, Eburdy R. Identification of critical success factors, risks and opportunities of industry 4.0 in SMEs. International Journal of Production Research. 2020; 58(5):1384-400. [DOI:10.1080/00207543.2019.1636323]
  3. Stemn E. Analysis of injuries in the Ghanaian mining industry and priority areas for research. Safety and Health at Work. 2019; 10(2):151-65. [DOI:10.1016/j.shaw.2018.09.001] [PMID] [PMCID]
  4. Selamat MN, Mukapit M. The relationship between task Factors & Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) performance in the printing industry. Akademika. 2018; 88(3):65-76. [Link]
  5. Li W, Cao Q, He M, Sun Y. Industrial non-routine operation process risk assessment using job safety analysis (JSA) and a revised Petri net. Process Safety and Environmental Protection. 2018; 117:533-8. [DOI:10.1016/j.psep.2018.05.029]
  6. Ishak A, Nainggolan B. Risk analysis of occupational accidents and occupational diseases using the JSA (job safety analysis) method. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2020. [DOI:10.1088/1757-899X/1003/1/012077]
  7. Sukapto P, Djojosubroto H, Permana H. [Application of the job safety analysis and risk score method to improve occupational safety and health in the printing, sewing and assembly departments of PT. PAI, bandung (a participatory ergonomic approach) (Indonesian)]. Jurnal Kesehatan. 2018; 9(3):403-11. [DOI:10.26630/jk.v9i3.994]
  8. Tuhul HS, El-Hamouz A, Hasan AR, Jafar HA. Development of a conceptual framework for occupational safety and health in Palestinian manufacturing industries. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021 Feb; 18(3):1338. [DOI:10.3390/ijerph18031338] [PMID] [PMCID]
  9. Leal JE. AHP-express: A simplified version of the analytical hierarchy process method. MethodsX. 2020; 7:100748. [DOI:10.1016/j.mex.2019.11.021] [PMID] [PMCID]
  10. Hoscan O, Cetinyokus S. Determination of emergency assembly point for industrial accidents with AHP analysis. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries. 2021; 69:104386. [DOI:10.1016/j.jlp.2020.104386]
  11. Vosoughi S, Chalak MH, Rostamzadeh S, Jahanpanah M, Ebrahimi H. Analyzing the causes of falling from height accidents in construction projects with analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Journal of Health and Safety at Work. 2020; 10(2):96-109. [Link]
  12. Vosoughi S, Alimohammadi I, Hosseini AF, Sedghi Noushabadi Z. Relationship between risk perception toward hearing conservation and using hearing protection devices among offset printing workers in Tehran province, Iran. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health. 2022; 77(4):338-44. [DOI:10.1080/19338244.2021.1893630] [PMID]
  13. Nandan A, Siddiqui NA, Kumar P. Assessment of environmental and ergonomic hazard associated with printing and photocopying: A review. Environmental geochemistry and health. 2019; 41(3):1187-211. [DOI:10.1007/s10653-018-0205-x] [PMID]
  14. Agbenorku P, Owusu DJ, Nyador E, Agbenorku M. Traumatic injuries among printing press workers in Kumasi (Ghana). Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. 2010; 1(9):426-32. [Link]
  15. Khandan M, Koohpaei A, Vosoughi S, Mobinizade V, Hasseli F, Mohammadbeigi A. [Musculoskeletal disordersâ risk factors assessment by RULA and LUBA and comparing results in a printing and publication company (Persian)]. Journal of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences. 2017; 24(2):136-29. [Link]
  16. Khandan M, Koohpaie A, Vosoughi S, Mohammadbeigi A, Mirshekari F. [Validity evaluation of the assessment method for postural loading on the upper body in the printing industry (Persian)]. Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal. 2016; 10 (5):93-100. [Link]
  17. Rostami R, Fazlzadeh M, Babaei-Pouya A, Abazari M, Rastgho L, Ghasemi R, et al. Exposure to BTEX concentration and the related health risk assessment in printing and copying centers. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2021; 28(24):31195-206. [DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-12873-2] [PMID]
  18. Zendehdel R, Eynipour A. [Risk assessment of local effects for printing machine operators of a selected industry by RISK OF DERM method (Persian)]. Journal of Health in the Field. 2019; 7(1):12-7. [Link]
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2022/04/19 | Accepted: 2022/10/19 | Published: 2023/04/1

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:
CAPTCHA

Send email to the article author


Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb