RISK ASSESSMENT IN A WHOLESALE PHARMACEUTICAL BUSINESS UNIT USING THE WILLIAM FINE METHOD

Abstract

Introduction:
The risk at work represents the probability of having an accident or falling ill as a consequence of the activity being performed or the environment in which it takes place. Although the Wholesale Pharmaceutical Business Unit (UEB) subject to this research has a Risk Prevention Plan, there is a need for better identification, evaluation, and prioritization of these risks.
Objective:
To evaluate the risks to which workers are exposed in the different areas of a Wholesale Pharmaceutical Business Unit, using William Fine's methodology.
Materials and Methods:
The William Fine methodology was applied to four areas: reception, storage, dispatch, and the administrative area of the Wholesale Pharmaceutical Business Unit (UEB), as well as to the entity in general, to calculate the degree of hazard for each identified risk. A multidisciplinary committee was formed, consisting of specialists and experts with experience in the subject.
Results and Discussion:
The existence of ergonomic, biological, physical, and chemical risks was identified in the different areas of the company, with ergonomic risks being the most significant threats to the safety and health of workers. The storage area presented the highest number of risks classified as very serious, while the socio-administrative area showed minor risks. The workers were unaware of the identified risks listed in the matrices.
Conclusions:
The workers at the Wholesale Pharmaceutical Business Unit, the subject of the investigation, are exposed to risks that must be minimized or eliminated.