Intervention physical complaints 1

INTERVENTION IN CASE OF PHYSICAL COMPLAINTS

If employees experience physical overload, repetitive work, prolonged sitting in the same posture or excessive work pressure, they may experience persistent musculoskeletal complaints such as back, neck and shoulder complaints.
Research has shown that 38% of work-related absenteeism and 21% of new disability benefits are the result of such complaints. Fortunately, most musculoskeletal complaints have no medical cause, but are a-specific complaints that are related to, for example, poor posture, excessive muscle tension, reduced fitness and inadequate handling of the complaint. How can we contribute to reintegration and sustainable employability of an employee with complaints due to physical overload?

Step 1
Get to know each other, make appointments.

  • We get to know the employee, HR and managers and find out what the possible causes are. What measures have already been taken and what is the desired result for those involved?
  • We discuss who does what to make the intervention a success; us, the employee and the employer.

Step 2
Inventory of complaints and working conditions

  • We hold a personal intake with the employee to get acquainted and to get a good picture of the physical capacity, the complaint and how to deal with this complaint.
  • We observe the employee’s work habits and working conditions. How does the employee perform his duties? What is the relationship with the complaint? What are the working conditions like? Our analysis and advice are fed back directly to the employee and we immediately provide practical tips that the employee can work with.
  • The following is a detailed report with recommendations, advice, agreements and the follow-up process.

Step 3
Tailor-made program: Training on the job

  • Training ‘on the job’ with regard to effective body use
  • Advice on the dosed build-up of load
  • Coaching with regard to own direction and lifestyle
  • Optional: exercises to improve load capacity

RESULT

For the employee

  • The employee learns to recognise the source of the complaints and gains insight and skills to prevent or reduce them himself.
  • Physically stressful activities are inventoried and eliminated where possible.
  • The employee becomes aware of his own role & responsibilities.

For the employer

  • Promoting sustainable employability.
  • Prevention and reduction of absenteeism due to overburdening.
  • Focus on healthy work behaviour instead of medicalisation in the event of complaints

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