Altius Group Occupational Therapist and Rehabilitation Consultant, Krista Armstrong, explains how a Job Task Analysis is key in preventing common workplace injuries.
According to the ABS (July 2017-June 2018) the three most common workplace injuries occurred by:
1. Lifting, pushing, pulling or bending (24%)
2. Hitting or being hit or cut by an object or vehicle (17%)
3. A fall on the same level, including a slip or fall (15.5%)
Repetitive movement with low muscle loading accounted for 8.5%, exposure to mental stress accounted for close to 7% and prolonged standing, working in cramped or unchanging positions accounted for 2.5% of work related injuries or illnesses.
What is a Job Task Analysis?
Workplaces can prevent many of these work related injuries by undertaking a Job Task Analysis (JTA). Put simply, the JTA provides an expert assessment of the physical and cognitive demands of a job. It is relevant for any industry. With men’s health at the forefront during June, this can be a valuable way to contribute to men’s (and of course women’s) health and wellbeing - whatever their occupation.
Benefits of Job Task Analaysis
With a well-informed and clear view of the demands of a job, employers obtain clarity and understanding of the requirements of the role for the worker. From a HR perspective it enables those in recruitment to choose candidates suitable for the requirements of the role with greater confidence of achieving a person-job match.
More on Job Task Analysis
When an employee is well matched to the requirements of their role – they are less likely to experience work related injuries. The Job Task Analysis also provides information and opportunity to educate employees on the WHS issues relating to their position.
The JTA also supports management of workplace injuries and provides clarity to enable a collaborative and empowering approach to recovery at work. Our experienced allied health professionals perform Job Task Analysis, as a one-off service that provides job clarity and vital information for your employees - for long term use.
