Company prevention program - Mercedes-Benz factory 

Year: 2014  Country: Spain   Study Population: N=950

Athlon, Spain

Objective

In 2009 there was a need to protect the workers against back problems. 

• Low back pain was the most common individual diagnosis and caused the most economic impact and resource consumption in the company.
• 70% of the workers had episodes of back pain at work.
• Back pain was the most common cause for chronic work incapacity.
• Work is associated to assembly chains.
• 85% of the injuries were mechanic due to bad ergonomics.
• The workers were getting older.

Methods

Rehabilitation program:

• In Company Training (during work time)
• Individual programs for each worker (with progression)
• Initial test + 16 visits (1 per week) +Outcome test
• Flexion and extension devices (110 + 130)
• 10-15 min/visit

Outcome

Work absenteeism: 

• Sick days (due to back problems) were reduced by 78%.
• Number of sick employees due to back problems was reduced by 70%.
• Visits to the doctor (due to back problems) were reduced by 29%. 

Workers' own perceptions:

• 91% of the workers thought the program was effective against back pain.
• 95% of the workers would like to continue doing the program
• 87% of the workers would recommend the program to their colleagues.