Ergonomics is defined as “the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theoretical principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well being and overall system performance” (source: http://www.iea.cc/01_what/What%20is%20Ergonomics.html)

When it comes to looking at ergonomics in the workplace within the Melbourne City CBD area, this will mostly relate to that of desk based ergonomics. The majority of workers within the city area often spend the majority of their day working at the computer. It is important that workers are shown how to best set up their workstation to suit their individual needs and ensure that their working space and equipment is appropriate for their specific job task. For the majority of workers in the Melbourne City CBD 3000 area most workers won’t have any specific issues with musculoskeletal strains and sprains, however for those individuals suffering from aches and pain, often undertaking an ergonomic assessment and making the appropriate changes to improve their current work area forms an integral part of helping resolve their injury.

Most people often attend Principle Four Osteopathy for the treatment of neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain and forearm/wrist pain without thinking about their workstation set up and how their posture could be either causing, maintaining or aggravating their complaint.

If you currently suffer from any of these above injuries and are not sure whether your current workstation is affecting your complaint, then we would highly recommend an ergonomic assessment. For a list of our current services in relation to ergonomic assessments, please read below.

Our current Ergonomic packages include:

1. “Sit Safe” Ergonomic Training with individual ergonomic advice (Book per hour, 2 hour minimum)

Our most basic level of ergonomic cover for organisations. This option is suited to larger groups of workers needing ergonomic advice. Our ‘Sit-Safe’ Ergonomic Training is completed onsite for groups of 12-15 workers per course. A registered Physiotherapist or Osteopath will facilitate the training sessions that includes both theoretical and practical components, emphasizing the importance of postural awareness in the workplace, and teaching the basics of correct ergonomic setup and well as common injuries and faults. This allows workers to return to their desks and correct the basics. We then spend the rest of the time available visiting each worker at their workstation and making further corrections and answering questions.

Suitable for 12+ workers, particularly larger groups of workers – ‘Sit-Safe’ Ergonomic Training provided for 30 – 60 minutes for all workers
5 – 10 minutes spent with each worker giving basic advice on workplace ergonomics at their workstation
No ergonomic assessment reports provided. List of ergonomic accessories required for each worker provided to management

2. Standard Group Assessments, 15-30 minutes per worker (Book per hour, 2 hour minimum)

Our group workstation assessments take approximately 15-30 minutes per worker and tend to be more preventative and proactive in nature. Typically, the workers are not experiencing any symptoms or have minor complaints only and the assessment aims to ensure that their workstation is set up correctly to prevent injury. Our therapists will review the individual and their workstation, identify any issues, modify where necessary their workstation to minimise risk of injury and provide recommendations in terms of self-management strategies, ergonomic accessories and safe working practices.

Case Example:

Suitable for 4+ ergonomic assessments/workers
15-30 minute assessment per worker – more economical with shorter assessment times by paying hourly rate (up to 4 workers per hour)
Assessment includes: Brief report provided documenting current issues, advice given to worker, changes made and any ergonomic accessories needed

3. One-on-one Specialist Assessments (longer assessment), including detailed report

Many of your workers may complain about pain or numbness after sitting for prolonged periods at the desk. Even more worrying is that some workers often suffer in silence and fail to report the early onset of symptoms. Work performance can decrease as their comfort decreases. Our consultants are able to come to you to carry out one-on-one consultations to identify risk factors and assess root cause/s and provide recommendations on appropriate management.

The assessment allows the health professional to interview the employee on their current concerns, any past injury history, and ensure that any modifications suit their individual needs. Our aim is to resolve and/or significantly improve symptoms which employees experience when at work and prevent the likelihood of aggravation occurring.

Case example:

Suitable for 1+ ergonomic assessment/worker experiencing current musculoskeletal complaints
Longer assessment per worker
Assessment includes: Detailed report provided on assessment documenting current issues and hazards, advice given to worker, changes made to workstation, any ergonomic accessories needed, details of current injuries and complaints and aggravating factors, specific advice given by practitioner and any necessary referrals

4. Home Office Ergonomic & Safety Risk Assessment, including detailed report

All employers have a duty of care under current legislation to provide a safe workplace for their workers. If a worker is working from home this includes their home office and home environment. This level of assessment ensures your workers home office has been assessed for both ergonomic risk factors and general safety risk factors.

Building on from our ergonomic assessments we are able to send a cert IV OHS qualified practitioner to your workers home office to complete an ergonomic assessment and safety risk assessment with report. Our consultants are able to come to you to carry out one-on-one risk assessment consultations to identify all ergonomic hazards, plus assess manual handling issues, repetition, trip hazards, fire safety, ventilation, emergency contacts, childcare arrangements and first aid supplies. This will provide you with a report which can be kept with your Health and Safety Rep’s records for management.

Case Example:

Suitable for 1+ ergonomic and safety risk assessment/worker who works from home office
Extended assessment per worker including consulting with HR, Health & Safety Rep/Officer & management if needed
Assessment includes: Detailed report provided including details of ergonomic assessment and safety risk assessment plus identified hazards.

For more information about these services or to arrange an ergonomic assessment, please email info@principle4.com or call 0396709290.

Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD 3000 leading Osteopathic clinics. We are located in the heart of the Melbourne City CBD 3000 area at 29 Somerset Place, Melbourne City CBD 3000 (near the corner of Little Bourke & Elizabeth St).

Check us out online @ www.principlefourosteopathy.com