Two Irish companies represent Ireland in the European Good Practice Awards

Both Organic Lens Manufacturing, a company who employ almost 250 people in Ennis, Co. Clare, and Aughinish Alumina Ltd who have 450 employees in Askeaton, Co. Limerick have been chosen to represent Ireland in the European Good Practice Awards - a ceremony coordinated by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). 

Both companies were winners in the Irish leg of the competition hosted by the Health and Safety Authority, on behalf of EU-OSHA. The awards look to highlight the impactful and innovative ways that organisations can demonstrate the benefits of good health and safety in the workplace, specifically in relation to managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). 

MSDs are injuries or disorders that affect any part of the musculoskeletal system and can include symptoms such as aches and pains, swelling, numbness and weakness. They are the most common work-related health problem in the EU - around 3 out of 5 workers report MSD complaints. MSDs are associated with ergonomic risk factors such as excessive force, awkward posture and repetition - effective ergonomic interventions can reduce the adverse health effects on workers, and thus positively impact their ability to carry out the work activity more efficiently. 

Speaking on the awards, the assistant chief executive with the Health and Safety Authority, Yvonne Mullooly, said, “We are delighted to have Organic Lens Manufacturing and Aughinish Alumina progressing to represent Ireland in the European Good Practice Awards. Musculoskeletal disorders are the most prevalent of all work-related injuries in the Irish workplace. The key aim of the awards is to share best practice examples and both these companies have demonstrated active management of ergonomic risks through a systematic risk assessment process and full consultation with workers. I wish them all the best on the European stage.”

Aughinish Alumina identified risk factors for workers carrying out a particular task as poor posture, and the potential for heat burn injury and repetitive strain. To combat this, new equipment was designed and introduced, which resulted in posture improvements for workers, and a subsequent reduction in the exposure to MSD risks. 

For Organic Lens Manufacturing, concerns about potential health issues around awkward kneeling positions on a narrow platform, led to engineering modifications, in close collaboration with workers, in order to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury. 

Both the companies have demonstrated how resources invested in the health and safety of workers can lead directly to positive outcomes for all, through a well considered process, engineering improvements and genuine consultation with employees.