Articles

White Collar Injuries on the Increase

In the 2008/2009 period, white collar professionals had the highest number of employment injury claims of all occupations in NSW (8,268). This equated to a total gross incurred cost of $152million, Source. 2008/2009 Statistical Bulletin, published by and found on the WorkCover website. Research has found that improved comfort and workstation efficiency for workers has positive benefits for productivity, the quality of work produced and overall workplace morale. A proactive approach to ergonomics is a cost effective way of protecting the health of workers and minimising injuries, thus reducing absenteeism and the costs associated with Workers Compensation Claims.

The Importance of Ergonomic Assessments

Ergonomics refers to "the science of designing the workplace environment to fit the user", and looks at the interaction between the person and their workplace and equipment. Research has found that many professionals report suffering from neck, shoulder, upper back or lower back pain at some point in their working lives. The easiest way to minimise the risk of your staff suffering a work-related injury and possibly claim, is to ensure that health and safety is a high priority in your workplace. This includes having workstations designed and set-up as ergonomically as possible. Staff’s workstations can be assessed on an individual basis and
must take into account the persons height and body
shape, the physical requirements of the task, and the
frequency and duration.

Actevate’s Ergonomic Assessments are completed by a team of allied health professionals including Occupational Therapists and Exercise Physiologists. Actevate recommends a proactive rather than a reactive approach to ergonomics whereby areas of potential improvement are dealt with prior to the occurrence of an accident or workplace injury. Inadequate knowledge regarding the principles and importance of appropriate posture combined with unsuitable work methods will increase the likelihood of premature fatigue, human error and persistent discomfort over a long period of time.

Actevate’s Ergonomic Assessments are aimed at risk management and the prevention of injuries by educating employees in the correct set up of their workstations, assessing for equipment requirements, and providing functional education in the correct working postures and techniques. Workers are also provided with education regarding the importance of work organisation, including varying tasks and taking allocated breaks so that postural diversity is achieved throughout the day.

Jacquie Davies, Rehabilitation Consultant & Nicola MacCue, Exercise Physiologist