From prescribed to real: the unpredictability and the importance of the collective work in a metalworking industry centre of the interior of the State of Minas Gerais

Abstract

This paper is intended to identify the factors that contribute to accidents involving a CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Industry Centre in a metalworking company. Through an Ergonomic Work Analysis (AET), it was possible to observe action and regulation strategies used by the workers to deal with the work interfaces. The results show that the most obvious constraints are services unpredictability, difficulty in using instruments, short deadlines, complexity in the machine configuration and physical hazards in the environment. It appears that such constraints require the machine operators certain skills and competencies to manage different work situations. To handle these situations, the operators establish regulatory strategies developed along the experience gained on the job, experience and shared values which make the execution of their duties possible.

Keywords

• ergonomics;
• ergonomic work analysis;
• ergology;
• CNC industry centre;
• collective work;