Let's have a look at loads - Czech Republic

The issue under discussion

The company's manufacturing - production of cable harnesses for the automobile industry - is largely based on manual work, which increases the risks of workers developing MSDs. Typical tasks include the hand-contacting of conductors, completion of sheaths and cable harness wrapping.

Action taken

An ergonomics programme was set up to identify, evaluate and cut workplace risks, optimise work procedures and standardise work methods. The ultimate aim was to prevent MSDs.

Two teams addressed the problem: a strategic ergonomics team, composed of management representatives and occupational safety and health experts, was responsible for strategic decisions; the operational ergonomics team, composed of departmental representatives, focused on searching for and evaluating ergonomic risks in the workplace. It examined potential solutions to reduce the risk of MSDs and monitored the implementation of both administrative and technical measures. It also functioned as a consulting body for individual workplaces with regard to ergonomics issues.

The company assigned one employee to be responsible for ergonomics. His tasks included coordination of solutions to ergonomics problems, assistance with the investigation of work-related illnesses and work with the company doctor and an external expert. The employee also carried out field investigations, helped the ergonomics teams work together and communicated relevant information to management.

The ergonomics programme, which was based on risk assessment, put in place a range of actions:

• technical measures, mainly focusing on the design of equipment in the workplace;
• work reorganisation;
• increased training and information.

Results achieved

The number of work-related illnesses has been cut. Compared to 2003, there were 28 fewer cases of established workrelated illnesses in the following year. Complaints related to the excessive loads on employees' upper limbs also decreased.