A Healthy Business Needs a Healthy Workforce.

An Introduction to Occupational Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the person, rather than making the person adapt to the job.

“Health problems most often associated with work are musculoskeletal: in 2005, 25% of European workers complained of backache and 23% of muscular pains.”
European Foundation for the Improvement of
Living and Working Conditions.

By drawing on a wide variety of disciplines including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, design and information technology, our service aims to make beneficial changes to work activities to best fit the person carrying out the task. This reduces work related musculoskeletal disorders, improves physical and mental health, maximises staff comfort and consequently optimises staff productivity and efficiency.

Our Occupational Health Physiotherapists are members of The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (ACPOHE). This means they have additional knowledge and training in Occupational Health and Ergonomics.

Below are some examples of our packages which can be provided on an ad hoc or regular basis and are suitable for both large and small businesses. To ensure our services suit your specific needs, we will be very happy to discuss your requirements.

Workstations Assessments

Basic DSE Workstation Assessment

Essential for DSE workstation users

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations state that companies and organisations with employees using DSE workstations are required to provide workstation assessments to assess risks to those involved with their use. Workstations must meet certain specified requirements and employers must reduce any risks identified to the lowest extent that is reasonably practicable.

Our Basic DSE Workstation Assessment involves an evaluation of the working environment and the individual’s posture. During our visit, adjustments might be made to the workstation layout. Advice is given on posture and behaviour, the organisation of the working day and the preferential method for use of equipment and software.

If your employees conduct their own assessments we can provide training for them and/or your DSE coordinator.

If you need to develop or update your DSE assessment strategies we can help you produce an efficient DSE assessment policy in line with current health and safety legislation.

Specialist DSE Workstation Assessment

Ideal for those with work related problems

For your employees with work related muscle or joint problems we will conduct an in-depth assessment of their workstation set-up and an analysis of their workstation movement patterns.

This service is suitable for those with long-term problems and ideal as an early intervention in the acute or sub-acute phases. Whether the cause of the problem is work related or not, the aim of this service is to make your employee more comfortable and consequently more productive.

As part of this service we will provide an in-depth report including recommendations for the employee and employer.

This may include

• Advice for the employee to help them optimise their workstation behaviour
• Recommendations for modifications to the current workstation equipment provided
• Equipment recommendations to enhance the individual employee’s workstation set up.

If equipment recommendations are made, a range of suitable products and suppliers will be provided.

Combined Clinical Assessment and Specialist DSE Workstation Assessment

For the employee and employer who together wish for a greater clinical understanding of an individual’s symptoms

This detailed assessment includes a thorough clinical assessment of an individual’s musculoskeletal problems in addition to a specialist work station assessment. This in-depth service enhances an employee’s understanding of their symptoms and provides employers with an insight into an individual employee’s musculoskeletal problems.

The report provided will include a clinical evaluation, physical findings and clinical recommendations, as well as in-depth workstation assessment findings and recommendations. Due to data protection, this service requires the employee to consent to the release of a medical report to their employer and as such is only suitable for employees who are willing to share medical information with their employer.

Rehabilitation

We aim to minimise periods of absence due to injury or accident by providing cost effective, early intervention for staff.

Following notification of an injury or accident, we can ensure an injured employee receives proper support and rehabilitation. We can provide an expert assessment and diagnosis. In addition we can help provide treatment and rehabilitation to enable them to remain at work or rehabilitate the injured worker back to work. We ensure restoration of an individual’s function and an early return to work is a primary goal for this service through liaison with the employee and occupation health department.

Our involvement can provide overall savings in cost, whilst enhancing the employer/employee relationship. A prompt return to work, irrespective of whether the absence is employment related, benefits both the employer and employee.

“The longer the period of absence the less likely the employee is ultimately to return to work.”
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 2006.

The service is usually provided at one of our treatment centres but may also be provided onsite. For further information please contact us.

Consultancy

We can work with you on specific projects to ensure optimal solutions are found to the occupational health ergonomic challenges you are facing.

Do you have a policy in place for DSE assessments?

We can make recommendations and aid you with development of a policy that ensures your company conforms to HSE regulations for DSE Workstation Assessments.

Are you struggling to find ergonomic solutions to flexible working?

We can help you and your company find solutions to concerns relating to flexible working, including difficulties which may arise from increased laptop use, hot desking or home working and advise on remedial action in line with current health and safety legislation.

Is your company undergoing reorganisation or relocation?

If you are reorganising office space, relocating your business or updating your office furniture, we will work with you and your budget to identify a furniture range that will suit the majority of your staff.

To discuss your specific project please contact us.