​In our recent edition of Risk Matters, we highlighted the great work the City of Fremantle have been doing in the safe and ergonomic set up of their new offices.

Local government workers are spending more time sitting at work. Without an ergonomic workstation set up this can lead to pain, discomfort and injury.

Ergonomics can roughly be defined as the study of people in their working environment. Particularly successful ergonomic designs modify the work to fit the worker, not the other way around. The goal is to eliminate discomfort and reduce the risk of injury due to work.

The LGIS injury prevention team have a wealth of resources available to help you keep your workers comfortable and safe. Given the current environment and a move away from in-person meetings and workshops, the team have developed online tools to maintain that same level of service you're used to.

The City of Perth have been utilising these resources during their induction process, and are reaping the rewards.

"Generally with a new starter in a non-operational role, there is an induction process where one component requires staff to conduct an ergonomic assessment and to contact the WHS Team for assistance. The WHS Team will then forward on and explain the process utilising the LGIS Checklist form, and the Seated and Standing workstation setup diagrams are also forwarded on.

Also sent to new employees is the instructional video supplied by LGIS on the chair setup, desk setup, monitors, phones and keyboard set ups, floor space, etc. Once checklist and viewing of the online video completed the returned checklist is placed on employee's record.

In situations where staff may require further information or instruction due to a medical condition or restriction, the City seeks further professional assistance with LGIS.

For ongoing support to all staff, all information and checklists to be made available for staff on the internal intranet."

John Svensson - Occupational Safety & Health Coordinator, Human Resources Unit, City of Perth