Category: Ergonomics

Compliance with National Construction Code (NCC) requirements is sometimes difficult. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as technical construction constraints or other applicable laws (e.g., for heritage protected buildings). Usually, the difficulty will be in meeting one or more Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions. To overcome such challenges, building practitioners can seek NCC compliance…

Key points: •  Falls on stairs are common, and often lead to serious injuries. •  Falls on stairs are often complex – there are multiple possible factors that can cause a fall. •  Many stair incidents can easily be prevented, and remedial solutions implemented at minimal cost. •  Ultimately, however, steps and stairs should be designed and built…

Five-pronged approach to safely integrating staff back onsite post-COVID lockdowns, centred around practical workplace modifications. No matter where your employees work – be it in a warehouse, a building site or an office – the future physical work environment will look considerably different to what we left behind when lockdowns began. Businesses everywhere must now…

A strong, flexible, and committed team has kept our business going Running a successful business in the best of times is no easy feat. However, running a business while working from home during a pandemic, at sometimes uncomfortably close quarters to my wife, three little kids, a dog and goldfish has taken next-level resilience and…

With millions of Australians now working from home – and many possibly permanently after the peak of COVID-19 – there is a considerable risk of people experiencing discomfort and developing musculoskeletal disorders due to poorly set up home workspaces and a lack of movement. While passing soreness, discomfort, and even brief pain from working at…

Virtual meetings have become a lifeline during COVID-19 and an essential tool for connecting with other humans besides the people living in your household. Whether you are using Zoom, Microsoft Teams or one of the many virtual meeting platforms to connect with your work teams, it is important that your meetings continue to deliver the…

Expert opinion and safety and ergonomics consultancy during COVID-19 During this extraordinary time, the Dohrmann Consulting team are still well resourced to help you with your safety and ergonomics requirements, including expert opinions for personal injury matters. The safety of our staff and clients are paramount and we have taken all appropriate measures to ensure…

Victoria will soon become the fourth Australian jurisdiction (following Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory) to introduce workplace manslaughter offences. The Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter and other matters) Bill 2019 will become law in Victoria on 1 July 2020. What are these new workplace manslaughter laws in Victoria? An expansion…

Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that they do not expose (or allow employees to be exposed) to an unreasonable risk to their health and safety. If an employee is directed or allowed by arrangement to work from home, that obligation follows them home.  While it is usually not difficult to set up and manage…

We all know we need to be assessing and managing risk in the workplace. The law is extremely clear that risk assessment is one of the key responsibilities of business owners and managers. Using the guidance provided by the Code of Practice for manual handling/manual tasks relevant to your state/territory is one of the most…