Health and safety problems in the frame of the factory of the future paradigm

Issues, background

Studies and analyses at both French and European level have shown the importance of taking the human factor (well-being, training, skills, social responsibility, public demand, etc.) into account within the factory of the future. The field of study here focuses on the health – safety aspects of the workplace (safety: injury to physical integrity in a violent way, accident) and injury to physical integrity in a diffuse way (due to the dangerous environment, stress, fatigue, repetitive movements, vibrations, etc.). This analysis is therefore positioned within the framework of integrated prevention (Design for Safety), the aim of which is to enable equipment designers, system integrators and users to anticipate health and safety issues as early as possible in the design process. In fact, health and safety is very often approached as a corrective constraint rather than as a design specification.

What's more, at the design or redesign stage, it is necessary to take into account the potential and uncertain evolution of the work situation and the production system: making manufacturing processes more flexible, reconfiguring equipment, constantly evolving uses, organizing production according to demand.

Tasks can in fact be performed either by man, or by automated equipment, or by several operators, or in cooperation Man – robot depending on production needs. Advanced production technologies and intelligent man/machine interfaces are becoming increasingly widespread. In addition, the profiles, knowledge and skills of the operators (experienced, novice, etc.) or personnel (logistics operator, maintenance personnel, support staff, etc.) involved in the various life situations in the production system are becoming increasingly varied, leading to major challenges in terms of health and safety.

This constant evolution, the reduction in hierarchical levels, the digital revolution, the dilution of decision-making (change management: see [J 8 000] ), makes it even more difficult to define technical and legal responsibilities between equipment designers, systems integrators and users.

While many hopes are pinned on the technological offer to improve working conditions, it is essential for designers to carry out a precise assessment of the risks they present, focusing on identifying new, accentuated or more difficult-to-control risks. Particular attention...