National WorkSpace Week (21-27 October 2024)
The Australian Chiropractors Association’s (ACA) national WorkSpace Week (21-27 October 2024), is helping organisations prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) to minimise injuries and improve productivity for all Australians enabling them to Work Well Everywhere.
Musculoskeletal conditions are the second largest contributor to disability worldwide. With low back pain the single leading cause of disability globally, and WMSDs being Australia’s leading WHS issue in frequency and cost; WorkSpace Week continues its leadership role in promoting prevention and early intervention of WMSDs.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in June 2024, there were around 7.3 million (29%) Australians estimated to be living with chronic musculoskeletal disorders that’s costing the Australian economy $55.1 billion annually in direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life.
Australian industries where workers have recorded the highest instances of WMSD workers’ compensation claims are healthcare and community personal services (19%), construction such as building trades and labourers (12%), manufacturing including machinery operators and drivers (11%), and administration including office workers and computer users (10%).
Musculoskeletal disorders are commonly back problems which are described as a range of problems related to the bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles and nerves of the back that can affect the neck (cervical spine), upper back (thoracic spine) and lower back (lumbar spine) as well as the sacrum and tailbone.
One-in-six Australians report experiencing back problems which can impact both their physical and mental health. For many, back pain can arise suddenly (acute back pain) but typically improves or resolves within three to six weeks. However, recurrence is common, and some individuals may experience more persistent pain lasting beyond three months.
While prevention is the best protection against acquiring a WMSD, when injuries do occur it’s vital to seek early treatment to avoid an injury becoming a chronic (long-term) condition. ACA chiropractors use a patient-centred, multi-modal model of healthcare to provide a therapeutic approach incorporating a range of manual therapies to treat WMSDs including back pain.
Chiropractors are university qualified healthcare professionals who undergo five years of university study encompassing a double bachelor’s degree that covers a breadth of health subjects including anatomy, physiology, radiology, diagnostic techniques, and clinical training. Chiropractors must be registered with the national Chiropractic Board of Australia and meet the Board’s registration standards in order to practise in Australia. They must complete annual mandatory continuing education to maintain registration and practice as an allied healthcare professional.
Aligned with Safe Work Australia’s ‘Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Strategy 2023–2033’ national WorkSpace Week (21-27 October), ACA aims to help minimise workspace injuries and reduce the impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. By encouraging employers and workers to visit workspaceweek.org.au, they can access a variety of free resources to help prevent WMSDs, including the WorkSpace Week Checklist, exercise posters, informative podcasts, factsheets, and the Straighten Up app. Together, we can create safer and healthier workspaces for everyone.
ACA is also encouraging employers to host a #StraightenUpAustralia Challenge in their workplace using ACA’s free Straighten Up app and share videos and images of their challenge #MyHealthyWorkspace. The Straighten Up app provides a simple three-minute exercise activity to help improve posture, stabilise core muscle groups and help prevent spinal disability while the Consult A Chiro Podcast provides information on preventing and managing WMSDs to help Australians to work well everywhere.
For information and to register for national WorkSpace Week, visit workspaceweek.org.au.
