Work Place Assessments
A work place assessment is a detailed individual ergonomic analysis1 of a person within their working environment. One of our highly trained physiotherapists will assess the individual client at their place of work, whether that is in an office or on a production line.
At the Newcastle Sports Injury Clinic we are experienced at conducting the assessments for a variety of workplaces from offices and workshops to road sweeping machinery. Following any assessment our clients are provided with detailed written feedback and recommendations. Recommendations can address a range of problems including chair height or position of monitor. Advice may be given regarding the organisation of tasks within the working day to discourage problematic or static postures with the use of rest breaks or task rotation. In more extreme cases the therapist may advise an alteration to the furniture such as desk height or suggest the provision of extra equipment such as wrist supports and document holders. All recommendations made are exactly that, any changes are made at the manager’s discretion. We are able to help companies source any equipment required. We have a working relationship with a local and national office furniture manufacturer who is able to provide any furniture you may require.
Work place assessments can be carried out with new employees on entry to prevent future problems. This can also be organised for staff members with specific needs or existing problems to reduce and prevent absenteeism. Assessments can be done on an individual basis or advice can be given for a larger group of people, for example during office re-design. Suitable and adaptable furniture can be recommended or reorganisation of the existing environment on a large scale can be arranged. This can be organised for any working environment. Therapists at the clinic have experience in the re-design of industrial production lines, working with engineers to increase productivity and efficiency. Work has also been done with large corporations to ensure adequate modifications on fleets of vehicles when common problems have been identified. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work believes that an interface should always be adjusted to suit the worker and not the other way round.
1 The assessment looks in detail at all aspects of the working environment from lighting and noise levels to working postures and demands placed upon the individual. The assessment also addresses a client’s pre-existing problems. The therapist will observe clients completing tasks so that they fully understand the physical requirements and advise on correct techniques and postures which may be causing or contributing to problems. Poor postures in the working environment can often delay the healing process, therefore it is important to offer adjustments and address problems as soon as possible.
