Examination of some physical risk factors at different business scale levels in the furniture production sector: The example of Bursa province

Despite its potential to create high levels of added value, the furniture industry poses significant risks in terms of occupational health and safety. This study focused on micro, small, and medium-sized furniture businesses, particularly those in Bursa, a province that holds a significant share of the Turkish furniture industry. The study was conducted in a total of 30 businesses, with 10 different businesses at each business level. Data on physical risk factors for noise, vibration, dust, and lighting were recorded using on-site measurements for the machines and production lines used at each business level, based on various variables. The data were analyzed for physical risk limit values and statistically significant differences between variables based on business size, production line, measurement location, whether the machines were idle or loaded, and the machinery used. The results revealed that small-scale businesses were the riskiest group in terms of noise levels. Furthermore, the carpentry line was found to be at risk in terms of production lines, and the risk was particularly high for five different machine types. Micro-scale businesses were identified as the riskiest group in terms of vibration levels. The carpentry and flooring lines were identified as the production lines with the highest risk of vibration. On a machine-by-machine basis, 10 different machines were identified as the most at-risk machines in terms of vibration. The study results showed that medium-sized businesses pose the highest risk of dust. Among the production lines, the paint shop and the carpentry shop were identified as the riskiest. Thirteen different machines were identified as the highest-risk machines in terms of the amount of dust emitted into the workplace. Furthermore, a linear relationship was found between the growth of the business scale and the lighting level measured at the business. Thirteen different machines were found to have the lowest lighting levels on a per-machine basis. The results indicated that further measures should be taken to address physical risk factors in the furniture industry.