Working Conditions of Employees of Main Occupations in the Production of Electronic Devices and Components

Introduction: The development of digital economy is impossible without a widespread use of microelectronic products. Many highly qualified specialists are employed in the production of electronic components. The objective of our study was to conduct a hygienic assessment of working conditions in electronics production. Materials and methods: We studied the conditions and nature of work in employees of the main occupations in the modern production of semiconductor resistors, capacitors, and microcircuits at all stages of the technological process. We measured noise, illuminance, and air pollution at workplaces and assessed labor severity and intensity based on work time observations. In total, over 1,250 tests of factors of occupational environment and indices of labor processes were made. Results: We established that air pollution with lead compounds, increased levels of noise, and hot microclimate mostly determined working conditions of employees engaged in preparation and processing of ceramic compositions. Occupational risk factors for those performing precision assembling operations and quality control using optical devices included severity and intensity of the labor process. Sensory load when performing these operations during 55–75 % of the work shift was assessed as Grade 3.1. Conclusions: Our findings helped identify priority adverse occupational factors for electronics workers’ health risk assessment and substantiate comprehensive measures for prevention of occupational and production-related diseases.

ASEAN electronics industry competition will grow

Subject Electronics and ICT investment outlook in ASEAN states. Significance South-east Asia is removing foreign investment barriers in most electronics industries, attempting to capitalise on closer economic ties with China and digitalisation of services. Changes in supply chains are drawing investment to cheaper production bases, including Vietnam and the Philippines, forcing established manufacturers Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand to compete with China for high-end markets. This trend will intensify ahead of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) free trade area, which will be implemented in late 2015. Impacts Investment markets will be liberalised under the ASEAN Economic Community. Trade liberalisation will require expanded South-east Asian supply chains, and boost electronics industry links with China. ASEAN governments will address skills gaps to provide electronics workers as the industry grows.