Service Company Case Study
The benefits of workstation assessments

Background

The personnel manager of a large service company sought advice from our physiotherapists on the high prevalence of extended staff absences due to back and neck problems and enquired about workstation assessments.

Our Actions

• Corporate Health selected a department in the company employing a significant number of people for ergonomic assessment and audit
• This audit revealed that workstation and VDU assessments had been performed and that most workstations were 'ergonomically sound'
• However, the majority of employees were unaware of the importance of correct use of the equipment, good posture and personal responsibility issues - all factors that directly impacted on the types of problems they were suffering

Our Recommendations

• Following review of the audit, Corporate Health consulted with the personnel manager and a two-pronged approach was adopted

1. All employees in the department attended a training course at which they were taught ergonomics and postural awareness
2. Any employee with back or neck problems was encouraged to self-refer to Corporate Health for physiotherapy

The Results

• A six-month review indicated that the incidence of back and neck problems experienced by employees in the department had fallen by over 50%
• Quick and easy access to a physiotherapist had resulted in a substantial reduction in the average number of days taken off
• The scheme has been so successful and cost-effective that it has since been extended throughout the whole company