Analysıs of Occupatıonal Health and Safety Risks in Cut to Lenght Lınes in the Metal Industry

The iron and steel industry encompasses a multitude of processes, including the lifting, transportation, cutting, and processing of substantial materials. Given the substantial size and weight of the raw materials, it is imperative to implement comprehensive and effective occupational health and safety measures. The iron and steel industry is characterized by a high risk of accidents, which can have severe and adverse consequences. Within the iron and steel industry, cut-to-length lines are utilized to slice ready-made coils into the requisite sizes by uncoiling them according to customer specifications. The operational sequence of the cut-to-length line is as follows: initiation of the process with the placement of the roll in the feeding section of the line, establishment of a connection between the roll and the machine, initiation of the opening process of the roll, execution of the flat or skin pass processes during the opening phase in accordance with the line’s characteristics, execution of the cutting process according to the order length, and finalization of the cut sheet plates through packaging. While the majority of these steps are automated, with the machine and its instructions overseeing the process, there are instances that necessitate manual intervention during the line’s operation, though these occurrences are infrequent. Both these manual interventions and the length of the line during uncoiling and cutting operations, as well as the presence and effectiveness of the safety measures integrated into the line during the installation phase, are critical to prevent unwanted situations. The prevention of unwanted accidents is contingent upon a comprehensive evaluation of the hazards and risks, the implementation of requisite health and safety measures, and the execution of protective and preventive activities in a thorough and effective manner. The objective of this research is to analyze the potential risks to occupational health and safety that may arise during the operation of cut-to-length lines in the metal sector. The study aims to make an important contribution to the healthy and safe performance of the work by revealing the necessary protective and preventive measures in the management of risks. Manufacturing roles in the metal sector entail the production of intermediate goods for other industries and the direct interaction with consumers as final products. SSI statistics demonstrate that in 2023, a total of 37,699 occupational accidents transpired in workplaces where manufacturing operations were conducted in the metal sector, and 49 employees were afflicted with occupational diseases. Notably, metal sector manufacturing jobs are ranked second in terms of occupational accidents and third in terms of occupational diseases, following building construction. These statistics underscore the significance of manufacturing roles in the metal sector, particularly in terms of their role in occupational accidents and occupational diseases. This research endeavors to contribute to the prevention of such incidents, thereby promoting safety and well-being in the workplace. The research was conducted in a steel service center, where production entails the uncoiling of coils and their subsequent cutting into the required sizes, aligning with customer specifications. A comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the hazards and risks encountered during the operation of the cut-to-length line was conducted using the Fine-Kinney Method. The risk analysis yielded proposals for corrective and preventive measures aimed at eradicating or minimizing the identified risks.