Ladle Wall Operator Report

February 4, 2025

The following assessments and report were completed for Steel Dynamics Inc. on February 4, 2025. The position assessed was a ladle wall operator. The operators are in charge of routine ladle maintenance. Maintenance includes cleaning ladles between each heat (or each use), changing ladle plates that weigh 15lbs every five heats, and changing ladles plugs that weigh 30-35lbs every 15 heats. Plugs must be covered in mud which causes them to weigh an excess 50lbs when being changed.

The workers are required to work 12 hour shifts from 8am to 8pm or vice versa. They work four days with this schedule followed by four days off. At the start of a new work cycle, the start time for workers will change. The hours of this schedule, along with current work techniques for their work tasks, demonstrated areas that can be improved with ergonomic intervention.

The following reports and assessments were compiled using a combination of worker interview, observation, correspondence with health and safety members, and research regarding relevant ergonomic interventions. Please see the links below for the finalized assessments and reports.