Italy: Applying participatory ergonomics to improve the safety of textile maintenance workers

The type of physical effort required from maintenance workers at the Italian yarn company Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia increased the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A participatory ergonomics intervention involving training to prevent MSDs was carried out, which improved the safety of 40 employees working with the industrial plant. Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia is one of the commended examples of the 15th Healthy Workplaces Good Practice Awards competition, which recognises successful prevention and management of MSDs.