Ergonomics as a guiding principle
There can be several risks associated with working in a factory, such as exposure to noise and performing repetitive, physically demanding tasks. In maintaining a sustainable work environment for employees in Hultsfred, great emphasis is placed on ergonomics and flexibility. Tim Eriksson, production manager, provides further insight into the guiding principles.
“Our employees are our most valuable asset. Without our team on-site, it would be impossible to deliver products to the extent that we do today. To ensure the health of our employees, we have implemented several measures. For instance, we have job rotation to prevent prolonged periods of sedentary and monotonous work. We also conduct regular exercise breaks to activate muscles and improve circulation”, Tim explains.
Models for risk assessment and prioritization
To systematically manage the work environment in production, the HARM (Hand-Arm Risk Assessment Method) tool is used to evaluate risks associated with hand-intensive tasks. It is based on several assessment criteria such as task duration, force that must be applied to materials or tools, posture, and vibration.
“This model provides us with an effective tool to assess the risks associated with our work, enabling us to identify and prioritize measures. For example, it helps us identify the optimal work pace, determine tasks needing additional recovery time, and pinpoint areas where increased automation and support are necessary. Through regular monitoring and periodic assessments, we can evaluate the effectiveness of implemented measures and identify any new risk factors that may arise”, Tim concludes.