PErforM
The occupational therapist is trained in the delivery of PErforM (Participative Ergonomics for Manual Tasks) program. This is based on a participative ergonomics approach which is an internationally recommended method for reducing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.
The PErforM program was developed by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) in conjunction with the University of Queensland and the Curtin University of Technology. The Participative Ergonomics for Manual Tasks (PErforM) program is a simplified manual tasks risk management program. There has been a significant reduction in manual task injury risks reported for workplaces receiving the PErforM intervention, as assessed by WHSQ Inspectors.
The PErforM system assists workplaces to comply with their obligations under the Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2010.
Overall, managing health and safety, including manual tasks risks, makes good business sense because it can:
- Increase productivity as workers are able to work ‘smarter rather than harder’.
- Increase morale as it may improve the work environment and the workers feel that their employer cares about their work conditions and health and wellbeing.
- Increase recruitment and retention as workers, given the current skills shortage, may be more selective about for whom they work. Workplaces with good health and safety practices become more attractive to workers.
- Decrease injuries and absenteeism which both impact on productivity and result in increased costs, i.e. for hiring and training new staff, workers compensation premiums, and common law claims, not to mention the pain and suffering caused to the injured worker and their families.
The idea of PErforM is that the worker is the expert in performing their work tasks. PErforM provides a framework for assisting workers to identify and control manual task risks within their workplace. As part of this program, work teams are provided with training about manual task risks and participate in facilitated workshops to generate control ideas (eg. ways to minimise or eliminate risk in the workplace).
The occupational therapist is happy to attend the workplace initially for a FREE presentation about the benefits of the PErforM tool, with no obligation to your company to proceed.
