The Collective Dimension of Port Work: A Case Study in the Port of Leixões, Portugal

• Published in: Procedia manufacturing 2015, Vol.3, p.4436-4439
• Main Author: Motter, Arlete Ana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Collective activity; Collective work; Cooperation; Health; Port worker
• ISSN: 2351-9789; 2351-9789
• DOI: 10.1016/j.promfg.2015.07.452

The port worker carries out his activities most of the times in an unhealthy and unsafe environment, having that the risks increase according to the load being handled, exposing the worker's health to permanent danger. Current heavy menial tasks are being eliminated from daily work, however the workers are required for new activities with the use of modern means of production. The actual port workers stress the need for a meshing of team work in the conduction of an activity known as collective work, which requires trust in their partners as coworkers and the safety in the technical ability of each during the activity being performed. The collective activity takes place when the operators are mutually dependent of each other and gathers several forms of social interactions, among them, the collaboration, cooperation and mutual help. Goal: Analyse the collective dimension of a port worker's job while a necessary mechanism for the preservation of health and safety of workers. Methodology: The study was accomplished according to the method of analysis, centered in the analysis of the activity. It focused in the qualitative approach, through observation data from the work situation of port workers in the Porto of Leixões, complemented by the data of consecutive interviews and individual and collective restitutions. The investigation took place between January and September 2014, in Portugal. The mixed teams favored the assistance between beginner/senior and the collaboration among the members of this collective. The change in role is positive for it avoids the monotony and favors the solidarity among the port workers. Different workloads imply in different physical and mental demands from the workers, on the other hand, it allows balance between heavy duty work and lighter work. The communications, in all its forms; verbal, gestural, or by facial expressions and looks play a key role for collaboration and cooperation between operators and, therefore, the preservation of health and safety. There is a mutual help and collaboration among the port workers of the case study. The port worker shares several knowledgements with his peers and superiors and builds a know-how through the experience and the exchange of information (tips, tricks) with the older ones to perform the expected work.