The impact of manual handling training on work place injuries: a 14 year audit

Abstract

Matthew Massy-Westropp is Clinical Senior Occupational Therapist at Metropolitan Domiciliary Care Southern Region. Derek Rose is Research Officer at Metropolitan Domiciliary Care Southern RegionManual handling injuries represented both the highest costs and largest proportion of workers compensation claims for the South Australian Department of Human Services from 1995 to 1999 (Risk Management Services 2000). There is evidence to suggest the manutention method of manual handling training can reduce workplace injuries. A retrospective audit of injuries was conducted at Metropolitan Domiciliary Care Southern Region, a community health service agency, to determine the effects of introducing the manutention method of manual handling to the agency. The workers most likely to sustain a manual handling injury were paramedical aides. For this workgroup, the incidence and severity of injuries were significantly reduced for the period following the introduction of the manutention method of manual handling training.