Work should not Hurt!-A participative ergonomics programme for kiwi tradies

Human Factors & Ergonomics (HFE) Hub

Chris Polaczuk and Steve Kolose chat to Sharon Todd about their participative tradie programme.
Musculoskeletal injuries have resulted in significant lost productivity in the New Zealand Construction industry and are especially prevalent in the specialist trades. Despite recent advances in health, safety and technology meaningful interventions to reduce these injuries in construction remain elusive. To compound the issue pain and injury has been accepted as part of the trade and an inevitability by many kiwi tradies.

The Work Should Not Hurt programme https://www.chasnz.org/work-should-not-hurt is unique in that it generates awareness, research and interventions from tradespeople themselves. Combining an Ergonomics approach and a bit of ‘number eight wire mentality’ the programme has created innovative tools such as the Foundation guide, the ‘Wall of Pain’, 3 steps to a pain free career and a mind/ body mental fitness programme.

Join the world's only Kiwi duo of Construction Ergonomists Chris Polaczuk and Dr Steve Kolose for a look at the programme and whats working well in New Zealand. Learn about their library of home grown resources including some of the participative research projects such as the scaffolding and roofing industry trials. Hear about the benefits and challenges of participatory ergonomics and how you can take on a macho culture to improve the design of work.

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If you want to find out more about Human Factors and Ergonomics or if you have a question about this podcast please go to the HFESA website ergonomics.org.au and make your request via our contact page. We will be back with more episodes soon!