FfW Bulgarian report (English language) - Fit for Work Europe

Box 2. Case Study – EPIQ Electronic Assembly Ltd
Interventions
EPIQ is an electronics company with a presence in six European countries as well as Mexico.
It has production facilities in Bulgaria and manufactures electronic components for the car
industry as well as for telecommunications, household, sanitary and medical equipment
companies.
The nature of the work is such that if gone unchecked, workers would be exposed to various
processes and factors in the work environment that could damage their health and put them
at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. For example, the production of components
involves prolonged sitting or standing which can cause strain on the arms and legs. It may
also involve movements that are repetitive. The work is also quite physically active, requiring
co-ordination, accuracy and speed. In order to reduce the risks to which workers are exposed,
the company have taken the following measures to create an environment that manages the
health and safety of their workers:
1) Health and safety training
All workers receive health and safety training when they begin at the company. They
are taught how to use the equipment safely and learn techniques to ensure it is used
correctly. They also learn about potential hazards in the work environment and are
taught how to prevent dangers and the importance of this. Workers are educated about
the impact of workplace factors on their health and are taught how to use tools and
equipment to mitigate these factors, for example, by organising their work stations.
2) Provide ergonomically designed work stations
The work environment has been designed to prevent workers from working in damaging
positions, or making any unnecessary movements, for example, by avoiding the need
for them to twist or contort their backs. This has been done by providing workers with
adjustable chairs and tables, encouraging good posture.
3) Job design
Jobs have been designed so that work has been reallocated and redistributed amongst
workers in order to rotate tasks. This has decreased repetitive movements, strain on
the hands and prolonged bending and twisting of the body. Rest periods have been
installed which have reduced fatigue and improved sustained performance.
4) Risk assessments
Regular risk assessments are carried out of jobs and people at risk, with hazards
being reduced or removed to control risk.
Cont.
Fit For Work? 57