Systematically Refining Prevention

Occupational safety and health has a long-standing tradition at the energy group RWE. It has now become part of a comprehensive corporate culture.

However, prevention has long since not been limited to safety and risk prevention. The hazard of working with electricity still involves particular safety requirements even today, which is why great attention is paid to traditional occupational safety and health issues. However, proceeding from this, modern risks, such as mental stress at the workplace, are also included in prevention. 

1. The so-called "präp" programme with its focal topics was started in the 90s. Still today one selected topic is dealt with intensively at one location - for example working at heights or handling hazardous substances - and runs for several weeks using information material, training courses and workplace improvements. It ends with an action event to which the employees' families are also invited.
2. The "circle work" permits the employees to constantly improve their working conditions. In circles with a facilitator they can, for example, further develop what helps them to perform their work safely on a day-to-day basis: protective clothing, tools and lots more. Moreover, the new products promote the identification of the employees with the company.
3. For the linemen a research project in collaboration with the German Sports University in Cologne helps to prevent foreseeable long-term injuries caused by constraint postures on the masts. It is a reaction to the increasing job losses which often force the remaining colleagues to work more often and longer on the masts than before. Individually designed training courses and improved protective clothing as well as the limitation of strain are expected as a result of this research.
4. Working in an office and at a PC is characterised by increasing work intensification and the fear of losing one's job. Therefore, the project "Prima Klima" ["Great Climate"] also helps to promote the corporate culture at RWE Rhein-Ruhr whereby executives and employees discuss avoidable stressor at the workplace and both joint and individual action is developed to create well-being at the workplace.

 

"The Management Board of RWE Rhein-Ruhr AG takes its responsibility towards its employees very seriously, especially in times when the individual is faced with ever more tasks. We know that the success of our company depends crucially on the motivation and efficiency of our workers. Therefore, RWE Rhein Ruhr AG developed the prevention project 'Great Atmosphere – Well-Being at Work'. This programme serves to provide support in the case of psychomental stresses."

Dr. Heinz-Willi Mölders, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Human Resources, RWE Rhein-Ruhr AG