Application of William Fine Method for Occupational Risk Assessment in a Selected Welding Workshop
Abstract
Background: Welding workshops play a vital role in various industrial sectors and are associated with multiple hazards that can lead to occupational injuries and health issues. In many small-scale welding workshops, safety measures are often insufficient, increasing the likelihood of preventable accidents. This study focuses on assessing the risks present in a welding workshop using the William Fine risk assessment method to identify and prioritize potential hazards, as well as to propose and evaluate appropriate control measures.
Methods: The William Fine method was applied to evaluate risks based on their probability, exposure, and potential consequences. Data were collected through direct observations, interviews with workers, and analysis of workshop conditions. Risks were categorized and scored to determine their severity and prioritize mitigation measures.
Results: Our findings reveal that about 41% of the hazards were in the high category. Entanglement of workers’ hands/clothes, awkward posture, grindstone breakage, metal fume, and falling work pieces were in the high-risk category. The highest and lowest number of risks were related to the tasks of welding operation and connecting the electrode, respectively.
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of risk assessment in welding workshops to mitigate occupational hazards. Applying the William Fine method provided a clear framework for identifying and addressing risks to enhance safety in small-scale welding operations. The findings emphasize the need for regulatory compliance, worker education, and investment in safety infrastructure to reduce accidents and promote a safer working environment. Furthermore, ergonomic principles and load-carrying techniques are crucial for mitigating risks in these workshops.
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| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 17 No 3 (2025) | |
| Section | Original Article(s) | |
| Published | 2026-06-08 | |
| Keywords | ||
| Risk Assessment Risk identification Hazard Welding Workshop Welder | ||
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