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Showing 'November 2015: Physical Capacity Testing for Emergency Workers'.
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Physical Capacity Testing for Emergency Workers
CSG November 2015 Presenter: Professor David Caple

Physical Capacity Testing for Emergency Workers

Presentation by: Professor David Caple, OHS Consultant and Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, La Trobe University, David Caple & Associates

Presentation package now available (members only)

Physical capacity testing of workers in emergency services can be controversial. Our guest speaker Professor David Caple talked about some of the key issues surrounding this at Central Safety Group's meeting on November 2015. Risk factors associated with this type of work have given rise for the need to do physical capacity testing, which is now a feature of the EBA for emergency workers. One factor is that emergency workers have high cognitive and physical demands and these result in a higher probability of a risk of injury.
A range of controls has been introduced to address the risk factors and the findings from physical capacity testing. These include design controls; training (both physical and skills) as well as peer support programs and controls specific to particular divisions.

The presenter:

David Caple, whose background is in ergonomics, has been a leading figure in occupational health and safety in Australia for many years. He has advised a wide range of businesses, industry groups and public sector organisations, and worked with Australian and overseas governments on work health and safety issues. He is an OHS consultant and Adjunct Professor, Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, La Trobe University.

 
 

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MSD Risks
- a New
Approach

CSG March 2026 event - Presenter Jodi Oakman, Head of the Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University - MSD risks – a new approach


MSD risks – a new approach

Presented by: Professor Jodi Oakman, Head of the Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University

How: CSG Lunchtime Presentation - via zoom only

Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026, noon
Non-Members welcome to attend

The APHIRM toolkit –a tool to manage MSDs and stress-related mental health
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for more than 50% of workplace injuries and diseases, and are among the most expensive and prolonged work-related compensation claims. A pioneering approach to reducing MSDs and stress-related mental health has been developed by Professor Jodi Oakman and colleagues at La Trobe University.
Join us for an interactive Zoom session with Professor Oakman on 10 March exploring the APHIRM Toolkit. APHIRM stands for A Participative Hazard Identification and Risk Management and the free online toolkit guides workplaces through the process of identifying, assessing and controlling physical and psychosocial hazards (www.aphirm.org.au).
An evidence-based system, it addresses risks from both types of hazards that, Jodi says, offers a comprehensive approach for managing workplace MSDs. Significantly, it also involves the participation of workers.
The presentation will be followed by questions and a discussion session.

About the Speaker:

Jodi Oakman is a Professor and head of the Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors at La Trobe University. Her background is a mix of industry and academia, across a range of industry sectors including health, manufacturing and logistics.
She joined the teaching staff of La Trobe University 20 years ago after working as a corporate ergonomist, initially with Ford, and then as a consultant. Her initial degree was in physiotherapy, followed by a Master’s degree in ergonomics, and a Doctorate on the influence of an organisation on employees' retirement intentions.
Her current research projects include developing a model of sustainable work to facilitate longer working lives, and using evidence to guide risk managements in organisations to reduce the risks of stress and MSDs.

Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026
Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
How: Online via Zoom only - the link will be sent out on the afternoon of the Monday preceding the event
N.B. A video recording of the session will be available on the website exclusively for financial members.
Cost: Financial members* free. Others $15
RSVP: COB Monday 9 March 2026. Online using our RSVP form
Join: Join CSG now [Individual membership fee: $85.]
*If unsure of your membership status, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
   RSVP: by Monday 9 March.
Online using our RSVP form or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., phone the secretary T: (03) 9387 9768 Mobile 0417 040 252
The Zoom event link will be emailed on the afternoon of Monday 9 March.

Don’t forget to put every second Tuesday from February to December in your Calendar!

 

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