Background to the conference
Lighten the load Conference 22 October 2007
Location: Utrecht Railway Museum
Background to the conference
The European Week is the annual campaign of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. The European Lighten the load Week is held simultaneously in all member states of the European Union from 22 to 26 October 2007. The purpose of the campaign is to promote safety and health at the workplace.
A quarter of workers in the European Union complain of back or muscle pain
Muscle and skeletal conditions are the most common occupational problems in Europe. Almost 24% of workers in the 25 EU member states report back pain, while 22% complain of muscle pain. The figures in the new member states are higher: 39% and 36% respectively. These conditions not only cause pain and suffering to people and lead to loss of income; they are also a significant cost to businesses and national economies. Anyone who works can be exposed to them. But muscle and skeletal conditions can be prevented by a good assessment of tasks, the adoption of preventive measures and inspections to ensure that the measures remain effective. Millions of Europeans working in all areas of the economy are affected by muscle and skeletal conditions, but they present the most serious problem in the construction, services, retail, education, health care and catering sectors.
'Lighten the load!' conference
The ‘Lighten the load’ conference was the high point of the campaign. Running over one afternoon and led by Astrid Joosten, it gave participants information about how regulations and enforcement address the problem, what the latest scientific findings are, and what inspiring examples of good measures to prevent physical stress have been taken. Also, a prize was awarded to the winner of the Good Practice Competition, and the Dutch entries to the European competition were announced.
Conferencereport >> and Photos of the conference>>
Conference programme
1.00 p.m. Reception and registration
1.30 p.m.
Introduction by Astrid Joosten
1.50 p.m.
The new Netherlands Occupational Health and Safety Act: a more customised approach to physical strain
Peter Kerklaan, Head of the Knowledge, Research and New Risks department at the Ministry for Social Affairs and Employment
2.10 p.m.
About stacking and heaving, sweeping and trimming....
An inspection project into physical stress at Dutch seaports, autumn 2007
Anja van Vlerken, National Project Leader at the Labour Inspectorate
2.30 p.m.
Physical stress: incidence and prevention
Paulien Bongers, Senior Lecturer and head of the Safe and Healthy Working Unit, TNO Quality of Life
3.00 p.m. Break
3.30 p.m.
What's happened: lightening the load?
Paul Kuijer, Coronel Institute
3.50 p.m.
In practice:
- Coloured mobility: the traffic light model
Ivo Beekman, company doctor / head of the health and safety unit at NedCar - (New method of) risk assessment for Hand Arm Tasks (HAT)
Marjolein Douwes, researcher / advisor for TNO Quality of Life
4.30 p.m.
The views of employers and employees, Mario van Mierlo, MKB-Nederland (Association of Dutch SMEs) and Arie Woltmeijer, CNV (National Federation of Christian Trade Unions in the Netherlands)
5.00 p.m.
Award of prize for the Dutch Good Practice Competition and announcement of nominations for the European Award by Astrid Joosten
5.30 p.m.
End of the programme, followed by a social drink
