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Case Study – Incitec Pivot Limited

With interests in North America, South America and Asia, as well as Australia, Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) is positioned in the top 50 ASX-listed companies in Australia. Throughout its wide operations, the company’s mantra is simple – Zero Harm for Everyone Everywhere. To help IPL’s Brisbane branch work towards this goal the company recently employed Body Leadership’s Manual Handling Training program. Body Leadership Director, Paul Trevethan, recently caught up with IPL’s Safety and Training Manager – Brisbane Operations, Bob Marshall, to discuss how IPL’s training has helped workers in their day to day duties to achieve zero harm.

Q1. What led your organisation to target manual handling specifically?

It was a mix of reasons that motivated us. Due to the nature of our work we had experienced a few musculoskeletal injuries, with guys off work after having to do routine tasks. We had completed some manual handling training in the past but it had been a while and the guys were definitely in need of a refresher.

Q2. How did your organisation choose to address this issue?

After our decision to conduct manual handling training we contacted Body Leadership and began discussions about what we wanted and needed. From there Body Leadership Director, Paul Trevethan delivered a tailored proposal to address our needs and we agreed on a schedule to complete the training.

Q3. Were there any specific areas or departments that your organisation chose to focus on?

Yes in particular our maintenance and operations departments as well as our distribution centre. We chose those specific groups due to the manual labour and tasks required to perform the jobs in those departments. These guys are in the field constantly climbing and lifting, so we felt this was primarily where the need was.

Q4. What strategies did you find worked best for your organisation?

Stretching is definitely a great strategy that is helping the guys. Also identifying a niggle and doing something about it then and there instead of working through it. That proactive approach is definitely what we want to see more of.

Q5. How has the solution been received by your organisation?

The training has been received great by all the guys, I am yet to hear anything negative. I think what everyone really appreciated was that the training did not only focus on work situations it was about a whole life concept. The sessions were very practical and not just tick and flick theory which some workers have previously completed and not found very beneficial. It was practical demonstrations which kept the guys interested and learning.

Q6. Have you noticed any improvements or positive impacts since the training?

The awareness about how injuries occur has definitely been heightened. When you’re out in the field you can see the guys doing some stretches or even talking about feeling pain when it has started which did not happen before.

Q7. What is your organisations goal for the future of its workplace health and safety?

Of course reducing injuries is always up there; but specifically we are in discussions to arrange having someone onsite a few hours a week to help the guys with pain and also keep promoting the message of Body Leadership.

Q8. How would you define a Body Leader?

I think a body leader is someone who doesn’t wait for pain to start before they do something. It is in those early stages that they act and by doing so are being proactive towards their body.

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