Cyprus

Vassiliko Cement Works produces clinker and cement and operates several quarries. As is common in physically demanding industries, the ageing of the workforce at Vassiliko presents a significant challenge to the company. Employees aged 50-64 constitute 34 % of Vassiliko’s workforce. Older workers in heavy industry are at risk of early retirement and disability if the work environment and work demands are not adapted to their changing capacities. The company carried out a risk assessment process specifically considering the risks faced by older employees. Vassiliko recognised that older workers are particularly vulnerable to the risks posed by shift work and heavy workloads. To reduce the risks, the company increased the number of shifts from four to five by employing 15 new workers, allowing employees longer rest periods between shifts. Ergonomic improvements to the work environment were made, including the installation of two new lifts to reduce physical strain and the risks of musculoskeletal disorders. The company also carried out a full renovation of its offices, applying ergonomic principles to improve the work environment. Vassiliko provides medical examinations for its personnel. In cooperation with occupational healthcare, electronic medical records were created for all personnel. This allowed certificates of work sustainability to be created for each employee, enabling the organisation to determine the tasks a worker is able to perform and the measures that would further improve working conditions. In cases in which a worker is not able to carry out the same job because of health problems, the company supports redeployment. The decision to move a worker to a different job is agreed between the worker, the occupational doctor and the management. The company also installed an on- site first aid facility and employed a nurse to staff it during core working hours. Two defibrillators were purchased and 42 employees were trained to use them and to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Furthermore, Vassiliko ran a culture change programme, creating teams made up of employees of varying ages and backgrounds and at different levels in the company; the aim was to promote team spirit and integration, as well as cooperation between older and younger employees. The company also started training programmes aimed at older employees, covering accident prevention and stress management, as well as new technology. To protect employees’ mental health, sessions with a psychiatrist on the topic of stress and how to deal with it were held. • Work performance increased across all age groups. • Measures to improve the work environment resulted in 
better job satisfaction for employees. • A better work–life balance was achieved by creating a 
fifth shift. • Over 90 employees took part in the sessions with the 
psychiatrist, receiving advice on managing stress.

Level of Education: Continuing vocational education and training

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