As is well known, CESFAC has long been developing various projects related to Occupational Risk Prevention (ORP) in the compound feed manufacturing sector. Increasing workplace safety is a concern for CESFAC and a responsibility of all those who work day in, day out in animal nutrition.
According to the Spanish Occupational Safety and Health Strategy 2023-2027, the aim is to improve working conditions within a context of significant changes in the world of work, such as digitalisation, sustainability and an ageing population. To this end, CESFAC has submitted two projects to the State Foundation for Occupational Risk Prevention F.S.P., both of which have been approved and on which work has already begun.
Project AS2024-0026 “Study on the risks related to occupational exposure to carcinogenic agents”
The recent entry into force of Royal Decree 612/2024 of 2 July, amending Royal Decree 665/1997 of 2 May on the protection of workers against risks related to occupational exposure to carcinogenic agents, highlights the need to strengthen, in a more rigorous manner, the protection of personnel exposed to this type of risk.
The objectives of this project are to promote a genuine preventive culture within companies in the compound animal feed manufacturing sector, to encourage safe working methods and practices, and to provide solutions regarding personnel exposure to carcinogenic agents in the workplace. This study is aimed at all companies in the sector to inform workers about the potential carcinogenic risks of the raw materials or additives used, with a view to having a workforce that is more aware and informed on this subject.
The contents covered by the project are:
- collection of information for the preparation of the study on the risks of exposure to carcinogenic agents;
- quantitative study: through surveys, satisfaction questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and workplace observations;
- a results and conclusions report incorporating the main findings obtained in the previous phases; and
- development of the final outputs; and
- communication and dissemination of the project.
The final material will consist of a study on the risks related to occupational exposure to carcinogenic agents in the compound feed industry and an informational video focused on best practices for the prevention and protection against exposure to carcinogenic agents in the workplace.
Project ES2024-0035 “Active ageing: healthy habits and safe behaviours in age management in the compound animal feed sector”
The objectives that CESFAC aims to achieve with this project are to promote safe working environments with a genuine preventive culture within companies in the compound animal feed manufacturing sector, to improve working conditions by enhancing occupational safety and health, to reduce accident rates in SMEs, to foster active ageing through safe working methods and habits, and to adapt the system to new challenges by responding to the demographic, technological and environmental changes in the compound animal feed manufacturing sector.
This study is primarily aimed at companies with fewer than 50 employees and at the priority group of older workers aged over 55, as well as a sample of the working population under 55 years of age.
The contents covered by the project are:
- a quantitative study (through a “Work Ability Index” questionnaire to be completed anonymously by workers in the production area),
- a qualitative study (through an expert group to ascertain workers’ perceptions of their working conditions in the production area and how these impact on health),
- a results and conclusions report incorporating the main findings obtained in the previous phases,
- the development of the final outputs, together with the
- communication and dissemination of the project.
The final material will consist of a guide, as well as a leaflet with a roadmap to promote recommendations for active and healthy ageing among the workforce.
For further information:
-. CESFAC . Spanish Confederation of Compound Animal Feed Manufacturers. A non-profit professional organisation that brings together and represents the interests of its member manufacturers and the animal nutrition sector as a whole before public authorities and third parties.
-. Animal Nutrition at NeXusAvicultura.com