ACC prevents injuries in Industrial sector

Media Release

ACC prevents injuries in Industrial sector

ACC has launched an online interactive program to help people working in the Industrial sector prevent discomfort, pain and injury.

Industrial HabitAtWork is an update of ACC’s popular ‘HabitAtWork’ software, which offers interactive discomfort, pain and injury management and prevention advice to those working in an office environment. This new version focuses on manufacturing and construction businesses, as well as ‘light industrial’ workplaces such as warehouses, docking bays and mailrooms.

"The average cost per ACC claim from the industrial sector is $10,000 not to mention the effect these problems have on productivity, family life and general well being" states Chris Polaczuk. "Often discomfort, pain and injury is difficult to prevent so we've created a tool that’s free and easy to use to assist with the management of employees with discomfort, pain and injury".

Industrial HabitAtWork is designed for use via a company’s intranet or is available free of charge on CD. For workers without regular computer access they or their employers can visit www.habitatwork.co.nz to download a print version in workbook format.

Industrial HabitAtWork is a stand-alone product but can be used as an adjunct to other training and information about health and safety at work. It makes an ideal tool for training new staff and refreshers for existing staff.

Questions and Answers

What causes discomfort, pain and injury?
The latest research shows it rarely results from a single cause. Rather, it’s the outcome of several factors acting together, such as:

- Individual factors, e.g. age, gender, diet, fitness etc
- Psychosocial issues, e.g. emotional wellbeing, personal stress
- How your work is organized and managed
- The particular postures you adopt in your job
- How often you vary the tasks you do
- What weights you have to lift and move
- What sort of environment you work in, e.g. is it hot, cold, dark or dusty?

What does Industrial HabitAtWork do?
- Industrial HabitAtWork dispels myths about the causes of workplace discomfort, pain and injury.

- There are suggestions and practical tips on how you can alter your work area and physical posture so that you can reduce the risk of injury and work in comfort.
- A section ‘Get Rid of Pain’ provides comprehensive advice on how to deal with pain you may already be experiencing.
- You can download assessment tools – to help you determine the level of risk associated with specific tasks performed in your workplace.
- There is also an early report form, to help your company respond appropriately to the early warning signs of injury, and work to resolve them before they escalate.

How much does Industrial HabitAtWork cost?

There’s no charge to use the HabitAtWork software. You can get a free CD version by calling 0800 THINKSAFE and asking for ACC4111. You can also access it online at: www.habitatwork.co.nz

ENDS

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