Ergonomics and Injury Prevention Physiotherapy Singapore

This led us to look for the source of the problems, since we were mainly dealing with the end-user symptoms, and we found that oftentimes, it is the workplace (work office, home environment or even during play such as golf) that accounts for the development and/or aggravation of injuries.

As physiotherapists and occupational therapists, we study the human factors and the interactions of people and the elements of their systems (data, methods, principles) to maximize and optimize worker well being and overall productivity and performance from a systemic point of view. Our ergonomics goals are two folds: boosting/maintaining health, and boosting/maintaining productivity. This, in itself, makes sense, relevant even. The employers rely on employees and workers for productivity, and not only does productivity suffers when an employee is injured, the employee is also unable to participate effectively in their own roles as mothers/fathers, house duties etc.

Proper ergonomical and human factors design is necessary to reduce risks of repetitive strain injuries, which develop over years, and it will boost and bolster bottom line of productivity and worker esteem.

Work-related injuries can be severe, and can include symptoms such as pain, crampings and aches, numbness and pins and needles. These contribute to decreased effectiveness and efficacy, temporary or permanent disability. Some common causes are poor work ergonomics (environmental layout and design), repetitive pressure and/or strains, heavy tasks such as lifting, pushing or pulling of heavy objects. Even sitting too long can be poor to the worker's posture and health, in the long run, if the design and equipment is unsuitable.

Other possible problems are prolonged poor postures, exposure to stimuli such as heat, vibrations or cold, or simply it's an unsafe working environment with high risk of injuries.

Physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions will address issues pertaining mainly to:

1. injury prevention at the workplace


2. returning to work within reasonable time frames


3. injury management and rehabilitation (physiotherapy and hand therapy)


4. health and wellness programs such as core strengthening to prevent postural injuries


5. workplace and workstation assessments for employers to ensure a safe and productive-designed workplace for their key assets, their employees.

How can we help you? For a physiotherapy, hand therapy or occupational therapy appointment, please go here.

To see a list of physiotherapy, hand therapy and occupational therapy conditions we treat in Singapore, please go here.

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