Sécurité des travaux dans les industries à risques : Ergonomie, facteur de sécurité et d'innovations

Accident statistics in the chemical industry (among others) show that maintenance operations are the most risk-prone This article discusses a programme undertaken at a Rohne-Poulenc site to determine why accident risks persist despite remedial action in the form of work procedures, staff training, etc. Statistical data was analysed and the work performed by maintenance operators was subject to in-depth examination. In addition, interviews were held with site managers, directors of subcontracting companies, maintenance operators, and equipment manufacturers. The study reveals how even apparently danger-free tasks can be a source of accident, and emphasizes that the organization of relationships between manufacturers, maintenance staff and subcontractors can be a determining factor in ensuring safety at work.