Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a major challenge for mid-sized companies.
These conditions, which affect muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves, can result from repetitive movements, awkward postures, or unsuitable working conditions. MSDs not only cause physical suffering for employees but also lead to significant costs for companies, notably in terms of absenteeism, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare expenses.
Mid-sized companies may face budgetary and resource constraints that complicate the implementation of effective preventive solutions. Indeed, with often limited budgets, it may seem challenging to justify investments in MSD risk prevention. Furthermore, these companies do not always have access to occupational health experts or specialized tools to assess and improve their working conditions.
However, preventing MSDs is essential not only to protect employees’ health but also to ensure the company’s long-term viability. By adopting a proactive approach, mid-sized companies can implement concrete actions tailored to their resources to reduce the incidence of MSDs, improve team well-being, and thereby enhance overall performance.
How can mid-sized companies optimize their resources and centralize their actions ?
Mid-sized companies have between 250 and 4,999 employees, which is still a very broad category. A company with 300 employees does not have the same financial resources as a company with 3,000 employees.
We will attempt to provide an overview of possible optimizations for different scenarios.
I) Use centralized data management tools
Initially, the focus should be on using tools that are tailored to the company’s needs. Centralizing data is a key strategy to optimize the management of MSD risks. By consolidating information into management tools, mid-sized companies can improve the visibility, analysis, and tracking of their prevention actions.
This could include health and safety tracking platforms using risk management software, which allows the centralization of accident, absenteeism, and MSD data. These platforms significantly facilitate data analysis, monitoring of indicators, and the implementation of corrective measures.
This optimization also saves time for health and safety experts working for the company when tracking the various actions taken. Centralized management tools enable companies to better coordinate their prevention efforts, continuously assess the effectiveness of the actions implemented, and react more quickly to warning signs
II) Optimize resources through continuous training and awareness
Investing in training and awareness is essential for sustainably preventing MSD risks. For mid-sized companies, optimizing resources in this area means implementing an effective and accessible training program that encourages the adoption of best practices while minimizing costs and time investment.
Here are key methods :
- Targeted training for teams: Offering regular training sessions for employees most exposed to MSDs remains a proven method. Sessions can be brief but repeated, helping to maintain constant vigilance on ergonomic practices and reduce risks.
- Disseminating best practices: Creating communication materials (posters, videos, practical guides) helps raise awareness among employees about MSD risks and appropriate gestures, based on feedback from employees to improve these tools.
- Follow-up and adaptation of training: Measuring the impact of training allows for gathering feedback from participants and monitoring risk indicators. This helps adapt the content and frequency of training based on the actual needs of the workforce.
With a continuous and tailored training approach, companies can reduce MSD risks while optimizing their resources, thereby improving the safety and well-being of their teams in a sustainable way.
III) Implement concrete actions on the ground
To effectively prevent MSDs, it is essential to implement actions tailored to the realities of each position. The goal is primarily to propose changes that align with the actual working conditions and potential risks.
Here are some concrete examples to implement on the ground :
- Conduct personalized ergonomic audits: Regularly assessing workstations helps identify specific risk factors (awkward postures, repetitive movements, prolonged static positions). These audits allow for targeting the layout or equipment needs for each position.
- Reorganize workspaces: Arrange workstations to minimize unnecessary movements and reduce twisting or excessive stretching. For example, placing tools and equipment within easy reach and adjusting workstation heights.
- Encourage task rotation: Implement a rotation system for positions most exposed to MSDs to limit the repetition of certain movements and allow muscles to recover. Task rotation also helps diversify the work and reduces fatigue associated with repetitive motions.
- Install signage and visual reminders: Posting posters and signs helps remind employees of proper posture and safe movements. These visual cues, placed in key work areas, assist employees in adopting good ergonomic habits on a daily basis.
By implementing these actions on the ground, mid-sized companies (ETIs) create a healthier and safer work environment. The results are a reduction in MSDs, improved productivity, and increased well-being for employees.
Ces étapes permettent aux ETI de coordonner et de centraliser leurs efforts pour prévenir les TMS tout en optimisant leurs ressources. Une gestion proactive et centralisée des risques de TMS favorise également l’engagement des équipes, ce qui est essentiel pour la pérennité des actions de prévention.
If you wish to start a prevention approach and don’t know where to begin, our turnkey support program, KIMEA Start, is made for you!
We offer you KIMEA
Why choose Kimea by Moovency ?
Absenteeism is not only related to MSDs, but in certain sectors, musculoskeletal disorders significantly increase the absenteeism rate.
KIMEA START, A comprehensive turnkey solution for preventing MSDs.
KIMEA START is an all-inclusive package where you select the module that suits you and benefit from :
- One year of access to KIMEA APP – our data capture tool;
- One year of access to KIMEA CLOUD – our analysis platform;
- Dedicated support and follow-up with your assigned ergonomist.
Most importantly, you’ll leave with the tools and knowledge to kickstart your MSD prevention strategy.
In terms of prevention, adopting a continuous optimization approach ensures you deliver the best and constantly improve your employees’ well-being.
You stay up-to-date.
We also offer training services. We train your internal teams to use our KIMEA suite of tools to assess workstations. This way, you are no longer dependent on another company for physical risk measurements. You only need to consult ergonomists for complex situations that require a specialist.
A tool like KIMEA is ideal for ensuring ongoing optimization of workstations : with the KIMEA score and visual indicators, you can assess your progress at a glance
Because your employees should not have to choose between their work and their health, Moovency offers you KIMEA : a range of innovative and effective solutions that support you in evaluating and optimizing the ergonomics of your workstations