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Ergonomic Assessments
Ergonomics is the science of matching the work to the worker. Ergonomics in the workplace focuses on making the environment, products and tasks efficient for the user to improve worker safety and comfort.
Creative Therapy Associates’ registered Occupational Therapists (OT) offer a variety of ergonomic programs from workstation assessments to employee training sessions. Applying ergonomic principles in the work environment will provide your employees with increased comfort, improved morale and job satisfaction, and will lead to enhanced worker productivity.
As an employer, you will benefit from injury prevention, early return to work, reduced absenteeism, decreased costs resulting from fewer sick days, lower compensation payments, and improved worker morale.
Creating a comfortable, safe work environment often involves applying a few simple adaptations and strategies identified and implemented by individuals qualified in ergonomics. Creative Therapy Associates can work with you to develop the program best suited to meet the needs of your business.
Individualized Workstation Assessments
These personalized examinations of workstation ergonomics will include a physical demands analysis by a registered OT. A written recommendation will highlight how to optimize workstation function for each employee including:
- Workstation Setup
- Lighting/Glare
- Ease of Movement/Clutter
- Optimal Heights and Angles for Equipment (Such as Computers, Keyboards)
- Posture and Proper Body Mechanics
- Recommended Strategies (Taking Breaks, Exercises and Stretches)
- Specialized Equipment (Such as Seating Support, Adapted Equipment)
Return to Work
An essential part of any return to work strategy is the development of an individualized ergonomic plan incorporating adaptive strategies for employees returning to the workplace after a short or long-term disability leave. Beginning with a physical demands analysis looking at the essential functions of a job, the registered OT will prepare a written report including recommendations for a successful return to work strategy. All elements included under “Workstation Assessments” will also be addressed if applicable.
Job Demands Analysis
Looking more generally at the physical, mental and environmental requirements of a specific job or position, a Job Demands Analysis can be used to enhance a job description for hiring purposes or assist with a return to work plan for an employee.
The written report will include:
- A summary of tasks required and equipment involved
- Potential risk factors/safety concerns
- Identification of essential and nonessential functions
- Physical effort as related to job demand
Related Posts
The main role of occupational therapists is identifying the strengths and difficulties a patient might have on a daily basis i.e. dressing, going to the store, etc. and helping work out practical solutions for such problems.
Illness, injury, surgery or aging can all affect our ability to function safely and independently within our own homes. An Occupational Therapist can work with you to ensure that your home is safe and functional. After assessing the environment and the activities you do each day, they will make recommendations to reduce the risk of falls or injuries in your home, or to make it easier for you to complete everyday tasks. This might include suggestions such as improving lighting or removing small rugs that could cause tripping, or recommendations for assistive devices or equipment, such as grab bars in the bathroom, to make it easier and safer to transfer to the tub or shower for safer bathing. Falls account for 85% of hospital emergency room admissions for people over the age of 65. For suggestions on how to make your home safer, read Preventing Falls -- Safety in the Home , and arrange to have an Occupational Therapist complete a home safety assessment by contacting our office, or your healthcare provider.
Falls are the main reason older adults lose their independence. There are ways to prevent falls in your home by making simple changes around your home, exercising regularly, having your vision checked and having your medications reviewed by your healthcare provider. You may also benefit from having an Occupational Therapist complete a home safety assessment. Contact Our Office to find out more. Here are some ways to prevent falls and maintain your independence:
If you have been involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident and have experienced physical injury or trauma, our multi-disciplinary team of occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists can support you. We have experience working within Ontario’s system for automobile insurance benefits, the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), and are licensed by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) as service providers through Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI).
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Creative Therapy Associates
Our team specializes in speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy for children, adults, and seniors. Our offices are in Thunder Bay, Ontario, but we travel to communities in Northwestern Ontario.
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