In search of excellence: The use of Sigma Six Process for analyze work place accidents

Introduction
The Six Sigma (SS) methodology is used with success in the quantification of the mistakes production and in the establishment of strategies for its reduction. If to consider that the work accidents elapse of mistakes of operational process, the SS can be used as quantitative and indicative marker of causes of accidents and can be an effective instrument for its reduction.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted for to quantify : the work accidents among 2005-2009, the average of Sigma standard-deviation, victim age, his time of service, absenteeism, day of the week and month of larger occurrence. Through these data we established the Sigma curve that indicated goals to decrease the accidents. Data were appraised through Descriptive Statistics, Histogram and Tendence Curve.

Results
1039 accidents occurred with 8 lethal cases. We defined the real situation of the company (Sigma curve) settling down the medium point of whole the studied variables for integrated Letters of Control (specific programs to reduce number of accidents): risk age, use of somnolence Epworth score, to define the day D (day of larger risk) and month of risk (seasonal influence), etc. Starting from these data we settled down strategic goal of reduction of 50% in the Sigma curve. Until the definition of the "zone of occurrence acceptance" and control limits that we will presented in graphics.

Discussion
It is necessary to be transparent that the prevention of work place accidents is not summarized in fiscalizations, use of equipments of individual protection, trainings and understanding lectures. It is fundamental that used instruments of the exact sciences to objectify the situation of the company with relationship the work accidents and to establish curve of mistake events. This way, the occupational physicians can offer comprehensible data to the strategic level of the company.