Occupational health, injury prevention and management

Occupational health assessment

An occupational health assessment may include:

• An assessment of your work capacity and the impact of your workplace injury
• A clinical review of how treatment might improve your ability to undertake workplace tasks
• An assessment of circumstances that led to your injury. This may include biological, psychological and social contributing factors, the requirements of your work role, and other characteristics of your workplace
• Development of a return to work plan to meet the requirements of your worker’s compensation injury management scheme and your rehabilitation goals
• Discussion of modifications, equipment or adjustments that may improve your prospects of successfully returning to the workplace
• Discussion of your eligibility for ongoing entitlements under your worker’s compensation scheme and where limitations may apply
• Discussion of recovery timeframes, symptoms or sensations associated with your injury, referring to medical advice, work-related reports and your individual history
• When appropriate, discussion of alternative work roles or a career change and any associated skills needed in a new workplace

Can osteopaths provide referrals relating to occupational health?

Osteopaths can refer you to other health professionals. They work with case managers and others to coordinate injury management, return to work planning, or if advised by a treating medical practitioner.

Some osteopaths also provide advice to stakeholders in workplace settings often on a corporation-wide level. These osteopaths provide on-site task analysis, develop site-specific injury management protocols, and provide education on manual handling techniques. They also offer ergonomics assessments and perform task-oriented tests to prevent workplace injuries, plan workplaces better and improve efficiency in task completion.