Exoskeletons: new technology for injury prevention and management

Exoskeletons are being used in a variety of industries to improve injury prevention and management strategies. Hear from new graduates Emma Allan and Peter Vayne how this has benefited JBS abattoirs in South Australia. This presentation will explore the feasibility and usability of exoskeleton equipment, such as the novel application of the ‘Paexo Back’ in an industrial setting. In doing so, potential enablers and barriers to implementation of this equipment, and alternatives, will also be discussed.

We will also hear from Jason McKenzie from JBS about their experiences.

Valerie O'Keeffe, Ergonomist from Flinders university, will discuss applications of this technology in a range of other industries and key points for practice.

Presenter

Emma Allen completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) degree at UniSA in 2023, and has since been working as a new-graduate physiotherapist in a large rural town, predominantly in private practice and also aged care. Having grown up in a small country town, Emma is passionate about promoting access to health care among rural areas. Since graduating, she has enjoyed engaging with a diverse range of patients across the lifespan, and learning about various clinical presentations.

Peter Vayne, APAM, completed his bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy (Honours) in 2023 at the University of South Australia and has since commenced working as a new graduate physiotherapist in acute care. He has a keen interest in physiotherapy education and research, and a background in dance performance which led to Peter recently completing a thesis involving dance classes for people with Parkinson’s. He enjoys performing regularly as an aerial circus artist in the Adelaide Fringe festival, and spending time with his wife and cat.

Dr Valerie O'Keefe is a Certified Professional Ergonomist and Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia, and a Certified Chartered Safety Professional and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Health and Safety. Over her career Valerie has worked in workplace health and safety regulation, policy, consulting, research and education, and rehabilitation. Valerie currently works at Flinders University where she is the Senior Research Fellow in Human Factors at Flinders Factory of the Future, researching the human impacts of technology adoption in a range of industries with a focus on manufacturing. With a background as a Prosthetist and Orthotist, Valerie has a special interest in exoskeletons and robotics technologies and their potential for reducing work health and safety risks in complex workplaces.

Tarryn Putland, APAM, completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) degree at UniSA in 2023 and has since been working in private practice and residential aged care as a new-graduate physiotherapist. She has moved back to rural South Australia and enjoys the challenges that arise in this setting with the wide variety of clinical presentations. She is passionate about access to healthcare in rural communities in Australia, and hopes to locum in remote/rural communities in the future.

Jasper Whitehead, APAM, is working rurally in a private practice setting after completing his Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) degree at the University of South Australia in 2023. He has a keen interest in the area of musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy.

Host

Occupational Health and Musculoskeletal National Groups

Date of Live Event

21/02/2024

CPD Hours

1.5 Hours

Please note: The content of this Lecture on Demand (LOD) was captured via a recording of a live lecture at the APA premises. Due to the nature of the event and the recording method, this LOD may not have captured some of the questions/comments from live audience. Your purchase of this module indicates your acceptance of this.