.png)
Physiotherapists are a major stakeholder within the Work Health and Safety (WHS), Workers' Compensation, and Injury Management (WCIM) ecosystem. Our profession enhances worker health outcomes through evidence-based practice, research, policy development and active leadership within government, industry, and professional organisations. Australian physiotherapists are uniquely positioned to contribute across all levels of prevention—primary (before injury occurs), secondary (early intervention), and tertiary (rehabilitation and disability management). As our profession continues to mature within occupational health, there is increasing recognition that effective support for injured workers must extend beyond the workers' compensation claim itself.
In this presentation, Jean will explore practical strategies within both clinical and workplace settings to help organisations shift from predominantly reactive towards proactive primary prevention. Drawing on principles of nudge theory, pathomechanics, the biopsychosocial framework, ergonomics, and systems thinking, Jean will demonstrate how physiotherapists can influence workplace design, decision-making, and organisational behaviour to reduce the likelihood of injury before it occurs. James will present findings from his research examining the current systems available in Australia to support injured workers as they transition beyond the workers' compensation claim phase. His presentation will explore the strengths and limitations of existing approaches and identify opportunities to improve continuity of care, recovery, return-to-work and long-term participation in meaningful employment.
Jean Mangharam, APAM, BSc (Physio) (Hons) MSc (Env Hlth-Industrial Hygiene and Ergonomics/Systems Safety, Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), works closely with industry leaders to develop strategies and implement health interventions at all levels of prevention through design, research, education and collaboration. Jean is a Committee Member on two Australian Standard Committees- AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery series and AS/NZS 1337 – Eye and Face Protectors for Occupational Applications. She has published chapters, peer-reviewed articles and policy documents. Jean is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Curtin University and has conducted quantitative and qualitative research within the fields of epidemiology, biomechanics and stakeholder engagement. She has worked and studied in Australia, UK and USA.
James Weir, FACP, Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (As awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists), has worked extensively in private practice, dealing with acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems as well as a wide range of sporting injuries. James has played sport at a National and elite level, and has worked with athletes at the professional and elite levels in Australia and the United Kingdom. James has a keen interest in functional rehabilitation and is an advocate for the benefits of exercise in the management of injury and lifestyle. James has also spent two years working as an Early Intervention Specialist and Injury Management Advisor for a large workers’ compensation insurer. James has been a treating clinician for a national study into the management of people with chronic low back pain and also worked in a multidisciplinary role within a pain medicine clinic. James is currently completing his PhD in the area of work-related pain.
Occupational Health National Group
26/08/2026
1.0 hour
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.
