Guidance for high-risk industries on participative ergonomics for manual tasks (PErforM): Imagine a program designed to make your workplace safer and healthier. That's PErforM, a manual task risk-management initiative centered on participative ergonomics. Its goal? To minimize musculoskeletal disorders on the job.
Here's what PErforM offers:
- A structured framework enabling employers and workers to collaborate in identifying, assessing, and controlling manual task risks.
- A proven track record across diverse industries, from mining to aged care.
- Applicability to most hazardous manual tasks, except for those involving people and animal handling or computer workstation assessments.
Who's benefited from PErforM? Various sectors like mining, civil construction, and food processing have seen:
- Enhanced control over manual task risks.
- Compliance with legislation.
- Improved productivity.
- Increased worker awareness about managing manual task risks.
Ready to implement PErforM in your organization? Here's what you'll need:
- Backing from management.
- A dedicated site champion (coordinator and/or trainer).
- Active involvement from your workforce.
Consider engaging a consultant if needed, ensuring they're familiar with participative ergonomics and have experience with the PErforM program. These organisations may also be able to assist:
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia
- Occupational Therapy Australia
- Australian Physiotherapy Association
- View PErforM resources