Coppe Researchers from the Production Engineering Program develop new ergonomic solutions

Among the many initiatives at Coppe to improve staff wellbeing, its researchers have developed and increased workplace safety with many applied research projects in companies from the most diverse sectors.

The Ergoproj (Laboratory of Ergonomics & Projects) is a laboratory from Coppe’s Production Engineering Program (PEP) that carries out Ergonomic Workplace Analysis and Safety Culture Maturity assessments in oil platforms, refineries, thermal power plants, gas treatment units, vessels, and warehouses. According to the coordinator of Ergoproj, Professor Francisco Duarte, their goal is to improve existing safety practices such as accident analysis, feedback, and reflective practices that build trust between working teams and their managers at a strategic level to eliminate organizational silence, which is considered to be the number one enemy of safety.

With the knowledge of how onboard operational teams work, they seek to develop new ergonomic solutions and innovative projects for oil platforms. “We can say that for the first time, ergonomics is a discipline in projects ranging from initial stages (basic project) to full implementation after detailed studies”, explains Professor Francisco.

The Ergoproj team has also been contributing to the safety of operations in oil platform decommissioning projects, a new challenge for the Brazilian offshore industry.

Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary area that studies the human-machine-workplace interaction, playing a crucial role in preventing musculoskeletal injuries, fatigue, stress, and other work-related health problems. Understanding and optimizing this interaction is essential to ensure not only workplace safety but also worker wellbeing and productivity.

Ergoproj is a result of Coppe’s institutional and academic agendas and a part of its efforts to meet the growing need for emotional care, continuous monitoring to prevent accidents and occupational illnesses, and developing applied research projects to improve the health and safety of workers in various sectors.

Please check the news articles below for more information on Coppe’s actions to implement a safety culture and promote wellbeing in the workplace.

Acolhe Coppe records an 88% increase in the search for psychosocial care

Risk Management studies at Coppe to improve accident prevention strategies