Ergonomic Assessments
Ergonomics is the interaction between the person and their environment.
Most commonly I do ergonomic assessments in office environments, however have also worked in aeroplanes, warehouses and cars.
Why is Ergonomics a workplace problem?
Because a poor workstation/workplace setup can cause injuries. The most common report I hear when I do ergonomic assessments is people experiencing neck, shoulder and back pain.
Back problems are common conditions. Estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011–12 National Health Survey show about 3 million Australians (13.6% of the population) have back problems. It is estimated that 70–90% of people will suffer from lower back pain in some form at some point in their lives.
A good ergonomic assessment will remove the cause of muscle pain – often sub optimal posture and unbalanced biomechanical demands.
What are the benefits of a good workplace setup?
Anyone with a chronic muscle-related pain problem can go to a great Physiotherapist or Massage Therapist as often as they like but they will not get better if their ergonomics are poor.
Ergonomics is really a numbers game. Most people can withstand uncomfortable body positioning in the short-term and have no lasting effects. However if they have a terrible workplace set up, and spend hours every day, over weeks and months in this position, the negative impacts on the body are also multiplied.
What does an Upshot OT Ergonomic Assessment involve?
- Workplace visit
- Interview and history of symptoms
- Review of medical information if the client has an existing injury
- Detailed assessment of all aspects of the workplace/workstation
- Discussion and agreement on optimising the workplace setup
- Education on ergonomic principles
- Report provided within 48 hours
What does an ergonomic assessment cost?
$250 per person (+ travel if not local to Newcastle) for a basic assessment.
$350 (+ travel if not local to Newcastle) for a complex assessment if the person has an existing injury.
Discounts are negotiable for multiple assessments in the same workplace.