Ergonomic Assesment.

Office workers often adopt prolonged, awkward postures, which can result in musculoskeletal impairments and discomfort. The widespread use of computers has extended work and leisure hours, leading to static neck postures, repetitive hand and wrist movements, and uncomfortable back positions for office workers. An occupational therapist can support you and your employees in addressing these workplace hazards through assessment and ergonomic recommendations.

Details of ergonomic support.

Recommendations from an Occupational Therapist have been shown to:

  • Reduce the frequency of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort

  • Effectively reduce the cost associated with musculoskeletal disorders from inappropriate set-up

  • Decrease absenteeism related to musculoskeletal disorders

  • Improve body posture and comfort

  • Increase work productivity

Occupational therapists can support you or your employees by working through:

  • Adapting and making recommendations according to the anthropometrics of individual workers to increase posture and comfort and prevent musculoskeletal pain

  • Promote healthy behaviours through recommendations and education on stretching

  • Promote healthy behaviours through education to increase employee awareness about risks and preventive measures

 FAQs

  • During an ergonomic assessment, the Occupational Therapist gathers information about the worker's needs, tasks, and environment. To increase comfort, mitigate risk and increase productivity the therapist may provide education on healthy workplace practices, equipment modification and recommendations, stretching, and injury prevention.

  • Typically, an ergonomic assessment lasts 60 minutes, with an additional 60 minutes for basic report writing. A more detailed report can be produced for an extra cost.

  • The occupational therapist will conduct the assessment at your home or workplace.

  • Since ergonomic assessments are conducted by occupational therapists, they may be eligible for rebates through your health fund, depending on your level of cover. Some workplaces may also cover the cost of home or workplace assessments, but the employer.