Zebra Technologies Europe Limited (Preston) has triumphed at this year’s ‘Risk reduction through design’ awards for its innovative solution that helps protect workers from developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
The manufacturing company won the prestigious award after overcoming stiff competition from innovators across a wide range of sectors.
The ‘Risk reduction through design’ award 2022/23, sponsored by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), recognises design innovation to reduce the risk of MSDs. MSDs include injuries and conditions that can affect the back, joints and limbs.
Winning company, Zebra Technologies, developed an innovative design solution in-house for reduction of manual handling of printed rolls and boxes.
Previously, operators lifted the finished roll off the printing press and then by bending and twisting down placed the finished rolls onto the pallet at ground level. A full pallet was then taken by pallet truck to the packing area to be boxed. The operator lifted the rolls from the pallet onto the packing line. Once sealed, the operator lifted the box from the packing line onto the pallet at ground level.
The winning design moved the boxing machine adjacent to the packing line to reduce the lifting tasks. The maintenance team designed a cradle that fits onto the existing boxing machine which allows the whole unit to raise, lower and tilt to suit each of the operators needs to help reduce and address musculoskeletal issues.
Ali Wellens, from HSE’s Health and Work Branch and chair of this year’s judging panel said: “We would like to congratulate Zebra Technologies for their efforts to reduce the risks of MSDs in the workplace.
“The ‘Risk reduction through design’ award is intended to highlight the important contribution that design changes can make in reducing risks of musculoskeletal disorders. We were delighted to receive so many innovative designs from businesses across a wide range of industries. The volume of entries demonstrates some of the great work businesses are doing to protect their workers’ health.
“MSDs are a significant risk to workers’ health, and we urge all businesses to consider how they could make design changes to eliminate or reduce the risks in their workplaces.”
Zebra Technologies was proud to receive the award in recognition of their work to reduce MSDs in the workplace.
Gordon Alexander, Environmental Health & Safety Specialist II, Zebra Technologies Europe said: “The Zebra team in Preston are thrilled to be announced the winners of this ‘Risk reduction through design’ MSDs Award 2023.”
“We continually strive towards a safe and healthy workplace for all, and encourage a culture of safety, teamwork, innovation and continuous improvement. This award reinforces our ongoing efforts and is a fantastic achievement for the team. Thank you to HSE & CIEHF for considering our entry.”
The award was presented at CIEHF’s annual (virtual) awards ceremony on the 23 June 2023.
A commendation was given to a further entry to the awards. Barrett Steel Shoreham received a commended entry for their moving trailer loading platform design solution.
Iris Mynott, Membership & Partnership Manager of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF) said: “CIEHF is delighted to collaborate with HSE on these awards to recognise innovation that can make a significant contribution to life, wellbeing and performance.
“Congratulations to our 2023 winner and commended entry and thank you to all the organisations that entered.”
Notes to Editors:
- For more information on the award winner and commended entries visit: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/msd-awards.htm
- More information about Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) can be found here: https://ergonomics.org.uk/
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We prevent work-related death, injury and ill health through regulatory actions that range from influencing behaviours across whole industry sectors through to targeted interventions on individual businesses. These activities are supported by globally recognised scientific expertise.
- HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk