presentation 1: msd prevention – how do i get started?€¦ · pn12277; presentation 1: msd...

MSD prevention: Let’s go back to basics

Presenters: Tammy Roberts (Principal Advisor Ergonomics)Alison Morris (Senior Advisor – IPaM)

MSDs:What?Why?

Causes?

The

approach:

How to get

started?

The bigger

picture.

What else

is at play?

IPaM case

study: A

practical

approach

Resources

Today’s Session

What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?

Injury to, or disease of the musculoskeletal system including muscles,

nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs.

Can occur suddenly, or over time.

Commonly known as sprains and strains.

(Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, Schedule 19)

Why focus on MSDs?

30% MSD reduction by 2022 (Australian WHS Strategy 2012-22)

MSDs = more than half of all serious claims in Queensland.

Workers compensation data: HMTs and slips trips and falls.

Improved productivity and business benefit.

MSDs can be complex.

Evidence base: mental stress and chronic disease risks.

What does the legislation say?

PCBU must manage the risk of MSDs arising from Hazardous Manual Tasks. (WHS Reg Section 60)

Risk management must be applied. (WHS Reg Section 34-38)

Consult your workers. (WHS Act Section 47-48).

Refer to, and follow the Codes of Practice.

Musculoskeletal disorder risk factors

MSDs

Mental

stress

Individual

factors

Physical

factors

at work

• Slips, trips and falls

• Hazardous Manual Tasks

• Work demands

• Poor support

• Low control

• Modifiable chronic

disease risk factors

• Age and gender

• Anthropometrics

Examples

Examples

Examples

Main sources of the physical risks

Work area design and layout:

Plant, machinery, access, fittings, displays

Nature, size, weight and number of things handled:

Shape, slipperiness, unstable nature, tools used i.e. knives, saws, loads handled

Systems of work:

Pace of work, skill mix of the work team, resources to do the jobs

Environment:

Temperature, floor surfaces, lighting

(Hazardous manual tasks Code of Practice 2011)

How do I get started?

Consult and engage

Data records and trends

Workplace observations

Risk assessment

Control risks

Ongoing review

1

2

3

4

5

6

What is IPaM?

• Joint program between WHSQ and WorkCover Qld

• Over 1,000 Qld employers

• On-site assistance

• Hazards, safety and injury management systems, and safety climate assessment

• Targeted business improvement plan and ongoing support

Typical approach taken in IPaM

Consult and engage

Data records and trends

Workplace observations

Risk assessment

Control risks

Ongoing review

1

2

3

4

5

6

Health care and social assistance industry case study: IPaM program

Assisted 126 Employers in this industry to date.

Private hospitals, aged care, community care, not for profit organisations.

Strong focus on MSDs

Case study example

• Residential care < 100 residents, 130 staff

• Nursing staff, allied health, kitchen, cleaners, maintenance laundry, administration staff.

• Average age is 52

• 90% female workforce

• High number of workers compensation claims – mostly MSDs (shoulder, back and knee)

• Increased absenteeism in previous 12 month

Initial consultation and data review

Data gathering and workplace observations

Phase 2

A day in the life activity

Hazard assessment

Review of WHS systems

Focus groups/ worker survey

Physical, psychosocial and chronic disease

risk factors

Risk assessment tools

Sources of risk

Phase 2

Work, and systems of work

•Reaching and bending

•Handle bulk product and kitchen equipment

•Repetitive tasks

• Limited social contact

• Limited task rotation

•Unpredictable resident behaviour

•Poor maintenance

Physical work environment

•Access paths

• Floor surface

•Equipment

• Storage racking

•Bench heights

•Temperature

Worker

•Health risk factors

•Ageing

• Smoking

• Fitness levels

• Stress

•Work related

• Financial

Approach to choosing risk controls

Choosing the right controls

Phase 2

Work, and systems of work

• Systems controls

• KPIs

• Communication and consultation

• Work organisation

• Task rotation and increased social contact

• Training

Physical work environment

• Work area design

• Improved use of racking for bulk items

• Ventilation and fans

• Adjustable height trolley

• Repairs to damaged floor surface

• Equipment

Worker

• Health

• Kitchen facilities

• Smoke free workplace policy and quit support

• Incentive programs

• EAP program

• Superannuation and financial planning sessions

Resources

www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

• E-Tools: PErforM and ManTRA (Hazardous Manual Tasks), Return on Investment, Heat Stress,

Noise

• Risk assessment tools

• Legislation including Code of Practice

• Principles of Good Work Design Handbook (Safe Work Australia)

• Injury Prevention and Management program

• Workplace Health Planning guide

• People at Work project and Work-related stress tip sheets

Call us on: 1300 362 128

Email: Tamara.Roberts@oir.qld.gov.au Alison.Morris@oir.qld.gov.au

IPaM information