HaRe: A methodology for Retail to Reduce the Risk of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
The purpose of the project is, in collaboration with the retail industry, to develop, test, and evaluate a methodology for conducting occupational ergonomic risk assessments with regards to feasibility, benefit, and value for employers and employees, as well as effects on work-related ill-health and improved working environment. In the project, which has an interactive research approach, a risk assessment tool is developed in close collaboration between researchers and practitioners with experience of the ergonomic challenges in the retail industry, such as safety representatives, managers, and ergonomists. The risk assessment tool will be tested in various companies within the retail sector. Evaluation will be conducted regarding feasibility, benefit, and value for employers and employees, as well as effects on work-related ill-health and improved working environment.
Details
- Funder: Afa Insurance
- Type of funding: Forskningsanslag
Project description
A good work environment is crucial for reducing illness and absenteeism while increasing productivity and quality in the workplace. Through a well-functioning systematic work environment management (SWEM), employers can identify and address risks more effectively. In the retail sector, where physical strain is common, the need for effective risk assessment methods has increased with the development of new work methods such as e-commerce and order picking services. Despite existing methods for risk assessment, simple methods that involve employees in the process are lacking.
The project builds on the STAMINA model (a previous project funded by Afa Insurance). In STAMINA, data on perceived work environment is collected from employees via web forms, and the results provide feedback to the immediate supervisor to initiate work environment dialogues. By integrating experiences from STAMINA with knowledge of the retail sector's needs and existing risk assessment methods, the project aims to develop a methodology to support employers in the retail sector with ergonomic risk assessment and action planning.
The project is conducted as a case study with 8-10 participating companies in the retail sector. In the project, which has an interactive research approach, a risk assessment tool is developed through an iterative process in close collaboration between researchers and practitioners experienced in the ergonomic challenges of the retail sector, such as safety representatives, managers, and ergonomists. The method will then be tested in the participating companies and evaluated in terms of feasibility, utility, and effects in the form of work environment improvements.
The results are expected to increase knowledge of effective methodologies for risk assessment and work environment measures in the retail sector. By disseminating results through reports, scientific publications, and seminars, the project aims to raise awareness of effective methods for managing work environment risks and improvement measures, thereby contributing to sustainable working life. The project's relevance extends beyond the retail sector and is expected to generate transferable knowledge to other sectors.