In Victoria, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as sprains and strains, chronic pain and hernias, are one of the most common type of workplace injuries. In 2021 and 2022, MSDs made up almost 36% of all WorkCover claims. The average cost of one MSD claim is $126,350. MSDs are caused by exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace. This can be from manual tasks that are hazardous, the environment or workplace stressors. Employers need to be able to identify and control these hazards to prevent MSDs.
To help prevent these incidents, WorkSafe is developing a new education program – Building blocks. It aims to improve the state of knowledge, drive cultural change and reduce the incidence and severity of MSDs sustained through hazardous manual handling.
Building blocks aims to help medium employers (30 – 199 employees):
- Understand hazardous manual handling and the causes of MSDs
- Understand your OHS obligations
- Implement a risk management approach to preventing MSDs in the workplace
You’re invited to the Building blocks design workshops
WorkSafe invites employers, people leaders and health and safety representatives to participate in a highly interactive online workshop to contribute ideas and perspectives on developing this tailored education and coaching program for medium employers to apply in their workplace.
You can choose from one of three online workshops. Each workshop runs for two hours for a maximum of six participants. Due to limited spaces please ensure you are able to attend.
If you are not able to attend these workshops you can register your interest for future sessions by emailing [email protected]
WorkSafe welcomes your unique perspectives, knowledge and expertise in the design of Building Blocks. Your contribution is valuable – WorkSafe will look to you for advice, recommendations and innovation in formulating an impactful program, fit for purpose and tailored to the needs of employers.
Following the design workshop, you’ll be invited to participate in the education and coaching pilot and provide feedback on the project.
What’s in it for you?
Through participating in the design process, you’ll:
- learn how to identify and manage physical and psychosocial hazards in consultation with your workers
- build knowledge in innovative design techniques for solving complex problems
- network with other organisations, experts and consultants.
Workshop information
Workshop #1
Date: Thursday 27th October 2022
Time: 9am to 11am
Register here: eventbrite.com.au/e/hazardous-manual-handling-building-blocks-workshop-tickets-434396891797
Workshop #2
Date: Wednesday 9th November 2022
Time: 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Register here: eventbrite.com.au/e/copy-of-hazardous-manual-handling-building-blocks-workshop-tickets-434437342787
Workshop #3
Date: Tuesday 15th November 2022
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Register here: eventbrite.com.au/e/hazardous-manual-handling-building-blocks-workshop-tickets-434408215667
Please note, these are online workshop, hosted via Microsoft Teams.
Further information
To find out more about WorkSafe’s commitment to reducing the rate and severity of MSDs visit: worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/manual-handling-strategy-2020-23
If you have any questions about the upcoming workshops please email: [email protected]
