Body mapping provides route to
safer workplace
(USDAW Arena, July/August 2001, p.24)
Workers from
Littlewoods mail order took full advantage of a new health
and safety method that helps to identify specific areas of pain
or injury.
The technique,
called body mapping, enables safety reps to identify clusters of
common problems and their causes. It also helps to get workers thinking
about possible solutions to problems.
Warehouse worker
Pauline Nash said; "I was asked by my manager to attend, but
I didn't have a clue what body mapping was until the course started."
Despatch operator
Carol Holt, who had read the union leaflet on body mapping was keen
to expand her understanding and follow the practical guidance available,
said: "I do a lot of heavy lifting in my job, but I didn't
realise that all kinds of different jobs can lead to aches and pains."
Packer Kathleen
Fox said:"The results were very interesting and made us aware
of the health and safety implications of posture and lifting correctly."
VDU operator
Maureen Lees also had no idea what body mapping was all about. "My
job is totally different from the other people who attended,"
she said, "but the common complaints were virtually the same.
"It made
me aware of the importance of health and safety in the workplace.
No matter what your job entails, it's always helpful to discuss
these issues with other workers."
Packer Hazel
Yewdall said: "I've worked for Littlewoods for 14 years. I
found the body mapping day very interesting and informative because
the job has changed over time.
"I think
we should have more sessions like this to help reinforce the importance
of health safety."
Resource
The leaflet
Body mapping, telling where it hurts is available free from:
USDAW
Stationery Department
Oakley
188 Wilmslow Road
Fallowfield
Manchester
M14 6LJ
Tel: 0161-224 2804/249 2400
Fax: 0161-257 2566
e-mail: enquiries@usdaw.org.uk
web: www.usdaw.org.uk
