THE Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) has released a report on the need for accurate data regarding obesity to maximise health and safety when designing Australian workplaces.
The report investigates what anthropometric data is being used by designers of workplace equipment and products and assesses whether it reflects the contemporary Australian workforce.
Anthropometric data refers to measurements of the human body that are used by designers to represent the general human shape and size to design products, spaces and systems that are used in mining operations.
ASCC chairman, Bill Scales, says the extent of obesity amongst the Australian workforce may have implications for the safe design of workplace equipment and products.
“Australia's anthropometric dimensions have changed due to improved nutrition, increasing rates of obesity, ageing and different migration patterns.
"More accurate Australian anthropometric data and tools will help our designers make workplaces safer," Mr Scales said.
The report: ‘Sizing Up Australia: How contemporary is the anthropometric data Australian designers use?’ follows up on previous reports regarding the implications of obesity for workplace health and safety and workers’ compensation.
The report is now available from the ASCC website.
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