The main objective of the project was to reduce physical strain in order to lower the prevalence of knee and back problems and cut the rate of absenteeism. It wasn’t enough to change the working method of the workers but the task itself needed to be changed, by altering the street design (addressing designers to consider human factors when designing a street).

Absenteeism was high among exhaust assembly workers, caused by the repetitive actions performed. The company aimed to decrease absenteeism, decrease workload and risks thus enabling more workers to perform this task, increase motivation and morale, and reduce manpower needs.

The shaft assembly phase (when inserting the steel shaft into the body) of yacht building was particularly critical. The risk of manual handling was very important. A new design of the shafting and handling system was required.

The printer manufacturer company emphasizes the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Many tasks in manufacturing require repetitive movements. The aim was to redesign the workstation in order to eliminate the risk due to incorrect posture and repetitive movements of the upper limbs.

The hygiene institute was responsible for protecting the population against infectious diseases and wanted to reduce absenteeism and job turnover in the cleaning team, which consisted of 15 women, in such a way, that workers over 50 or 55 could remain in the job.

In collaboration with IKK Nordrhein which is the health insurance of many trade businesses by tradition, Klaus Brandenburg started a project for healthy backs for his workers. The project combined health promotion and technical prevention measures.