Modernization of MSD prevention tools at Groupe Atlantic’s Billy-Berclau and Merville plants
Groupe Atlantic, a committed group
Since 1968, the Atlantic group has specialized in thermal comfort solutions. The European leader in its field, the company covers the needs of a wide range of customers thanks to its many technological innovations.
Their values are based on trust, responsibility and commitment. In this spirit, the company works relentlessly in a culture of risk prevention for its employees, particularly those at risk of MSD.
Find out more about MSD prevention at the Billy Berclau and Mervile plants through the experience of Thomas Darrieux, ergonomist with the group for 6 years.
Atlantic Group, Billy Berclau and Merville plants in figures
Ergonomic challenges at the Billy Berclau (62) and Merville (59) plants
The ATLANTIC group is currently undergoing a phase of industrial development. New production lines are being built at their plants in northern France.
A major issue in the group’s occupational health and safety prevention policy, it was becoming difficult for the ergonomist at both plants, THOMAS DARRIEUX, to provide an effective response to the pace of growth. Indeed, the challenges were numerous (new investments, workstation modifications, etc.), and the tools and techniques used to deal with MSDs did not necessarily meet his expectations and needs.
The problem: workstation analyses were being carried out manually, by taking photos of the employee in motion. This technique not only wasted time, but also provided insufficient and subjective quantitative data for analysis.
With the aim of obtaining more objective data, but also to increase efficiency, Thomas Darrieux looked for more technical and innovative capture and analysis solutions, and contacted Moovency in 2020.
The Prevention of MSDs with Kimea in the Billy Berclau and Merville Factories
A Gateway to a More Comprehensive Ergonomic Approach
Equipped with KIMEA tools, Thomas was first able to simplify analysis reports.
Indeed, “The Posture Criterion,” a major evaluation criterion, was quickly integrated into the tool to complete the various ratings. The Kimea Cloud analysis platform automatically assesses the risks associated with joint strain, targeting the most significant risks objectively (supported by quantitative data) and more quickly. This simplifies the work of ergonomists.
Thanks to the KIMEA score, many work techniques have been compared with each other, and a “before-and-after” of workstation modifications has also been implemented by our ergonomist. He shares one of his “success stories” thanks to KIMEA :
KIMEA helps us design workstations that are adapted to human needs and develop solutions aimed at reducing biomechanical constraints. In this way, we contribute to improving the work comfort of our current employees and strive to ensure the health of those in the future.
Thomas DARRIEUX
Ergonomist at Groupe Atlantic
A Better Understanding of Prevention Issues
While a technical solution, Kimea’s tools are also visual and educational, enabling us to raise awareness among employees and make them active participants in their own prevention. As a result, teams have developed a better understanding of MSD risks at all levels.
Indeed, traditional photo techniques are relatively static and subjective. Teams working in synergy with Thomas could have biased opinions, and risks might not have been properly identified or understood.
The Kimea Cloud platform immediately became an engaging tool for comprehending risks: the color-coded scores, the moving digital twin, and the various risk percentages associated with selected joints are real assets for visualization.
In this way, operators, managers, technical support, and engineers have become aware of MSD risks, fostering collective reflection on these issues.
What are the benefits ?
Several benefits are highlighted by Thomas Darrieux :
Greater Credibility of the Analysis
Thanks to the elements mentioned above, the engaging aspect of the platform allows stakeholders to have a more immediate awareness of MSD risks.
The results derived from the platform help dispel some prejudices about workstations and allow for better targeting of physical constraints.
For instance, during the analysis of a workstation due to back pain reported by operators, the Kimea analysis highlighted significant neck strain that had not been previously detected. Consequently, adjustments were made to improve both of these criteria.
Involving Others in MSD Prevention
This deeper understanding of MSD risks and their causes allows for immediate initiation of joint actions around workstation adjustments.
The ergonomist’s work is now fully supported by other stakeholders, fostering a collective reflection on future solutions.
Better Time Management
The KIMEA capture tool provides a real-time and automatic assessment : this approach allows Thomas to free up valuable time for his analysis. Notably, Thomas had to analyze approximately 230 workstations in the two factories where he operates, and this considerable time savings transforms the management of his tasks :
“The hour I save on each workstation thanks to KIMEA allows me to focus my energy on other parts of the analysis (individual/collective interviews, group work) or on other topics such as creating and conducting awareness sessions, training, etc.”
Thomas DARRIEUX
Ergonomist at Groupe Atlantic
CONCLUSION
With KIMEA, the Atlantic Group has successfully overcome new ergonomic challenges. The data is reliable, the analysis reports are more detailed, and a collective reflection with employees has been sustainably established.
The ergonomist, freed from a previously more complex process, can now focus on the future and develop a deeper MSD prevention approach with his teams.
And what if tomorrow, it was you ?