Investigating work-related musculoskeletal disorders: strengths and weaknesses of current practices in large Australian organisations

Natassia Goode; S Newman; Michelle Van Mulken; S Dekker; Paul M Salmon

doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2018.10.022

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Investigating work-related musculoskeletal disorders: strengths and weaknesses of current practices in large Australian organisations

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Investigating work-related musculoskeletal disorders: strengths and weaknesses of current practices in large Australian organisations

Natassia Goode, S Newman, Michelle Van Mulken, S Dekker and Paul M Salmon

Safety Science, Vol.112, pp.105-115

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2018.10.022

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

investigations

work-related musculoskeletal disorders

learning from incidents

UniSC Diversity Area - Disability and Inclusion

This paper presents a conceptual framework for learning from investigations of work-related musculoskeletal disorders based on the literature. The framework is used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current practices in 19 large Australian organisations, in comparison to recommended practice in the literature. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 34 employees responsible for investigating reports of WMSDs. The findings show that current practices are highly variable both within and across organisations, and that reports of minor injuries due to work tasks (i.e. pain, discomfort) are unlikely to be investigated. While some practices that may enhance opportunities for learning were identified, they tended to occur based on individual skills and experience. Participants also reported significant challenges in implementing recommendations to address WMSDs following investigations. Overall, the findings suggest that in large Australian organisations, investigation processes for WMSDs are not aligned with recommended practice in the literature, and that insufficient resources are available to translate any potential lessons into effective prevention activities.

Details

Title: Investigating work-related musculoskeletal disorders: strengths and weaknesses of current practices in large Australian organisations
Authors: Natassia Goode (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
S Newman (Author) - Monash University
Michelle Van Mulken (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
S Dekker (Author) - Griffith University
Paul M Salmon (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Publication details: Safety Science, Vol.112, pp.105-115
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2018.10.022
ISSN: 0925-7535
Organisation Unit: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451455202621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Industrial; Operations Research & Management Science

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