Psychological Provision of Processes Modernization of Metallurgical Production Management

The article presents the results of processes ergonomic modernization of metallurgical production management were discussed in two countries under new economic (market) conditions. The factors, which define the tension in rolling-mill operator`s activity, were exposed. Some recommendations on modernization of the existing technology and labor organization were formulated. An analytical model of the organization of the research works devoted to the ergonomic modernization of man-machine systems was developed. Searching and purpose-oriented investigations on the different stages of man-machine system development and exploitation were modelled from the sketchy projection till the exploitation of the system. Theoretical, system analytical and experimental methods were used. The practical value is the creation of an ergonomic ensuring system of development, exploitation and modernization of difficult men-machine systems and metallurgical production management processes.

Evaluation of sex hormones state in female workers of mechanical rubber production

Occupational conditions of female workers engaged into main occupations of mechanical rubber production (rubber mixing machine operator, rubber mixture rolling-mill operator) are characterized by hazardous combined influence of chemical and physical factors of occupational environment: acrylonitrile vapors, occupational noise, vibration. Equivalent noise levels exceed maximally allowable level up to 22 dBA (MAL<80 dBA); the work conditions are assigned to hazardous (class 3.1– 3.3). The air at workplace of rubber mixing machine operator and rubber mixture rolling-mill operator demonstrate 5.5 times increased acrylonitrile level, if compared to the one in a reference group. Female workers of the main group demonstrated dysbalance of sex hormones: up to 2.0 times increased serum levels 17-OH-progesterone, prolactin and estradiol and 1.3 times lower serum FSH, when compared to the same serum levels in female workers of the reference group. Higher serum level of 17-OH-progesterone and lower serum FSH appeared to have high (EF=54.12%) and extremely high (EF=78.74%) degree of occupational conditionality.