In Fresh Foods Processing, automation is difficult due to the nature of the products; manual handling is therefore essential in both production and value adding.

We currently average 2.7 visits to release for workplace injuries, which is equivalent to about $240 per case. Our success rate is 97%, and 97% of staff receiving treatment stay on full duties, maintaining productivity and operational flexibility for these clients.

There are several trends that are of note with this group of patients:

• 82% were over the age of 35
• Lower back and shoulder strains accounted for 44% of the injuries
• 55% were sprains and strains
• 54% of patients cannot recall the onset of symptoms
• 12% of the injuries were non work related
• The injuries were reported 37% in the dominant side, 35% in the non-dominant side and 27% had a bilateral presentation
• 27% of the patients had a previous workplace injury history
• 27% of the patients were smokers and 69% drank alcohol
• 75% of the patients had 5 years or more with the same employer