Injuries can occur with office and computer based workers and not just in manual labour roles, due to prolonged periods of sitting at a workstation. Majority of injuries that occur for computer based workers are often soft tissue injuries such as musculoskeletal strains and sprains (particularly of the wrists, elbows and shoulders) neck and back pains, eye strain and headaches. Majority of these injuries are able to be prevented through complying with recommendations following workstation assessments. In Queensland alone there were 105,385 workers compensation claims lodged between 2011-2012 with a total cost of $1.348 billion (statutory (non-fault) claims $754.7 million and common law (legal action against employer) claims $593.3 million. Claims from strains and sprains accounted for the largest proportion (25.2%) of statutory claim payments (Q-comp Statistical Report 2011-2012).

As you can see from the above statistics, workstation assessments are highly valuable to both employees and employers. For employees they increase comfort and prevent injuries, as well as improve work efficiency, and to employers they can reduce worker’s compensation claims and insurance premiums. Workstation assessments are also highly beneficial as they can also increase workplace morale by companies taking an active interest in their staff well-being and health. This increased morale, in turn can lead to increased work productivity and focus and reduced absenteeism and turnover.

Workstation assessments can also be used to identify, reduce and eliminate risks relating to employee’s work environment and practices. At Advantage Injury Management Services we conduct individual, personalised workstation assessments which involves a qualified Occupational Therapist, Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist coming to your workplace and meeting with the employee and employer. In this meeting Advantage Injury Management Services will complete the following:

• A detailed interview with the employee regarding their concerns or injury.
• Conduct an assessment of the workstation set up.
• Make specific adjustments as necessary.
• Explain recommendations and their importance for adherence.
• Provide a written report of the current ergonomic set up, recommendations provided and any particular information requested by the employer.

Advantage Injury Management Services complete individual workstation assessments or group ergonomic training. For more information regarding these assessments please email or call us.

Blog – Rachael Duplock (Occupational Therapist)

References

Q-Comp Statistics Report

http://www.qcomp.com.au/media/267754/40268%20qcomp%20statistics%20report%20web.pdf