Analysis of environmental hazard parameters of the workplaces in steel plants in Nigeria

Abstract

The steel plant’s workplace environmental hazard parameters in Ilorin, Nigeria was evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). Three environmental parameters (illumination, temperature and noise level) were measured. The data obtained were compared with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) standard for the workplace environment. Based on the preliminary analysis of the workplace environment, five variables (No. of lightings, no. of windows, no. of machines, no. of workers and age of machines) were considered as input parameters. RSM was used to perform the modelling and optimization to identify functional relationships between the input and output parameters. Three (3) model equations one for each of the output parameters were developed and checked for adequacy and validity. All developed model equations were found to present functional relationships between input and output parameters. Hence, all developed model equations can be used as reliable tools for estimating, predicting, and conducting analysis for workplace environmental hazard. Best optimized results were selected based on desirability (0–1). Illumination, temperature and noise level got desirability rate of 0.921, 1.000 and 0.983 respectively. The outcome of this study suggested that the environmental parameters studied within the workplace do not conform with the OSHA standard and as a result may constitute long-term health risks to the workers.