Are you ready for your inspection? The Labour Inspectorate is focusing on workplace ergonomics this year
The Directorate General for the Supervision of Wellbeing at Work will be carrying out targeted inspections with special attention to ergonomics and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the coming year. This is due to the Royal Decree on workplace ergonomics, which entered into effect on 25 May 2024. According to the Decree, employers must implement carefully considered preventive measures against physical overload.
Preparing for inspection
Want to know if your organisation is ready to face an audit? IDEWE will support you with your ergonomics risk assessment and ergonomics policy. That puts you in a stronger position in case of an inspection.
Musculoskeletal disorders such as back, neck and shoulder complaints are one of the leading causes of long-term absenteeism today. Around 62% of Belgian employees suffer from such complaints. 20% of these employees are in chronic or persistent pain. Physical complaints due to physical overload and pain account for 32% of long-term absenteeism.
That is why employers are legally obliged to implement a carefully considered ergonomics policy. This means assessing the risks, implementing preventive measures and setting up workstations ergonomically.
This year, the Labour Inspectorate will mainly be inspecting organisations in construction and healthcare.
Which factors will these inspections involve?
During an inspection visit, the Directorate General for the Supervision of Wellbeing at Work will, among other things, check the following:
- Were ergonomic risk assessments carried out and reviewed annually?
- Did the prevention advisor (internal or from an external service) participate in these risk assessments?
- Are workstations ergonomically designed and appropriate tools provided?
- Have employees received training on working safely and ergonomically?
- Is the MSD prevention policy up to date and properly documented?
Focus on prevention
You can prevent MSDs by making ergonomics part of your wellbeing policy. This not only reduces the likelihood of physical complaints, but also leads to healthier, more sustainably employable and productive employees.
IDEWE will support you in preparing for your inspection visit. We will evaluate your ergonomics risk assessment and help you update your ergonomics policy.