Work Hardening

A six session program – run across 6 to 12 weeks – that aims to support and condition workers who are new to manual handling work. A secondary goal is to help identify and support existing workers transitioning into more physically demanding roles.

We aim to gradually improve a worker’s physical capabilities and tolerance to load, while minimising the risk of soft tissue and repetitive strain injuries.

Download our Work Hardening brochure

What are the benefits?

  • Support for workers struggling to adapt to the physical demands of their job
  • Improved retention
  • Decreased absenteeism
  • Improve worker resilience
  • Teaches self-management skills for aches & pains

Combining exercise coaching with manual handling, lifestyle, and ergonomic advice, Work Hardening complements a comprehensive and supportive approach to employee training.

Work Hardening in practice

In our pilot study, we observed positive outcomes among participants engaging in work hardening compared to non-participants. Over a 152 day period we saw:

  • An 83% reduction in termination

  • A 14% reduction in absenteeism

Data is based on a 152-day pilot study (August 1 2022 through December 31 2022) and was collected from three meat-processing sites representing locations in Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. The total sample for this pilot study consisted of 83 WHP participants from a population of 3,196 workers across the three sites.

A focus on improving strength and movement.

A work hardening session will involve measuring the participants strength and functional movements, issuing exercise programs, discussing any difficulties they may be currently facing, and tracking their progress.

At the end of their six sessions, we measure their strength and functional movements again, and assess if there has been any change.

We can then recommend whether they would be suitable to move into heavier or more demanding roles in the future.

Want to learn more about Work Hardening? Schedule a catch up
Adult male performing a squat

The work hardening process is common to many of our big industries and workplaces. When implemented effectively, work hardening can minimise the risk of injury or early work-related soreness to workers who are new to a role.

What is “work hardening” and how can it help your workers?

Work Hardening

Combining exercise coaching with manual handling and ergonomic advice, Work Hardening complements a comprehensive and supportive approach to employee training.

5 tips for a successful Work Hardening program

Why Choose Us?

  • Workplace Health and Safety Coordinator
    Our staff love the service, it is very popular. It definitely contributes to our proactive injury management and early intervention program.
    Workplace Health and Safety Coordinator
    Zoos, Parks and Gardens Industry
  • Stephen, General Manager
    WHA has been instrumental in getting our workforce back to work quickly either from workplace injuries or private injuries, illnesses and conditions. We've seen a huge improvement in outcomes for our workforce by making WHA's services freely available to all and getting in early following an injury and applying effective treatment/rehabilitation.
    Stephen, General Manager
    Mining Industry
  • Early Intervention Officer (RTW Coordinator)
    Since we began using WHA onsite services, the staff culture around injury management and reporting of incidents, injuries and near misses has improved. Our staff are engaging in the support we offer to return them to, or retain them at work.
    Early Intervention Officer (RTW Coordinator)
    Local Council
  • Safety Manager
    The service has been great for the employees on our site, with many receiving treatment that really helps them in their management of their health conditions.
    Safety Manager
    Food Manufacturing Industry
  • Manager People and Development
    We receive excellent service through a program that is highly regarded across the organisation. The return on investment is well worth it.
    Manager People and Development
    Shepparton City Council
  • Haydan Sheffield, OH&S Manager
    Work Healthy Australia is well-organised and has a range of services. The reporting is in high detail. Access to reports and bookings is easy to navigate. WHA is the best service to take care of our workers. Not just injury management but also the education that is passed to team leaders and the workers themselves on injury prevention and basic well-being has proved a huge boost to our safety and well-being culture.
    Haydan Sheffield, OH&S Manager
    Thomas Foods International
  • Governance and Administration Manager
    Regular access to Work Healthy Australia appointments prevents minor niggles from turning into major issues and painful injuries to heal faster and more thoroughly.
    Governance and Administration Manager
    Zoos Victoria
  • WHS Manager
    Work Healthy Australia has made a significant difference with our employees by addressing injuries before they become medical treatment. The staff are very professional and enjoy coming to our plant. The Work Healthy Australia staff have built trust with our employees, which is very important.
    WHS Manager
    John Dee
  • Tracie Dallas, Return to Work Officer
    The providers are well trained and understand what our site needs regarding employee health, management and well-being. The reports they provide at the end of each day they have been on site are helpful for us in managing our employees accordingly.
    Tracie Dallas, Return to Work Officer
    Ararat Meat Exports
  • National General Manager
    Great communication, great skills from the actual hands-on providers, great systems to be able to filter/identify the data from sites.
    National General Manager
    Meat Processing Industry
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