Return To Work Programs:

 

The aim of an early return to work program is to encourage the injured employee to continue to work following the recommendations of their treating Doctor.

Close monitoring is essential to avoid any aggravation of their injury until they are fully cleared to return to normal duties.

Early return to work programmes are designed to keep the injured worker working without any aggravation of pain. To ensure this occurs effectively, it is essential that communication continues smoothly and consistently between the managers, supervisors, injured workers and treaters. Task analysis is a valuable method used to educate offsite treaters unfamiliar with the specific tasks in the working environment.

It is used to reassure treaters and supervisors that all environmental stressors have been accounted for when assigning particular tasks for the injured worker. A graded return to normal duties without aggravation is the ultimate goal, designed to strength work hardening.

Manual Handling Training

Manual handling training is undertaken to improve worker understanding of the impact of poor manual handling techniques has on their body while undertaking physical tasks. It is used to encourage the application of correct manual handling skills and techniques while undertaking tasks both at the workplace and in the home front. The overall goal is to reduce the incidence of manual handling injuries both at work and home.
The main causes of manual handling injuries have been found to be represented by the following:

      • Repetitive or sustained movements
      • Lifting of moving heavy loads
      • Poor manual handling techniques
      • Slouching or awkward postures
      • Poor muscle strength
      • Poor muscle and joint flexibility
      • Lack of mobility
      • Poor physical fitness
      • Sudden or unexpected movements
      • Unsafe, slippery or uneven ground
      • Negotiating a cluttered environment
      • Poor scapular and core stability
      • Non-compliance of systems of work in the workplace

 

Manual handling training are specifically designed for each plant location, taking into the account the physical and psychological characteristics of the environment. It is tailor made for the individuals working in the specific workplace. This may involve photography analysis to identify specific issues experienced and identified by the workplace.
A brief outline of anatomy of the body is also used to aid in education.
The importance of duty of care to perform the tasks correctly, to abide by rules and regulations of the workplace and early reporting of injuries by both employees and the employer is emphasised.