Ergonomics
The Ergonomics Regulations were passed in December 2019 and came into full effect in June 2021.
- Conducting ergonomic risk assessments,
- Implementing ergonomic risk controls.
- Training all employees in protecting themselves from ergonomic hazards.
Harnessing the Ergonomics Regulations to Grow Your OT Practice
The Ergonomics Regulations were passed in December 2019 and came into full effect in June 2021. According to the Regulations, all employers and self-employed persons are required to introduce a variety of ergonomic interventions in their workplaces, including but not limited to: conducting ergonomic risk assessments, implementing ergonomic risk controls and training all employees in protecting themselves from ergonomic hazards. This has created a rather urgent need for competent ergonomics consultants who can assist employers to fulfill their Regulatory obligations. The good news is that all OTs, by virtue of their undergraduate training, meet the Regulation’s definition of a “competent person.”
Join us at this exciting two-day workshop to learn about the Ergonomics Regulations and how you can expand your professional offerings into this exciting new field of practice.
Overall, attending a training course on ergonomics practices, legislation, and services within the South African context is a smart investment for occupational therapists who want to stay current with the latest developments in their field, provide better care to their patients, and enhance their professional development and job prospects.
Here are a few key reasons why occupational therapists should attend a training course on ergonomics practices, legislation, and services within the South African context:
- To ensure compliance with local laws and regulations: South Africa has its own unique set of laws and regulations related to ergonomics and workplace safety. Occupational therapists who work in this context need to be familiar with these laws and regulations to ensure that they are providing services that are in compliance with local requirements.
- To provide better care to patients: Ergonomics plays a significant role in promoting good health and preventing injuries in the workplace. By attending a training course on ergonomics practices, legislation, and services, occupational therapists can learn how to identify potential ergonomic issues and develop effective strategies for addressing them. This can help them provide better care to their patients, and promote healthier and more productive workplaces.
- To enhance professional development: As professionals, occupational therapists need to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. Attending a training course on ergonomics practices, legislation, and services can help them enhance their professional development by learning about new techniques, approaches, and tools for addressing ergonomic issues in the workplace.
- To improve job prospects: In today’s competitive job market, having expertise in ergonomics can give occupational therapists a competitive edge. By attending a training course on ergonomics practices, legislation, and services, they can demonstrate to potential employers that they have the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality care in this critical area.
This course is aimed at providing knowledge of the new legislation and how to integrate the main service options into your OT practice.
Through the course, attendees should learn the following:
Assessment and risk:
- The benefits of ergonomics
- Risk factors inherent in the worker
- Risk factors inherent in the job/ task
- Risk factors inherent in the workplace
- Risk factors inherent in the organisation
- Controlling and managing ergonomic risks
Business application
- How the new legislation impacts the OT practice and working environment
- Business obligations that need to be fulfilled
- How these obligations are fulfilled
- How to conduct an ergonomic risk assessment
- How to report on and assessment
- Service offerings extended from and preceding the assessments and regulation
Feel free to contact us if you have any further queries on the course content or practical applications.
