Ergonomic work analysis in radiopharmaceuticals production

Introduction
Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive elements used in the diagnosis and treatment in Nuclear Medicine. The aim of this study was to identify ergonomic risks involved in the activities of employees of a Research Institute of the Brazilian Government, located at Rio de Janeiro, during the dispatch of produced radiopharmaceuticals.

Methods
The method was based on Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA), which enables, through observation and work activity analysis, to understand the determinants and constraints of work situations and their consequences for the workers and the production system. EWA was performed in the dispatch of radiopharmaceuticals according to the steps:
• Demand identification: the way in which the initial problem described by the management is transformed in the problem that actually has to be solved through ergonomic action.
• Modeling activities: use of methods and techniques for search, collection and analyses of data and information to produce the positive transformations in work situation.
• Results: a specification that ensures the positive transformation of labor reality. 

Results
The EWA pointed out to the need of automation in the monitoring the radiopharmaceuticals expedition process. The automation system developed measures the dose rate and stores the data in a computer without the need of people intervention. The positive change in the work situation happens because the workers are far from radiopharmaceuticals, decreasing exposure to radiation. Automation also improved the reliability of the information of the shipping documents, because the measurements of radiation were integrated into reporting. The control system interfaces were developed through user centered automation methods using the LabVIEW software.

Discussion
This study showed that from EWA it is possible to characterize the important work processes situations and support their transformation through technological artifacts, with impacts on workers’ health, comfort, and safety. The user centered methods allows the user commitment, bringing benefits to system quality and acceptance.