Occupational health and safety risk assessment in the ceramics sector and an application in state of Uşak

The raw material consists of a mixture of sand, clay and water and through various stages we use ceramics in many areas in our daily lives, has become an indispensable element of our lives. Since its raw material is soil and abundant, it has been used since ancient times and has many uses. Chemicals and metal oxides in the raw materials used in ceramic production cause health problems in ceramic production. Those who work in ceramic production and the environment of the production area are at risk if the necessary precautions are not taken. The ceramics industry is in the dangerous class according to the list of hazard classes in which workplaces are included in terms of occupational health and safety. In this study, information is given about the physical risk factors which encountered in ceramic production about dust, noise, thermal comfort, lighting and vibration, chemical risk factors, ergonomic risk factors and electrical risk factors and what kind of occupational diseases these risks cause for employees and precautions to be taken and personal protective equipment to be used. For this purpose, a ceramic factory in Uşak province was handled and risk factors were evaluated using the L type matrix method. Irreversible health problems can be prevented by simple measures to be taken during the production of ceramics used since ancient times. However, unless precautions are taken, there are risks of serious health problems for employees. Those working in ceramic production should be informed about the risks arising from the production of ceramics, the damages of the materials they use and the ways of protection. The employer should take the necessary precautions and ensure the hygiene of the production environment. These working conditions should be kept under control by law. Ceramic production is not a risky environment for employees if necessary precautions are taken.