Change in legislation around ergonomics

What you need to know

Picture of by Sam Sleegers

by Sam Sleegers

ergonomie

Legal framework for musculoskeletal disease (MSD) prevention.

  • 12 January 2024: Supreme PBW Council issues opinion to amend Codex book VIII.
  • 15 May 2024: Royal Decree (RD) is published in Belgian Official Journal.
  • 25 May 2024: Regulations enter into force.

Table of contents

Specifically, what will change?

To clarify the new legislation defines 4 concepts that will form the basis:

  • ergonomics,
  • the prevention advisor-ergonomist,
  • musculoskeletal disorders,
  • musculoskeletal risks at work.

These definitions are added to Art. I.1-4 of the Codex.

Addition of new title and change of structure to book VIII

Current Title 1 “work seats and rest seats” is moved to Title 4. The new Title 1 will contain general provisions on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders at work and consists of 3 chapters.

Risk analysis and prevention measures

The first chapter is devoted to risk analysis and prevention measures. Attention to ergonomics at work is required with every new workstation or new design of workstation. In doing so, employers must carry out a musculoskeletal risk analysis based on a non-exhaustive list of 6 risk factors:

  • the use of excessive force,
  • repeated repetitive movements,
  • the task duration,
  • working postures,
  • working movements,
  • power of contact.
The employer always consults the internal prevention advisor in the risk analysis and, for complex cases, the prevention advisor-ergonomist. Workers must participate in the risk assessment.
The risk analysis should be updated regularly, the results included in the overall prevention plan or annual action plan.

Inform

The second chapter requires workers and committee members to be informed and trained on musculoskeletal risks at work, prevention measures, ergonomic work methods and health surveillance.

Health Surveillance

The third chapter deals with health surveillance of workers under the rules of Book I, Title 4, with modified designation of specific risks for musculoskeletal hazards at work, in line with the new philosophy of Book VIII, Title 1 and its definitions.

Need advice on designing workstations, implementing an ergonomics policy or carrying out risk analyses for ergonomic work?
You can count on Prevom. Feel free to contact us and hire us for an ergonomics workshop.

Looking for clarity?

What are the risk factors? What are MSD? How do I implement an ergonomics policy?

Prevom has tailor-made solutions:
We will be happy to inform you about the possibilities!