[Improving working conditions of female glass cutters (polishers)]

The analysis of modern vast data on working conditions and health status of female workers involved in glass product processing is presented. The results of the authors' study at one of crystal plants are also given. Due to the above analysis major occupational factors noxious to workers' health have been identified. Some shortcomings of the health-improving measures proposed by a number of researchers have been underlined, among them there are insufficient physiologic standardization of work activity and the absence of complex decisions on workplace ergonomization including design of machine tools and work furniture, dust localization and suction, elimination of constant hand cooling by water.