Adapted work matrix: mapping your workstations and risks

You can adapt an employee’s task package in all sorts of ways: new procedures, limited hours, different work equipment, etc. Mensura developed the Adapted Work matrix to help employers with this in concrete terms to support workable work.
 

First and foremost, the matrix is an important tool in absenteeism prevention. After all, it allows you to identify all the possibilities for adapted work in your organisation. You then determine what actions are needed to make your workstations less stressful (or ‘greener’) to reduce absenteeism. Where do you see quick wins and priorities?

That way, the matrix can clear up persistent misunderstandings around certain workstations. “Employees often tell me that they are still comfortable doing counter and checkout work,” says Karin Dillen, prevention adviser-occupational physician at Mensura. “But they forget that you have to stand there for a long time and have a lot of lifting: newspapers, postal packages, etc. The matrix makes all those risks clear and gives employers the insight they need to do something about them.”
 

This gives you an overview of all the workstations with their potential risks and triggers – including mental ones. Job A may require the employee to lift a lot of goods, while B focuses mainly on filling shelves. Job C in turn requires, for example, continuous vigilance or intensive cognitive skills. What temporary adjustments are needed? And how can the employee gradually return to the original set of tasks?

“So the matrix is also a dynamic and interactive tool,” explains Sofie De Vocht, ergonomics prevention adviser at Mensura. “How they fill it in is always done in consultation with the occupational physician and the employee. For example, for a returning team member, you can visualise which workstations are suitable for the adapted set of tasks. For which workstations is overload likely (red), possible (yellow), or unlikely (green)?”

If you want, Mensura will guide you step by step in the completion of your matrix. “Together, we delve into the requirements of your workplace,” Sofie clarifies. “We also thoroughly probe the needs of your employees. On that basis, we seek a compromise between their good ideas and what is possible from the different perspectives: ergonomic, psychosocial, etc. Finally, we sit down with all the stakeholders you want to involve in order to formulate concrete action points.”

That multidisciplinary communication is crucial to the success of your reintegration story. “Reintegration is a complex story with different people who all have to work together,” Karin concludes. “Everyone gives input through a different lens, and that is necessary. For example, there is so much more behind back pain than ‘I can’t bend forward’. With clear communication, without too many intermediate lines, priorities remain clear for everyone. I also feel as a doctor that this makes for more positivity in the workplace. You look for solutions together and that energises everyone.”

The matrix is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but is tailored to the employer in each case. Contact us using the form below to get started together.