Enhancing workplace safety: insights from Tien Tran, Onsite Physiotherapist

As a physiotherapist working onsite with businesses in the Perth metropolitan area and within Biosymm’s Belmont clinic, Tien Tran knows how rewarding it is to see his clinical recommendations put into action, significantly improving workplace safety and reducing injury risks.

“Each successful implementation is a victory for workplace safety and a testament to the power of teamwork,” he says.

Working as a community physiotherapist, Tien transitioned into the rewarding field of occupational health physiotherapy to expand his knowledge and assist businesses to implement effective strategies to reduce the risk of injury for their workforce.

Over the past two years at Biosymm, Tien has worked closely with Western Australian businesses to deliver a range of injury prevention services such as manual task risk assessments, job task analysis, pre-employment and return to work functional capacity evaluations, physiotherapy assessments, and onsite physiotherapy treatment and case management.

Tien’s extensive experience means he’s well-equipped to share his top tips for employers to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

Top 5 tips for maintaining safe and healthy workplaces

1. Implement thorough safety protocols

Establish clear guidelines and protocols for workplace safety, including proper handling of hazardous materials, emergency procedures, and safety equipment usage.

Regularly review and update these protocols to adapt to new risks and changing circumstances.

2. Provide comprehensive training

Ensure all employees receive training relevant to their roles, covering safety equipment use, hazard identification, and emergency response.

Regular refresher courses help reinforce knowledge, keeping safety practices at the forefront of employees’ minds.

3. Encourage open communication

Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns or incidents without fear of retaliation.

Establish channels for raising concerns and take prompt action to address any issues.

4. Promote ergonomic practices

Focus on ergonomics to prevent injuries and promote wellbeing.

Provide ergonomic equipment, encourage proper posture and lifting techniques, and conduct assessments to identify and mitigate risk factors.

5. Prioritise mental health

Recognise the importance of mental health in workplace safety.

Offer resources and support for employees facing stress or other mental health challenges.

Promote work-life balance and provide access to counselling services, along with mental health awareness and self-care education.

Excelling at injury prevention

To excel in injury prevention, workplaces need to make safety a top priority by:

• Implementing comprehensive safety protocols: Ensure everyone understands the ropes through thorough training programs, identifying potential hazards, and mitigating risks effectively.
• Conducting regular inspections: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment and facilities to identify and address potential dangers before accidents occur.
• Encouraging open communication: Allow employees to report safety concerns or near-misses, fostering proactive problem-solving.
• Providing personal protective equipment (PPE): Ensure PPE is tailored to specific job tasks and used correctly.
• Management commitment: Reinforce safety policies and recognise safety achievements to emphasise the importance of a safe workplace.

Choosing the right partner for injury management and return to work services

Selecting the right partner for injury management and return to work services is crucial.

Employers should look for:

• Expertise: Partners with a deep understanding of occupational health, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
• Collaboration: Partners who work closely with employers to develop tailored programs that meet specific organisational needs.
• Communication: Clear, effective, and thoughtful communication with both employers and employees.
• Proactive approach: Focus on both treating and preventing injuries, offering training and support for a safe work environment.
• Return to work support: Comprehensive services to help injured employees return safely and quickly, including rehabilitation and modified work arrangements.
• Data analytics: Robust data analytics for tracking and evaluating program effectiveness and making informed decisions.
• Compliance: Up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations to ensure the organisation remains compliant and avoids legal issues.

By prioritising these qualities, employers can ensure they receive the support needed to maintain a safe, healthy, and productive workplace.

As an onsite physiotherapist for Biosymm, seeing the positive impact of my recommendations on workplace safety has been incredibly fulfilling.

Whether it’s the laugh I get from seeing injury prevention posters featuring myself or the satisfaction of knowing my efforts make a real difference, the rewards are many.

By following the tips and selecting the right partners, employers can create safer workplaces, reduce unnecessary expense and foster a culture of health and wellbeing.