A comprehensive approach to reduce the risk of MSDs - Slovenia

The issue under discussion

Rubber manufacturing is a heavy industry characterised by high levels of physical strain and repetitive movement. The load on a worker's musculoskeletal system is high.

Action taken

An in-depth ergonomic analysis of workplaces is part of the annual risk assessment audit carried out by Savatech. To manage occupational safety and health (OSH), the company produced and certified a standardised procedure in line with the international standard OHSAS 18001 (http://www.ohsas-18001-occupational-health-and-safety.com) in 2004.

A multidisciplinary team involving management, workers, OSH experts, occupational health doctors, construction designers and other specialists assessed the ergonomic problems, proposed solutions and monitored their implementation.

A comprehensive set of workplace measures was implemented to prevent work-related MSDs developing. These included technical improvements aimed at reducing manual handling, bending and repetitive movements. Guidelines for the “load relocation code” were provided to the heads and planners of production processes, along with practical information on preventing risks when moving a load.

A prevention campaign included training courses, the dissemination of relevant information in a bulletin and newspaper, and a drawing competition. A manual, 'With physical activity to better health', offering advice on healthy and balanced nutrition and physical exercises, was issued to all workers. A professional fitness trainer provided practical demonstrations of these exercises.

Results achieved

This initiative cut sick leave by 28.8% from 2004 to 2007 and improved workers' satisfaction. Despite operating in the heavy industry sector, sickness absence is below the average for Slovenia.

Owing to the size of the company and the complexity of the measures introduced, the cost was high at €4 million. However, direct benefits such as the cut in sickness absence have already saved €1.5 million. In the longer term, it is expected that the benefits will outweigh the costs.