The IBV helps machine design and manufacturing companies adapt to the new European Regulation ahead of its entry into force in 2027

The machinery sector is an essential part of mechanical industry and one of the industrial cornerstones of the European economy. However, in many cases, machine design has not sufficiently taken into account the diversity of the physical characteristics of the user population. This lack of adaptation may result in awkward postures, excessive exertion and, consequently, a higher incidence of musculoskeletal disorders associated with the use of machinery. The integration of ergonomic criteria from the machine design and manufacturing stages, together with correct installation and maintenance, makes it possible to reduce these risks and improve working conditions.

With the aim of making progress in this direction, the new Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 was enacted. Its entry into force in January 2027 (repealing the previous Directive 2006/42/EC and Directive 73/361/EEC) establishes the new mandatory regulatory framework for European companies operating in this field. The new Regulation strengthens the consideration of ergonomic factors in machine design and manufacturing, increasing the obligations placed on European manufacturers.

Within this context, IBV has launched the ERGO_MAQUINAS project, the aim of which is to generate knowledge and practical tools to help machine manufacturing companies comply with the new Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 and the applicable ergonomics standards, while also incorporating a gender perspective in accordance with European Union requirements.

Ergonomics as an essential and mandatory aspect

The new regulatory framework establishes that, under the intended conditions of use, discomfort, fatigue and physical and mental stress experienced by the operator must be eliminated or reduced as far as possible. To this end, at least the following ergonomic principles must be taken into account: adapting to differences in operators’ body dimensions, strength and endurance; avoiding the need for demanding working postures or movements and manual forces that exceed the operator’s capacity; providing sufficient space for the movements of the various parts of the operator’s body; etc.

In the words of Mercedes Sanchis, Director of Innovation in Occupational Wellbeing and Health at IBV, “In this project, we have developed a methodology to help companies implement the ergonomic criteria that the new Regulation establishes as mandatory in machine design and manufacturing. The methodology incorporates inclusivity criteria and a gender-responsive design approach to ensure that machines can be used safely and efficiently by a workforce that is increasingly diverse in terms of sex, age and geographical origin.”

This research has involved a prior analysis of the new regulation and the applicable harmonised standards, identifying the key aspects and the most relevant anthropometric measurements for ergonomic design. Based on the anthropometric measurements identified, key anthropometric information has been extracted from IBV’s databases, which include data from more than 12,000 women and men from the European population, in order to address the ergonomic requirements set out in the Regulation for machine design and manufacturing.

A project developed in collaboration with companies and aligned with sector demands

ERGO_MAQUINAS is aimed particularly at companies in the machinery manufacturing and engineering sectors, all of which are highly mechanised and associated with significant risk. These sectors are urgently demanding methodologies, anthropometric data and practical solutions that will enable them to comply with European regulation before its entry into force in January 2027, with the corresponding impact on their activity.

For this reason, the initiative is being carried out in collaboration with companies such as Maf Roda Agrobotic, TICE. Engineering Solutions, Cebria and Henko Manufacturing, as well as the Confederación Empresarial de la Comunitat Valenciana (CEV) and the Federación Empresarial Metalúrgica Valenciana (FEMEVAL).

This project enables companies in the Comunitat Valenciana and across Spain to anticipate the entry into force of the regulatory changes and strengthen their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of workers.

Finally, the ERGO_MAQUINAS project is supported by the Conselleria d’Innovació, Indústria, Comerç i Turisme of the Generalitat Valenciana, through IVACE+i, with funding from the European Union through the ERDF Programme Comunitat Valenciana 2021-2027 (IMDEEA/2025/45).