Vehicle Ergonomics & Common Musculoskeletal Complaints

The car is a very common place that many individuals will often develop or experience various musculoskeletal complaints, ranging from neck, shoulder, back and hip/leg pain.  Typically these musculoskeletal strains and sprains may occur as a result of numerous factors, ranging from past history of injuries that are aggravated by sitting and driving or working in the car, poor vehicle ergonomic set up that places ones body in awkward postures, driving for extended periods of time in a static posture, working from the car whilst stationary with mobile phones, laptops, ipads and hard copy documents that require you to work in an awkward posture or manual handling items in and out of the car.

The individual vehicle ergonomic risk assessment and vehicle sit safe seminar is a service that we providing more regularly for companies who are aware of the hazards and risks associated with driving ergonomics.  Individuals who are currently suffering from musculoskeletal complaints aggravated by sitting and driving in the car are also becoming much more aware of the benefits of having an assessment and being educated on the best way to set their car up to suit their specific needs so that they can reduce their risk of further aggravation of their injury.

What does the vehicle ergonomic assessment involve?

  • Consultation with the worker about any current musculoskeletal complaints and issues surrounding these.
  • Consultation with the worker regarding current work tasks performed and work processes.
  • Review of workers sitting driving posture.  Adjustments will be made on the day to improve worker comfort should this be possible.
  • Review of work tasks performed within and to/from the car and advice given regarding working from the and manual handling to/from the car.
  • Risk assessment report outlining observations, assessment findings and suggestions for improvement.

What Are The Benefits Of Undergoing A Vehicle (car) Ergonomic Assessment?

  • Where changes can be made with the vehicle set up to improve worker comfort, these will be made on the day of the consultation.
  • Education and advice regarding worker driving posture, break behaviours, working from the car and manual handling in/out of the vehicle.
  • Report outlining any additional changes or suggestions to reduce further aggravation of the workers complaint.

If you would like to find out more about these services in detail or get a quote, please email admin@corporateworkhealth.com.

This blog post was written by osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy.

Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD leading Osteopathy clinics. At the clinic we treat a wide range of clients, ranging from the office worker, exercise enthusiast to athlete. We have 3 experienced osteopaths working across both of the clinics.

The Melbourne City CBD clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation.

The Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation.

To speak to an Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.