In Victoria, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as sprains and strains, chronic pain and hernias, are one of the most common type of workplace injuries — making up over 2/3 of WorkCover claims.

MSDs are caused by exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace. This can be from manual tasks that are hazardous, the environment or workplace stressors. 

To help prevent these incidents, WorkSafe is developing a new education program – Building blocks. Building blocks aims to help medium employers (30 – 199 employees):

• Understand hazardous manual handling and the causes of MSDs
• Understand your OHS obligations
• Implement a risk management approach to preventing MSDs in the workplace

Building blocks design workshops

WorkSafe invites health and safety representatives to participate in a highly interactive online workshop, alongside employers & people leaders, to contribute ideas and perspectives on developing this tailored education and coaching program for medium employers to apply in their workplace.

Each workshop runs for two hours for a maximum of six participants. Due to limited spaces please ensure you are able to attend.

If you are not able to attend these workshops you can register your interest for future sessions by emailing manual_handling@worksafe.vic.gov.au

Following the design workshop, you’ll be invited to participate in the education and coaching pilot and provide feedback on the project.

What’s in it for you?

Through participating in the design process, you’ll:

• learn how to identify and manage physical and psychosocial hazards
• build knowledge in innovative techniques for solving complex problems
• network with other organisations & experts

Workshop information

All workshops will be held online via Microsoft Teams.

Workshop #1 — Thurs 27 Oct

Date: Thursday 27th October 2022
Time: 9am to 11am
Register here: eventbrite.com.au/e/hazardous-manual-handling-building-blocks-workshop-tickets-434396891797

Workshop #2 — Weds 9 Nov

Date: Wednesday 9th November 2022
Time: 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Register here: eventbrite.com.au/e/copy-of-hazardous-manual-handling-building-blocks-workshop-tickets-434437342787

Workshop #3 — Tues 15 Nov

Date: Tuesday 15th November 2022
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Register here: eventbrite.com.au/e/hazardous-manual-handling-building-blocks-workshop-tickets-434408215667

Further information

To find out more about WorkSafe’s commitment to reducing the rate and severity of MSDs visit: worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/manual-handling-strategy-2020-23