No Place for Back Pain: Healthy Working at Pilar
Musculoskeletal disorders are the curse of the modern workplace. Back pain, injury to tendons and problems arising from repetitive tasks can make work a struggle and a misery. The key is to prevent these debilitating conditions setting in before symptoms even appear.
Our site at Pilar, Argentina, which manufactures autocatalysts, is committed to enhancing employee health and wellbeing. Over the last few years the incidence of back pain at Pilar has decreased though cases of upper limb disorders have risen.The site has taken action and introduced a new health and wellbeing initiative – the Ergonomics Project.
Musculoskeletal disorders can arise from repetitive work without pauses and lack of variation in job position. These working practices can lead to persistent muscle pain, wear and tear of tendons and nerve related problems. At worst, they can result in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and long term back pain.
Against this background, the Pilar team evaluated the ergonomic risks in the plant and recommended several courses of action: regular break times in the working day, combined with ergonomic improvements to work tasks, and job rotation.
In phase I of the project, regular breaks have been introduced thanks to the site's Break Time policy. A timetable and control system have helped supervisors to schedule break times thoughout work shifts. A relaxation room with comfortable seating, a water fountain and other facilities allows employees to experience a break and change of posture. Back in the production area, ergonomic mats – non-slip cushioned material, conducive to comfort and balance, which reduces fatigue – have been installed, along with ergonomic chairs that promote healthy work postures.
In phase II, which is being developed and rolled out in 2010, job rotation will ensure that employees minimise prolonged periods of repetitive and physically demanding activity as they will rotate through different jobs during each shift.
The Ergonomics Project at Pilar is part of Johnson Matthey's goal to create a healthy and satisfied workforce that contributes to the company's vitality and is sustainable in the long term.