CONCLUSIONS FROM THE WORKSHOPS

1
CONCLUSIONS FROM THE WORKSHOPS
2
Workshop 2

• Prevention of MSDs in the workplace
• Conclusions
• Rapporteur
• Sean McConnell - the Irish Times

3
Prevention of MSDs by workload optimisation based
on external and internal load assessment methods
(Danuta Roman-Liu )

• According to data, work incapacity in Poland due
  to MSDs from 2003 2005 has decreased, however
  rates are still high
• Method of the assessment of external and internal
  workers load is used to identify the MSD risks
  and put preventive measures in place
• Analysis, assessment and reduction of MSDs risks
  was carried out in such sectors as food,
  electronics, chemicals and processing
• Results change of work station can reduce both
  static load and monotony improved work
  organisation may reduce the load during manual
  handling, monotony of tasks and duration of
  working in forced and fixed body postures

4
Ergonomics approaches to the Prevention of
Musculoskeletal Disorders examples of Italian
successful ergonomics solutions (Adriano Papale)

• Good practice examples show that adherence to
  ergonomics process in design and assessment of
  work systems improves MSDs prevention
• Successful ergonomic solutions include
• Manhole cover lifter on wheels to avoid manual
  handling
• Redesign of workstation to reduce repetitive
  upper limb movements in inkjet head testing work
• Ergonomic polymer tools replacing steel tools in
  kitchens
• Results reduced incidence of MSDs, reduced
  workers turnover, increased productivity and
  efficiency

5
Work-related MSDs - Preventive Programmes in
Visteon Corporation (Burkhard Pelzer)

• Visteon global automotive supplier with
  branches in 6 continents and 25 countries
• Committed to high OSH standards
• Ergonomics part of integrated management system
  assessment tool
• Risk control based on VISTEAT - VISteon Ergonomic
  Technique of Working conditions Analysis risk
  assessment results
• Provides rehabilitation, return-to-work programme
  and workplace health promotion
• Supports Lighten the Load campaign by providing
  info on its intranet and organising activities

6
Discussion

• Work-related MSDs are common in Europe and
  preventable
• Challenge is how to prevent them
• Reaching and convincing SMEs. Authorities have an
  important role to encourage, support and when
  necessary, enforce
• Keeping the message understandable use images
• Use employees knowledge they know when they
  have problems and what the solutions are
• Starting in the kindergarten safe schools,
  knowledgeable and active pupils
• Case studies show that interventions such as
  change to / introduction of ergonomic tools and
  equipment, improved work organisation and methods
  work
• Top management commitment, facilitating the
  participation of all, is essential.,