Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S)
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The aim of an Occupational Health & Safety program is to identify workplace hazards and provide realistic advice on risk control to reduce accidents and increase productivity. Please contact your nearest ORS office to discuss how ORS can assist you with your OH& S needs.
Manual Handling Audits - Hazards are identified and prevention strategies are recommended including; practical manual handling training incorporating manutention principles.Office Health - Group education sessions and/or review of individual workstations to reduce occupational overuse injuries.
Warm-Up for Work - A prework stretching routine based on analysis of work tasks and the main muscle groups used to complete these specific tasks.
Safety Audits - Practical advice on how companies can improve their response to injuries and reduce lost time.
Corporate Health Programs - Wellness programs that typically include physical and psychological stress management interventions.
Ergonomics ensures a match between individuals and their work design, tools, workstations and environment. A good match results in reduced risk of injury or re-injury, improved wellbeing and increased productivity.
Who is likely to need Ergonomics Services?
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An employer designing a new workplace, workstation or work tools.
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An employer who seeks to reduce workplace accidents or increase productivity.
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Someone who is returning to work following an injury.
A Workplace Evaluation is used to obtain information on a work environment Information is provided on critical physical demands required in a job and changes that can be made to assist an individual cope better at work.
Who is likely to need a Workplace Evaluation?
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An injured worker for whom specific restricted duties will be required.
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An injured worker who reports that there are no duties available to them but the employer or doctor indicates otherwise.
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Cases where doctors require more information about a workplace to assist in developing a return to work program.
Home Assessments are used to assess an individual's level of independence in daily living tasks. This can involve advice on alternative techniques and/or equipment required to increase safety or minimize pain when carrying out activities in daily living.
Who is likely to need a Home Assessment?
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An individual who is reporting difficulties in activities of daily living.
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Cases where there is concern that activities in the home are aggravating the injury and/or delaying recovery.
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An individual who is suspected of having an unrealistic fear of performing home duties.
A Functional Capacity Evaluation is carried out by an Occupational Therapist to safely assess an individual's physical tolerances and to identify any work restrictions that need to be accommodated in a work setting.
Specifically the assessment aims to:
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Assess the range over which an individual can achieve pain free movement.
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Isolate postures and activities which elicit symptomatic responses.
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Identify weights which can be moved over various ranges.
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Observe working postures and body mechanics, and educate accordingly.
Who is likely to need a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
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An individual for whom a doctor and/or employer needs specific information on work tolerances (eg. Lifting, standing, hand function).
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An individual who is lacking confidence in their physical capacity to perform available duties.
A Seating Assessment is provided to individuals and employers to assist in determining suitable chairs for use at work and/or home. This can involve either an assessment of existing chairs at the workplace or evaluation of new chairs. ORS has a range of ergonomic chairs available for trial. Seating assessments can also include car, truck, tractor or other vehicle seats.
Who is likely to need a Seating Assessment?
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An individual who spends a significant part of their day sitting.
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An individual whose injury may be aggravated by the use of an inappropriate chair or seat.
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