ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES WITHIN A TRUSS MANUFACTURING COMPANY THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES by ROSMARDY FLORES NARANJO
ABSTRACT
In spite of remarkable improvements in recent decades, the construction industry and areas related continue to be one of the industries with the poorest safety records. Low statistics in environmental improvements can be also noticed. Organizations that have implemented improvements have integrated big efforts of owners, contractors, subcontractors, and designers. The truss industry is not an exception to this problematic. This industry, which is related directly to the home building industry and has boomed in recent decades, seems to have a lack of controls and regulations. Many of these problems may be linked, for example, to the lack of interest from management to improve and regulate such important areas as occupational safety and environmental hygiene. While past studies on occupational safety, environmental control, and quality control have been conducted in different areas of the construction industry, the truss industry and the owner’s impact on construction safety have not been previously investigated. This paper presents the results of a study within a truss manufacturing company, which was evaluated and studied in the areas of occupational safety, environmental control, and quality control. Data were obtained by conducting interviews, surveys, and direct observations. The relationship between organizational structure, occupational safety, environmental control, quality control and the management influence was examined. By identifying practices of management and employees that are associated with good occupational safety performances, successful environmental programs, and efficient