When thinking about workplace injuries, it’s easy to assume the most common causes are a sudden heavy lift, a slip or trip, or even a fall.
However, evidence shows a different picture.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) — the most common type of workplace injury — are usually cumulative in nature. Rather than resulting from a single incident, they develop over time due to a combination of factors, including not only physical hazards (such as awkward postures or manual handling), but also organisational and psychosocial factors.
These factors include how work is designed and performed, as well as the social environment in which it occurs — for example, low job autonomy, night shifts, high workload, or limited supervisory support.
Taking a Holistic Approach to Injury Prevention
Workplaces with high injury rates, or those operating in high-risk industries such as manufacturing, mining, and healthcare, must look beyond visible hazards and take a holistic approach to risk management.
Embedding on-site physiotherapy into the workplace is one effective way to support this broader approach.
The Role of On-Site Physiotherapy
Occupational Physiotherapists can assist with identifying hazards and implementing controls across all hazard categories:
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Physical hazards are commonly assessed through observation or validated tools such as ManTRA (Manual Task Risk Assessment).
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Organisational hazards, including job design and roster characteristics, may be assessed using job dictionaries and work analysis.
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Psychosocial hazards can be evaluated through validated questionnaires and, importantly, by directly consulting workers.
By working on-site, physiotherapists ensure employees are active participants in injury prevention and safety initiatives. This involvement has been shown to improve the effectiveness of implemented controls and foster a positive safety culture within the workplace.
Day-to-Day Benefits of On-Site Physiotherapy
On a practical level, on-site physiotherapists can:
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Assess and treat early “niggles” before they progress into long-term injuries
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Determine an injured worker’s capacity and recommend suitable alternative duties
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Deliver targeted training and education
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Conduct ergonomic assessments to identify injury prevention opportunities and improve efficiency
Reducing Costs and Strengthening Your Workforce
This proactive approach is where real cost savings occur.
Implementing on-site physiotherapy has been shown to reduce injuries and lost time injuries (LTIs), leading to lower workers’ compensation claims, reduced insurance costs, and a workforce that is healthier, happier, and more productive.
Think of it as having a “team physio” — someone who understands your workforce, your workplace, and the unique demands your workers face every day.
If your workplace is interested in exploring how on-site physiotherapy can enhance worker health and performance, contact ErgoPhysio for a complimentary On-Site Injury Assessment and Report.
References
Oakman, J., Clune, S., & Stuckey, R. (2019). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Australia. Safe Work Australia: Canberra, Australia.
Sadi, J., MacDermid, J. C., Chesworth, B., & Birmingham, T. (2007). A 13-year cohort study of musculoskeletal disorders treated in an auto plant on-site physiotherapy clinic. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 17(4), 610–622.
