October 13, 2023 – 4 min reading time
The 5xbeter event ‘Safety on pole position’ took place on Thursday, September 29, which was organized by the Koninklijke Metaalunie, FME, FNV Metaal, CNV Vakmensen and De Unie in Hart van Holland in Nijkerk. More than two hundred employers, business owners, managers and (prevention) employees from the metal sector were present.
During the event, attention was paid to well-known themes such as RI&E, physical burden, hazardous substances and safety culture, but also to new topics. For example, self-reporting to the Dutch Labor Inspectorate after an accident and the risks of lithium batteries, such as electrocution and fire, were discussed. Six different workshops addressed the following themes:
1. Start the dialogue about behavior and safety
Working safely within a company is something you do together; As an employer you have the important task of creating a safe working environment, and as an employee you are responsible for working safely. Everyone must be aware of the safety risks and comply with the safety rules. In practice, it is sometimes difficult to confront each other about unsafe behavior.
2. A ‘red flag’ in the workplace, how do you learn from this?
Unfortunately, an accident can happen just around the corner. In Formula 1, a crash is indicated with a ‘red flag’, after which the accident is extensively investigated to prevent a recurrence. The Dutch Labor Inspectorate wants employers to also learn from an industrial accident. That is why, since January 1, 2023, the employer must conduct its own investigation into a reportable accident, with the aim of preventing occupational accidents in the future. This is a big change that may raise questions; How do you conduct such a self-examination?
3. The Grand pRIE for safe and healthy working
In Formula 1, safety is a top priority. Before a driver gets into his car, numerous rules must be met that limit safety risks as much as possible. Safety must also be number 1 in your workplace. That is why you are obliged to carry out the RIE. The Risk Inventory and Evaluation maps out occupational risks and thus lays the foundation for a safe and healthy working environment.
The RIE must be properly maintained, because new risks can arise due to changes in work processes or techniques used. Do you still need to conduct an RIE for your company? Or do you want to check whether you are still aware of all the occupational risks?
4. The pit stop challenge: learn to work safely and efficiently
During a pit stop in Formula 1, the tires of a racing car are changed very quickly. An organized workplace is crucial to carry out tire changes safely and with as little time loss as possible. The 5S method offers a good tool for this. Using the five steps – sorting, arranging, cleaning, standardizing and maintaining – you ensure a clean, efficient and safe workplace.
5 Fit in the workplace
Physical load refers to the forces and postures that a person experiences while performing work. Within Formula 1, for example, car mechanics have to lift heavy tires and equipment during a pit stop under great time pressure. These tasks require varying degrees of strength, endurance and precision. Physical stress is also an important topic in the metal industry. Long-term or incorrect physical strain can lead to various conditions, such as back pain, neck complaints or joint problems.
6 Electric vehicles and safety
Electrification is taking place in many sectors. This means that companies switch from using fossil fuels to electricity, with the aim of reducing CO₂ emissions. In 2012, the idea arose to establish an electrically powered motor racing class, after which the first Formula E world championship was held in 2014.
A Formula E car is powered by electricity from a lithium battery. Batteries are also increasingly being used for propulsion in other vehicles and machines. The use of batteries poses new safety and health risks.
During the event you could meet the seven improvement coaches from 5xbeter, visit the information market and network with the participants present. Several employees of the Dutch Labor Inspectorate were also present.
Members of the Koninklijke Metaalunie and the FME can use the 5xbeter improvement coaches free of charge. More information: www.5xbeter.nl