Affiliations: Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human
Sciences, Southern Cross University, Tweed Heads, NSW, Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Associate Professor Ev Innes,
Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross
University, Tweed Gold Coast Campus (Lakeside), Locked Mail Bag 4, Coolangatta, QLD, 4225, Australia. Tel.: +61 7 5506
9252; Fax: +61 7 5506 9260; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective/participants: This report describes a project undertaken
by three final (4th) year occupational therapy undergraduate students from
the University of Sydney, Australia, in their final fieldwork placement. The
project involved women from a Chinese background who worked on market gardens
across the Sydney Basin. Its purpose was to identify musculoskeletal risks in
the work environment and work practices of a selected group of seven
Cantonese-speaking women working on market gardens in the Western Sydney
region. Methods: The approaches used in the project reflected a risk
management approach, and involved background research, initial interviews, task
analysis, hazard identification, risk assessment, data analysis, identification
of key issues, and developing recommendations, in collaboration with
participants and consultation with professionals. Results: The key issues
identified as contributing factors to musculoskeletal pain and injuries were:
(1) work practices (long work hours, repetitive work); (2) biomechanical
factors (repetitive and sustained work postures, poor manual handling
practices) and limited training; (3) ergonomics of the equipment used; (4)
fatigue. Two priority areas for intervention were identified: (1) pain
management, and (2) preventative strategies (improving both the work
environment and work practices). Conclusions: Recommendations were made
in collaboration with the women, and in consultation with health professionals.
