A La Trobe University researcher has received more than $700,000 in new Federal funding to support a project that aims to make workplaces safer for healthcare workers.
Professor Jodi Oakman, head of La Trobe’s Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors within the School of Psychology and Public Health, was awarded a Linkage grant from the Australian Research Council (ARC).
The grant, valued at $709,404, will fund research that aims to improve workplace safety for nurses, reducing injuries including sprains and back pain, as well as chronic stress.
The Linkage Program promotes national and international research partnerships between researchers and business, industry, community organisations and other publicly funded research agencies.
An additional $250,000 in funding will be provided by industry partners.
Professor Oakman said reducing hazards in the workplace would increase staff retention rates.
“Improving nurse retention rates is an urgent issue in Australia,” Professor Oakman said.
"Key to increasing nurse retention is improving the psychological and physical safety of their working conditions. This project addresses the need for such improvements by implementing a ‘toolkit’ of new evidence-based procedures."
La Trobe’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Industry Engagement, Professor Chris Pakes said Professor Oakman’s work will have positive impact on the health sector and wider community.
“This research is a key example of the work being done at La Trobe that has a real-world impact, not only locally but across Australia,” Professor Pakes said.
“Our University has a proud history of educating highly skilled and dedicated nurses. I congratulate Jodi and all involved in this important project that will keep them safe at work.”
Professor Oakman is working with La Trobe academics Adjunct Professor Wendy Macdonald, Dr Victoria Weale, Professor Amanda Cooklin and Associate Professor Ali Lakhani.
The team is collaborating with WorkSafe Victoria, Employers Mutual Limited, Monash Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Austin Health and Eastern Health.
