Assessment of the siligium material used in the cement factory in terms of occupational health and safety and a sample risk assessment application: Gümüşhane province example

This thesis aims to evaluate silicon, which is widely used in cement production processes, in terms of occupational health and safety. Silicon is one of the basic components in cement production, and when it turns into dust, it can cause serious health problems such as respiratory diseases and silicosis. In this study, the hazards posed by silicon in workplaces and the potential effects of these hazards on employees were examined in detail. This research, conducted in a cement factory in Gümüşhane province, aimed to reveal the effects of silicon dust on occupational health. By observing the current working conditions in the factory, the study identified health risks due to silicon exposure and recommendations were developed to minimize these risks. In addition, the applicability of occupational safety regulations, the measures to be taken to protect workers and the effectiveness of security measures in the factory were also emphasized. The risk assessment process is also given extensive coverage in the thesis. The health risks caused by silicon material are detailed with a sample risk assessment carried out in the cement factory in Gümüşhane province. In the risk assessment, occupational safety measures and improvement suggestions for worker health are presented, taking into account workplace conditions, silicon dust levels to which workers are exposed, and the potential health effects of this dust. After the risks were identified, concrete suggestions were developed to eliminate these risks and the technical and administrative measures that should be taken in the factory were emphasized. As a result, this thesis reviews occupational health and safety practices in cement factories and offers strategies to reduce the health risks that silicon may cause. The study provides important findings in terms of providing safe working environments and protecting workers in workplaces and aims to contribute to improving the occupational health and safety culture in cement factories in Turkey.