Why has the focus been placed on ergonomics at work?
MSDs remain one of the main causes of work incapacity in Belgium. In 2024, more than one new incapacity in two was related to psychosocial or musculoskeletal disorders (Source Beswic).
That is why the provisions adopted in 2024:
- Set clearer guidelines to improve the identification of ergonomic risks
- Give, under certain conditions, Internal prevention advisors (IPA) greater competencies to carry out these analyses themselves
- Allow a more effective implementation of a policy to prevent ergonomic risks
What the inspection checks today
Over the past two years, the inspection has found that about 70% of companies did not have an ergonomic risk analysis or had an incomplete analysis. Only 8% had an analysis that sufficiently took biomechanical factors into account.
Today, the Monitoring of well-being at the workplace places particular emphasis on ergonomics during inspection visits. It checks whether employers have properly assessed these risks and whether effective prevention measures are in place to avoid musculoskeletal disorders.
Specifically, the inspection asks you for:
- Your analysis of musculoskeletal risks at work
- The ergonomic measures included in your global prevention plan and your annual action plan
- The arrangements you have put in place
- The training programme for workers
To be ready in case of an inspection visit, you can consult our « Guide: Preparation for the inspection of the monitoring of well-being »
What does Securex do for you?
As an External Service for Prevention and Protection at work, Securex supports employers in complying with these obligations.
We assist you notably by:
- Our advice on prevention policy during company visits
- Guidance in developing and implementing an adapted and comprehensive prevention policy, including proposals for measures aimed at reducing ergonomic risks,
- Our training and awareness programme for workers on ergonomic risks. Securex notably offers practical e-learnings, accessible at any time:
- The assistance of our occupational physicians, with targeted health advice.
Our advice: A well-structured ergonomic risk analysis is not only a legal obligation but also an essential tool to reduce absenteeism and sustainably improve labour conditions.
