Movax, the world’s leading manufacturer of excavator-mounted piling and foundation equipment, continuously invests in the working conditions and safety of its employees. Focusing on responsibility improves working conditions, enhances efficiency and sometimes even saves energy.
Handling heavy components is part of the daily job at Movax, a manufacturer of piling equipment. To make sure that the health and safety of no employee are compromised, minimising environmental hazards is top of mind every day. According to Production and Occupational Safety Manager Mika Koskinen, the ISO 9001 quality system provides the foundation for identifying and mitigating hazards. In addition, occupational safety is continuously developed and monitored on an everyday basis in collaboration with the employees.
“We have recently made several improvements that affect not only work safety but also make the tasks smoother and the working environment more pleasant. In addition to ongoing monitoring, we have introduced new methods and new technology,” Koskinen reports on Movax’s safety efforts.
Among the most significant changes are the improvement of ventilation in the machine shop and at the welding stations. The comprehensive overhaul gave various benefits.
“The movable hood efficiently captures welding fumes and particles through a set of filters, directing them to a heat recovery system where the generated thermal energy is reused. The hood’s integrated lights encourage people to move the extractor to the right position, even for small welding tasks,” Koskinen says about the solution that at the same time protects the workers’ health and enhances air quality.
Improving lighting and reducing noise levels boost well-being
Similar elements were also included in the renewal of the factory hall lighting. LED lighting not only saves energy but also improves the general lighting, reducing the need for task lighting.
The noise at the workplace significantly decreased when Movax invested in a parts washer. Now, the parts are washed behind the machine’s closed door, and with a press of a button, a clean and dry part ready for painting emerges. The quiet operation of the parts washer is warmly welcomed among the staff that is used to the noise from pressure washers and compressed air devices.
Systematic improvement of cleanliness enhances safety and reduces waste
Koskinen says that Movax has had positive experiences with the 5S method developed in Japan, which aims to increase both productivity and workplace safety. 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) is a tool known from the Lean management philosophy. Its goal is to identify and eliminate waste, i.e., activities that do not add value to the process. These changes improve quality and safety while creating a visually pleasing and efficient work environment.
“In the spring of 2023, we began using the method to focus on phase times and the organisation of the workstations. We removed unnecessary items from the workstations, and we had very good experiences with the method as our work processes became more streamlined, and the overall appearance and cleanliness improved. All employees are involved, including the office,” Koskinen says about the method that also impacts workplace safety.
Through continuous examination and improvement of processes at Movax, potential risks are identified and addressed before they become problems.
“Investing in occupational safety is rewarding in the sense that often, investing in the latest technology not only increases productivity and comfort but also improves focus and overall well-being,” Koskinen summarises the vital role of occupational safety.