Stop patching up your team and start managing the risk
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant challenge for workplaces across New Zealand. The common pattern is to wait for injuries, patch people up, and return workers to the same poorly designed tasks. This cycle is costly for businesses and exhausting for your team.
It is time to replace reactive habits with a proactive, systems-thinking approach!
Why ProErgo+
We offer a proactive risk management approach as an alternative to traditional manual handling training, which evidence shows is rarely effective.
Expertise: Over two decades of specialist human factors and ergonomics experience.
Independence: We are not tied to any single product or quick-fix solution.
Systems Thinking: We focus on root causes, not just symptoms, to create safer work environments.
What to expect from this course
This course is designed to be as practical and hands-on as your daily work. Here is how we will work together:
A shift in thinking. We are moving away from reactive approaches that rely solely on manual handling training. Instead, we will apply systems thinking to understand the root causes of workplace harm.
Active participation. You will use a workbook filled with tools and templates to apply directly to your workplace. You will be asked to look at your business through a different lens.
A holistic view. We will explore how various risk factors interact to impact worker wellbeing. This includes both physical and psychosocial risks.
Practical tools. You will leave with a start-to-finish risk management framework ready for implementation. The goal is to build your technical confidence to identify risks and design them out.
No quick fixes. We are not here to rely on administrative controls. We will focus on long-term, sustainable design solutions to keep your team safe.
Course at a glance
We focus on a practical risk management approach specifically designed for musculoskeletal risks.
We will cover:
Introduction to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs): Covering basic anatomy, legal requirements, key indicators, and the business case for proactive management.
Risk identification: Identifying contributing risk factors and root causes to move beyond the limitations of manual handling training.
Risk management in practice: Using evidence-based, systems-thinking approaches to apply the hierarchy of controls for proactive risk management.
A holistic approach: Integrating individual factors, psychosocial risks, and work organisation to understand how they interact with health and wellbeing.
Practical application: Using templates and hands-on exercises to build a risk management framework you can take back to your workplace immediately.
About the facilitator
My approach is built on over two decades of professional experience. My career has taken me from the Health and Safety Laboratory in the UK (as part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)) to my role as Principal Advisor in the Human Factors/Ergonomics team at WorkSafe New Zealand. I have combined these technical ergonomics skills with a holistic perspective. This creates a practical method that focuses on the whole person and the entire work system. I am committed to supporting you to make work better for people and more productive for your business.
Is this the right course for you?
This course is not for those looking to simply tick a compliance box. It is for leaders and health and safety professionals who want to make a genuine difference. If you value your people and want to move away from outdated injury management, this is for you. We provide the tools to create safer, more productive workplaces where employees can thrive.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. The risk management approach we teach is universal. Whether you are in healthcare, manufacturing, or logistics, the principles of identifying risks and designing better work remain the same.
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You do not need a formal H&S qualification. If you have responsibility for improving how work is done in your business and you want to reduce injury rates, you are in the right place.
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Absolutely. Running this course privately for your internal team is an excellent way to get everyone on the same page and build momentum for change within your own organisation. Contact us to discuss group rates.
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You will be provided with a workbook and activity sheets, so you just need to bring yourself, a pen, and a laptop or tablet if you prefer to work digitally.
Most importantly, bring your curiosity and a real-world example of a musculoskeletal risk you are currently trying to manage.
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To get the most out of the day, we encourage you to have a specific work-related musculoskeletal issue in mind. This allows you to apply the risk management approach to a real challenge you are facing right now, ensuring you leave with a draft plan you can implement immediately.
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We understand that business priorities can shift. Please email us if you are no longer able to attend, and we will work with you to reschedule your training for an upcoming course.