Qatar PHCC puts workplace ergonomics at the heart of employee safety

Qatar’s Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is marking Global Ergonomics Month throughout October with a workplace safety campaign focused on preventing musculoskeletal disorders and improving employee wellbeing and performance.

The campaign is particularly focused on healthcare workers, who often operate in physically and mentally demanding environments. This year’s programme places emphasis on manual handling and patient transfers to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal injuries among PHCC employees.

As part of the initiative, PHCC is conducting practical sessions at three health centres, allowing employees to practise safer manual handling and patient transfer techniques in real workplace settings.

The corporation is also developing an online training module through its learning management system, alongside an e-learning lecture under its continuing professional development programme.

Dr Maryam Al Muslemani, director of occupational health and safety at PHCC, said creating a safe and supportive workplace was an investment in employees as well as the quality of healthcare delivered to patients.

She said workplaces designed around employees’ physical needs and job requirements could help reduce pain and fatigue while improving concentration, job satisfaction and productivity.

The campaign promotes practical measures including safe handling techniques, stretching and movement during the working day, and better workplace organisation.

Dr Sameera Al Hajri, director of occupational health, said musculoskeletal disorders such as back, neck, shoulder and wrist pain were among the most common work-related health problems.

She highlighted the role of simple changes to working methods and workplace design in improving working conditions and reducing injury risks.

The campaign also addresses the cognitive side of ergonomics, including mental workload, clear communication and task organisation. PHCC said training and awareness were key to helping employees identify workplace risks, adapt their environments and adopt safer working practices.