At Matfer Bourgeat, safety isn’t something that’s simply decreed—it’s built day by day. Protectous Day is a concrete example of this belief. This year, the Vauconsant site hosted the 5th edition of the event, bringing employees together for interactive workshops focused on prevention. The goal has remained the same since the beginning. First, it’s about better identifying risks; second, knowing how to respond to everyday situations; and finally, instilling the right reflexes at every workstation. In other words: protecting yourself and protecting others.
Why does Protectous Day involve all teams?
Prevention loses its effectiveness when it remains purely theoretical. That is why Matfer Bourgeat has designed a format that is intentionally participatory. At Vauconsant, every employee takes an active role in ensuring not only their own safety but also that of their colleagues.
This approach has a twofold effect. On the one hand, it makes the guidelines easier to remember because the teams experience them firsthand. On the other hand, it creates an opportunity for interaction within the fast-paced industrial environment. In fact, getting to know one another better across departments facilitates mutual vigilance on the job.
Furthermore, Protectous Day is based on a simple principle: safety is a shared responsibility. A risk reported by a coworker often prevents an accident.
The name of the operation alone sums up this philosophy. Protecting oneself, protecting others: the phrase can be summed up in just a few words, but it holds everyone accountable. In particular, it requires moving beyond individual instincts to take a careful look at one’s immediate surroundings.
Seven participatory workshops are on the program for the 5th edition
Seven workshops were held throughout the day at the Vauconsant site. Each one addressed a different aspect of prevention. Furthermore, all of them were based on role-playing rather than traditional lectures.
The Wheel of Chance and The Master Key: Test Your Knowledge
First, Maxence led “La Roue du Hasard,” a workshop built around questions and challenges. The fun format makes it easy to review the basics.
Next, Dylan and Vincent proposed “Le Passe-Partout,” in which participants solve puzzles that relate to the company’s real-world challenges. This approach helps participants retain the concepts much more effectively than a traditional presentation.
The Path to Vitality and The Key to Good Posture: Improving Your Health
Cyril and Julien hosted *Le Chemin Vital*, a program focused on first aid. When someone becomes ill or is injured, the first few minutes are critical. Knowing what to do can make a real difference in the outcome of an emergency.
For their part, Nicolas Odabachian and Louis Villard led the “La Clé des Bonnes Postures” workshop. This workshop aims to prevent and relieve pain associated with daily activities. Through practical exercises, the teams identify movements that need to be corrected. The result: fewer musculoskeletal disorders.
The Fort Trail and The Adaptation Challenge: Expanding the Scope of Prevention
Fabien and Catherine have taken charge of “La Route du Fort,” a program focused on road safety awareness. Road hazards are, in fact, one of the leading causes of serious workplace accidents in France. They affect both commutes to and from work and business travel.
Finally, the CAPS teams led “The Adaptation Challenge.” This workshop helps participants better understand the different types of disabilities and their impact on daily life. As a result, it supports both prevention efforts and the site’s inclusion policy.
Le Cercle des Limites: The Protectous Day, Promoting Better Community Life
Christine and Valentin led “Le Cercle des Limites,” a workshop focused on kindness and behaviors to adopt in daily life. This workshop holds a special place in the program.
Safety isn’t limited to protective equipment. It also depends on the quality of workplace relationships. For example, a team that listens to one another is more likely to report a problem. Conversely, a tense atmosphere hinders the flow of information.
However, these topics remain difficult to address head-on. The format of the Protectous event provides precisely the framework needed for these discussions.
How Protectous Day Makes a Real Difference in the Workplace
An awareness-raising day is only as valuable as the impact it leaves behind. That is why each workshop is designed to lead directly to practical application. In concrete terms, this approach produces several observable effects in the field:
Better identification of risks, including those that have become invisible due to habit.
Shared first-aid skills, extending beyond just workplace first-aid responders.
Improved posture leads to a reduction in chronic pain.
Increased road safety awareness, both while traveling and on-site.
A more accurate perspective on disability, and a better understanding of accommodations.
Easier communication between departments, which streamlines the reporting of risky situations across the entire site.
Each of these points is then translated into concrete actions in our workshops and offices. In fact, it is this same standard that guides our commitments to quality and CSR.
A prevention initiative that takes shape with each new edition
Five editions—it’s no longer just a one-time event; it’s a tradition. Each year, the program evolves based on feedback from the teams and current priorities.
This continuity makes all the difference. Indeed, prevention progresses through repetition and internalization, never by decree. From one edition to the next, habits take root, the range of topics expands, and new facilitators step up. Once again this year, several staff members led a workshop for the first time.
The 5th edition of Protectous Day is thus part of a long-term initiative led by the Vauconsant teams. Useful, practical, and committed, it serves as a reminder of a simple truth: safety is everyone’s responsibility.
See also
La prévention se construit collectivement, sur tous nos sites.
Poursuivez la lecture :
🛡️ La Semaine Sécurité chez Bourgeat — le format de sensibilisation déployé sur le site.
🛡️ La Semaine Sécurité chez Matfer — les actions de prévention menées par les équipes.