Physical and mobility specialists can provide treatment and advice for individuals with disability to increase their physical mobility and fitness, and to assist with pain management. The aim of treatment is to increase an individual’s independence, work capacity, productivity and quality of life.
Physical and mobility specialists may also consult within the work environment to recommend workstation set up and provide work practice advice to avoid risk of injury whilst increasing independence and productivity (Australian Physiotherapy Association 2006, Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science 2007).
Services provided
Physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and sports scientists are considered to be physical and mobility specialists. To assist an individual to be at their most mobile and therefore at optimum productivity within the workplace, physical and mobility specialists can provide the following services:
- assist with pain and stress relief techniques such as breathing exercises or massage
- complete fitness evaluations and development of customised stretching and exercise programs to increase work fitness or work readiness (work hardening)
- consult with other health professionals to assist with an individuals return or maintenance within the workplace
- evaluate overall health including provision of dietary advice
- provide education about management of the injury or health condition, including safe work practices and injury prevention strategies
- provide training and advice to personal carers to minimise risk of injury during caring tasks within the workplace (that is, wheelchair transfers)
- provide treatment to improve an individual’s mobility and function.
Some physical or mobility specialists undertake workplace assessments for individuals with a physical disability or mobility restriction. Within the workplace they can complete a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s needs including:
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any restrictions which are limiting independence and productivity at work
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the current workstation and equipment available
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the type of work undertaken
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the work environment including accessibility to all facilities at work (for example, door entrances to the building, access to the kitchen and bathroom especially if an individual is wheelchair bound or has restricted mobility)
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their disability
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their strengths and abilities.
A range of potential solutions can then be investigated and recommendations made both in how work is undertaken to reduce risk of injury and equipment that may increase the individual’s productivity and maximise their independence within the workplace.
This can then result in:
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greater confidence and self esteem for the worker
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greater opportunities for acquiring new skills and participating in training and therefore opening up promotional avenues
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increased job satisfaction and therefore likelihood of remaining with the organisation (reducing staff turnover costs)
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less ongoing support required by supervisors and co-workers.
All individuals with physical restrictions or impaired mobility can benefit from an assessment by a physical or mobility specialist in the workplace if barriers to independence exist (Australian Physiotherapy Association 2006, Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science 2007).
Panel of workplace assessors
The workplace assessors listed in the Workplace Adjustment Tool are part of a panel of assessors formed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations as part of the Employment Assistance Fund.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance towards the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special or adaptive equipment for eligible employees with disability. For more information about workplace assessments under the Employment Assistance Fund, call the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 or click on the following link:
References and resources
Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS) 2007, What is an Exercise Physiologist…, The Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science, Red Hill, viewed 8 June 2007, < http://www.aaess.com.au/non/whatis.asp>.
Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS) 2007, What is Sports Science?, The Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science, Red Hill, viewed 8 June 2007, < http://www.aaess.com.au/non/whatis_s.asp>.
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) 2006, What is Physiotherapy, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Melbourne, viewed 8 June 2007, <http://apa.advsol.com.au/physio_and_health/improve/what.cfm>.