Simulação e estudo da ergonomia física do processo industrial de paletização de caixas de leite UHT

Abstract

Currently, companies are looking for new techniques, methodologies and theories to help them achieve better results. In the manufacturing sector, there are many studies that attempt to improve the productivity of systems, optimizing processes. One of the techniques available is simulation, which allows making changes to the system in a virtual way. Too easy and fast you can create new layouts, using new equipment, among many other possibilities for changes without large investments, viewing the results on the computer screen. However, a company can not just worry about being more productive, must also be attentive to the needs of its employees. An important aspect is physical ergonomics is related to the characteristics of the human anatomy, anthropometry, physiology and biomechanics in relation to physical activity. Relevant topics include the study of working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace design, health and safety These concepts were used to analyze the manufacturing process of palletizing boxes of UHT milk from a dairy company in the business and propose improvements in the productive aspects and health and safety of workers. For this, we observed the process, identifying the variables and collecting the necessary data. For the simulation, it was necessary to treat the data statistically, build the model in ARENA® software and validate the results with the real. It was also possible to create new scenarios of character comparison. In the study of physical ergonomics was applied to the NIOSH equation for the activity carried out by mounting the auxiliarypallet packer, this happens because the lifting of milk cartons with approximately 12.2 kg for pallet and can cause muscle problems. The results showed that the process is well planned, it was not possible to identify significant queues between steps, only the occupancy rate of the auxiliary packer is high, averaging 88% for 8 hours. This can be improved by reducing the hours dedicated to this function, the relay can happen to employees. As expected, the activity analyzed ergonomically presented with high-risk survey index of 4.89, and from a longer harmful. Simulating the duration of the activity was lower, we obtained a rate of 2.98, still out of the ideal. Thus, the solution was to propose improvements through the deployment of equipment that helps the work and that are economically viable. In this case, it is believed that the pantographic table is the option wiser.