The work environment contains a number of aspects that can impact on the comfort and productivity of an employee. These include physical aspects such as workstation setup and equipment, noise, temperature, lighting and access, as well as organisational aspects such as workload, job pace and task diversity. All of these aspects fall under the umbrella of ergonomic and occupational health and safety considerations.
Services provided
Some aspects of the work environment can have a greater impact on a person with disability. For example, people with visual impairment may require additional lighting in order to adequately view the computer monitor, or a person with multiple sclerosis may require air conditioning to assist with body temperature regulation. A person with intellectual disability may require changes to the pace or complexity of the tasks, to allow them to manage the role effectively.
In such circumstances, an assessment of the work environment is necessary. This is traditionally undertaken by someone with a background in allied health, ergonomics or occupational health and safety, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
The assessor will identify the barriers within the work environment that are preventing the worker form being able to undertake their job effectively. They will then provide recommendations to address the barriers. This may involve rearranging a workstation according to recognised ergonomic principles, or recommending provision of ergonomic or safety equipment, or suggesting that certain tasks that are difficult to manage be modified or eliminated.
Panel of workplace assessors
The workplace modifications assessors listed in the Workplace Adjustment Tool are part of a national panel of assessors formed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The Workplace modifications assessors conduct assessments for Employment Assistance Fund applicants.
The Employment Assistance Fund pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special equipment or assistive technology for eligible people with disability. Under the Fund, the JobAccess Advisers will assess the need for a workplace assessment and organise the assessment, at no cost to the employer or individual, with one of the professional assessors from the panel. Alternatively, an employer can approach a panel member independently for a paid assessment.
For more information about workplace assessments under the Employment Assistance Fund, call the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800.
References and resources
Australian Safety and Compensation Council, 2007, Workplace Layout and Design, viewed 5 June 2007 <http://www.ascc.gov.au/ascc/healthsafety/diseaseinjuryissues/musculoskeletalinjuries/overuseinjuries/managingoveruse/workplacelayoutanddesign.htm>.
Ergonomic Principles and Checklists for the Selection of Office Furniture and Equipment [NOHSC publication, 1991]
Ergonomics—The Human Factor: A Practical Approach to Work Systems Design [SAA HB59—1994]
Links to workplace assessors for work environment—ergonomic and occupational health and safety
If not, send us your comments using our Online Feedback Form or select the
Workplace Adjustment Tool link to search again.