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Ergonomists to offer spine mapping at The Furniture Show

The health and wellbeing of today’s workforce is not just about adhering to health and safety policies, it’s about educating people about sound ergonomic principles.

In a ‘hands-on’ demonstration, FIRA’s top ergonomists will be carrying out spine mapping for visitors each day on the FIRA stand (Hall 8, Stand A212) and will be offering advice as to how to alleviate back pain in your workforce.

The Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme is just one of the areas which will be covered on the stand. FIRA, along with other industry associations, has developed a programme to look at ways of making the industry more resource efficient in order to maintain and improve its economic performance.

Alun Watkins of FIRA International commented: "This sustainability programme focuses heavily on environmental issues but also considers the social and economic aspects of sustainability. All companies who become members of the programme will be expected to comply with set criteria beginning with two core commitments, the documentation and implementation of an environmental policy statement and legal compliance with environmental and health and safety legislation."

Each member works towards nine environmental options and six social and economic options. These include environmental management systems, waste management, energy management, transport, packaging, procurement, sustainable timber purchasing, emissions, end of life and community relations.

DTI-backed ukfirst will be presenting recent case studies which demonstrate how Lean Manufacturing processes have helped furniture manufacturers and retailers to save time and money. Programme Director John Baldwin said: "ukfirst is ideally situated to help UK furniture manufacturers improve their efficiency through the use of Lean techniques. We run a number of taster workshops throughout the year for people who want to find out more and have appointments for free diagnostic visits available for those who would like to visit the stand."

For more information about FIRA and the services it offers, e-mail  or call 01438 777 700.

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