Occupational Risk Assessment in a Woodworking Workshop: A Case Study

Abstract

This article presents the findings of an occupational risk assessment conducted in a woodworking workshop in Senegal. Using a structured questionnaire administered to 42 workers, this study identified major exposure factors related to physical, biological, ergonomic, and safety risks. Key issues included exposure to noise, manual handling of heavy loads, repetitive tasks, and limited ergonomic design. Audiometric testing was conducted on selected workers to assess the impact of noise exposure. Health risks such as hearing loss, fatigue, respiratory issues, and musculoskeletal disorders were noted. Additionally, one third of the respondents reported a perceived risk of fire or explosion, potentially due to the accumulation of wood dust and flammable materials, as well as inadequate maintenance of equipment. These results support the urgent need for preventive actions to improve worker safety and well-being in artisanal workshops.