During the manufacture of orthopedic apparel, the employee is exposed to solvents and dust. Poor ergonomic posture increases the risk of musculoskeletal diseases. With the help of an external prevention service, the company carries out a risk assessment by measuring exposure. It was decided that new machinery would be installed in order to reduce risk.

The task

The Van Meurs orthopedic laboratory produces a range of products such as orthopedic soles and shoes, prostheses, orthotics, and corsets. All these products are completely tailor-made. A discussion is first held with the client in order to define the needs and specific requirements and to take the measurements. A template is then produced, tryouts take place, and finally the apparatus is adjusted (in the case of a prosthesis) or delivered (a pair of shoes, for example) to the client.

The more specific tasks that were the object of particular attention because of the risks they present are the adjustment of the orthopedic devices on the patient, the cutting of models on a table, the application of glue and resin, and the use of a small cutter.

The risk

During the adjustment of the orthopedic devices, such as a prosthesis on the client, the workers are not always in an ergonomic position so there is a risk of lumbago and the musculo-skeletal problems this involves. In the same way, when they have to cut the models for the fabrication of the various orthopedic devices, the workers are not always in a good position for the back.

In addition to these ergonomic risks, the workers are also exposed to solvents (use of glue and resins) and dust from the cutting of the pieces and the fabrication of the orthopedic devices.

The solution and the method

After complaints from the workers, Van Meurs conducted a participatory risk analysis with the aid of an external accident-prevention service. Exposure to solvents and dust was measured, and the positions of the workers during the performance of their various tasks were observed and discussed.

After this analysis, it was decided to renew the equipment and the tools of the company. To eliminate the risk of lumbago and musculoskeletal problems, height-adjustable tables were installed.

The dust-extraction system was also modified.

The effectiveness of the results

The solution is transferable to other companies and sectors. The solution reduced the existing risk without modifying its nature. It resulted in an improvement of the working conditions and thus even in a better spirit and improved productivity.

The participation of the workers

Since it was a participatory risk analysis, the workers were involved in the inventorying of the risks and the search for appropriate solutions.

The costs and benefits

The cost-benefit ratio was not the primary concern of the manager of the company but rather the well-being of the workers. The improvements made are part of the general policy of the company and in particular of that concerning well-being at work.

Entrepreneur’s testimony « In our enterprise, prevention is on equal footing with productivity, quality and output. This implies that anyone has responsability for taking care of its own health and safety and of the health and safety of his/her colleagues ».