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The landscape of the workspace has certainly changed over the last few weeks. Many people are now working from home, a space familiar for home and domestic activities, and unfamiliar for occupational tasks. The elements of good work design (Biomechanical, Physical, Cognitive and Psychosocial) pertain to whatever environment is chosen to be the workspace and due consideration must be given by both employers and employees to manage the occupational health and safety risks.

Regarding the biomechanical elements (force, movement, posture and vibration) – staff should conduct a risk assessment or self-evaluation of their intended home workspace. Parts of the workspace that should be reviewed are;

• Location – avoid performing tasks where awkward postures are likely to be sustained e.g. bed, couch, recliner chair, outdoor setting
• Check for appropriate lighting, ventilation and temperature
• Try to replicate your usual workstation set up with a chair, desk, phone and documents within close reach
• Use headphones if utilising a mobile phone or even landline if able
• If using a laptop – consider utilising a second larger computer monitor and / or raise the laptop up to eye level and at the appropriate distance. Consider an external keyboard and mouse also.
• Make time for appropriate posture breaks and to perform exercises and stretches

Nabenet Health is continuing to provide ergonomic workspace consultation through ‘tele-health’ means –get in touch for more information and also a working from home checklist. markmanokaran@nabenet.com.au or (03) 9981 9888.

Congratulations to the Nabenet staff who recently won the following ARPA Victoria Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards.

Best New Starter, New Employer

Outstanding RTW Achievement, Psychological Claim

Outstanding Consultant, New Employer

Nabenet has achieved the highest rating possible from WorkSafe for our OES and NES return to work services, a total of 6 stars out of a possible 6 stars. Congratulations to our entire team for assisting more injured Victorian workers back to work.

If you would like to hear more about our latest rating or how we are assisting more Victorian workers back to work please contact Vanessa Cariss vanessacariss@nabenet.com.au or call the Nabenet office on 9981 9888.

Nabenet Health is pleased to be partnering with Austin Health for an innovative clinical trial reviewing the prescription of a facilitated exercise based strength, flexibility and conditioning program coupled with a health coaching package for staff with a work-impacting injury. This clinical project is founded on a strong evidence base surrounding a patient-centred and holistic approach to the management of musculoskeletal pain and in supporting return to work outcomes. Some of the significant pillars include – assessing psychosocial factors, undertaking a physical examination of strength, mobility, function, using specific and relevant outcome measures, providing patient education and addressing physical activity and exercise. Pictured here from Austin Health are Jason Howard – Director, Health and Safety; Anne Marie Joske – Manual Handling Coordinator; and from Nabenet Health, Mark Manokaran – Health Manager, and Paul Neff – Senior Clinician Physiotherapist.