Application of PIMEX method: Employees are motivated to change their working conditions and optimise preventive measures

Issue title: Safer and Healthier Workplaces

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kuhl, Klaus | Dobernowsky, Mario

Affiliations: Kooperationsstelle Hamburg IFE GmbH, Hamburg, Germany

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Klaus Kuhl, Kooperationsstelle Hamburg IFE GmbH, Besenbinderhof 60, D-20097 Hamburg, Germany. Tel.: +49 40 2858 640; E-mail: k.kuhl@kooperationsstelle-hh.de

Abstract: Objective: PIMEX was used to motivate workers to actively improve their working conditions. Participants: The Kooperationsstelle has applied the method in several companies across different sectors. In this article, exemplary case studies are presented. Methods: PIMEX uses video recording and monitoring of indicators by sensors and transducers attached to the workers. These register and record the part of the work process where they were exposed to risk factors and to what extent. The observations are stored on a notebook computer and can be repeated and replayed instantly. Results: In all cases, workers started experimenting with modifying the workflow, the extraction system and its positioning, their working posture and the PPE. Modifications were tested several times and the resulting exposure differences were analysed until a satisfactory reduction was achieved. Selected records were then used for regular training sessions, which contribute to the long-term effect. Specialists within the companies were contacted at a later date and they have confirmed the long lasting effect. Conclusions: PIMEX has proved in these cases to be an excellent method for convincing employees to change their behaviour and to adhere in the long-term to the newly-evolved work processes and preventive measures.

Keywords: Picture mixed exposure, employee behaviour, sustainable changes in behaviour

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1188

Journal: Work, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 379-384, 2011