Work-Related Injuries Amongst Occupational Therapists: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

Purpose:

The purpose of this investigation was to establish preliminary information regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) amongst occupational therapists working in Australia.

Method:

Forty-six of 141 occupational therapists accepted an email invitation to complete a web-based survey.

Results:

The incidence of WRMDs was high, with 29 (63%) respondents experiencing one or more WRMDs within the previous 12 months and 38 (80.4%) over the course of their career. Of the 76 WRMDs described, 37 (48.7%) were not reported at all and only 5 (6.5%) were reported through official reporting systems.

Conclusion:

The findings from this study indicate that the current reporting of WRMDs is poor and that WRMDs have an impact on individuals' work and leisure activities.

Keywords

Injury incident health and safety

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