European Week for Safety and Health at Work
European Week 'Lighten the load!' 22 t/m 26 October 2007
Under the heading 'Lighten the load!' the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (from 22 to 26 October 2007) is this year calling for attention for the 'movement apparatus' of the employee. Just as in previous editions, such as in 2005 with 'Stop that noise!' on excessive noise levels, and in 2006 with 'Safe Start' on young employees, the European Week consists of an intensive campaign that starts in spring and the actual week itself, with conferences and information meetings for employers, employees, health and safety and prevention experts, professionals and policy makers.
Muscle and skeletal complaints, i.e. problems with the movement apparatus, may not be life-threatening on the work floor, however they form the majority of the work-related problems in Europe. One quarter of employees within the EU complain of back or muscle pain. About 40% of employees from the new member states suffer from back and muscle pain. These complaints may result from a lot of heavy lifting work, but may also be caused by office or screen work carried out incorrectly, or because employees have to stand or sit for too long in the same position.
Good Practice Competition
Muscle and back pain do not only cause a lot of personal suffering, these complaints also result in high costs for companies. A substantial portion of these problems can be prevented by a good evaluation of the tasks of an employee, together with preventive measures and monitoring of the effectiveness of these measures. In this context proven successes can serve as examples for others. This means however that attention must be drawn to these good practices.
One of the highlights of the European Week is therefore the presentation of the European Awards for Good Practice. These are the Oscars for companies or organisations that distinguish themselves by their innovative and integrated approach to the problem. This year the awards are therefore for successful projects to prevent muscle and skeletal problems, but also for exemplary methods to reduce absenteeism of employees by preventing these problems, and successful projects in the area of rehabilitation and reintegration for employees who are nevertheless affected by these complaints.
The European Agency states emphatically that these Good Practices must involve solutions already implemented and not theories or hypotheses. Participation in the Awards is open to employers in all sectors of the public and private sector, but also for managers and employees, safety organisations, experts, trainers, educational establishments and health and safety, prevention or insurance services. These companies, people and organisations may send in their own Good Practice examples.
