Pilot project in Westland greenhouses with exoskeletons for production workers

Exoskeletons of Skelex 

The Hague-based company Skelex develops exoskeletons to reduce the strain of physical work. Bart Bakkum, managing director: “The development of exoskeletons started at TU Delft and TNO to prevent back and other complaints during aircraft maintenance. Over 10 years, the original prototype evolved into a lightweight and ergonomic product, already being used by many people around the world in all kinds of industries.” In fact, anyone who performs repetitive work that strains the lower back, neck, shoulders, or arms can benefit from it. Grocery delivery drivers, plasterers, assembly line workers, construction, healthcare, and industry workers can all find it useful.

Supporting people to keep the work enjoyable

Turgut Colakoglu, account manager at ProKonak Employment Agency: “We employ 1,800 people in greenhouse horticulture, mainly migrant workers. They often perform the same tasks for multiple hours in a row. We would like them to be able to do this for quite some time without developing back problems. A healthier working environment is for their benefit, ours, and that of our clients.”

Resistance

At first, it was difficult to find employees willing to participate in the pilot. Turgut: “We noticed resistance. People said: Why is this necessary? I’ve been doing this work for years without any problems. Nevertheless, we managed to convince some people. After all, prevention is better than cure. The suits are easy to put on and feel very natural. People who use them really notice the difference.”

Facilitate people with a heavy duty workload

Turgut: “I expect that there will be increasing attention to this in the future, from an occupational health perspective. Just as it is mandatory to have a properly adjustable chair and desk in the office, supporting production work will also become a requirement. After all, we want to reduce absence from work and facilitate people with a heavy duty workload.”

Exoskeletons within the baggage handling industry

Bart: “You can see this happening at Schiphol Airport, for example. The labour inspectorate has ruled that working conditions for baggage handling must be improved. Schiphol is looking at various solutions. Robotisation and automation are part of this,  but not everything can be done by machines. That is why our products are also being tested as part of the solution.”

Ultimately, Bart expects that there will be much more attention for health and safety in all industries: “Back, neck, and shoulder complaints are, after all, complaint number one”. Prokonak is ahead of this movement. Turgut: “Employment agencies active in the greenhouse horticulture sector do not always place a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of their workers. At Prokonak, we support our employees as much as possible with accommodation, health insurance, transport, and access to healthcare. A healthier working environment is an essential part of that commitment.”

Turgut: “If this pilot with Skelex works well, I see many possibilities. I am thinking, for example, of the production hall where tomatoes are packed in boxes and on pallets.” Bart agrees: “With the right support, we can make work more enjoyable and easier for everyone.”