New Machinery Regulation 2027
New Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230: What does it mean for ergonomics and occupational safety?
The new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 poses major challenges for manufacturers – especially when it comes to evaluating ergonomics during the early stages of machine development.
How can physical and mental strain be reliably assessed? What methods offer viable solutions?
The safety and health protection requirements of the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which will come into effect on January 20, 2027, address critical ergonomic aspects. Manufacturers are currently transitioning from the previous Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC to the new regulation – a process well underway.
A recurring question is how to effectively assess ergonomics, particularly physical and mental workload, at an early stage of machine design and production.
This remains a significant challenge, as many manufacturers have limited experience in this area.
However, there are established methods available – such as the Ergonomic Assessment Worksheet (EAWS®) developed by MTM ASSOCIATION e. V. – that can help meet these demands.
EAWS is a comprehensive ergonomic assessment tool designed for evaluating work systems. When combined with the MTM methodology, it can be applied proactively – during the design and engineering phase of a machine – to assess ergonomics before the machine is even built.
In doing so, manufacturers can effectively address key questions raised by the new regulation around occupational safety, performance, fatigue, and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.
This approach shifts the focus to holistic ergonomic design principles – such as posture (body, arms, and torso), exertion forces, manual load handling, repetition rates, range of motion, human-machine interfaces, and operator variability.
Interested?
Feel free to contact us to schedule a non-binding information session.
Email us at peter.kuhlang@mtm.org.