Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common work-related injuries in Australia and a leading cause of workers compensation claims, according to Safe Work Australia.
A $950,000 La Trobe University project – backed by a $700,000 Australian Research Council Linkage grant and support from WorkSafe Victoria and EML Group – aims to improve workplace safety for nurses by reducing injuries like sprains, back pain, and chronic stress.
The three-year study will explore how physical and mental health risks contribute to these injuries, helping healthcare employers better manage manual handling risk and workload challenges. The project is led by La Trobe researcher Professor Jodi Oakman, who is collaborating with WorkSafe, EML, Monash Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Austin Health and Eastern Health to develop a toolkit of evidence-based procedures to reduce workplace hazards for nurses.
EML Victoria General Manager Rick Jones said: “This project will help tackle major health sector risks—manual handling and psychosocial hazards—for nursing staff. We’re excited to collaborate with La Trobe, WorkSafe, and our hospital partners on an initiative that will benefit the health sector in Victoria and beyond. Having been a researcher, I know how tough ARC grants are to win—big congratulations to Professor Jodi Oakman.”
The project commences in January 2026.
