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Philippa Grimes is a Wellington physiotherapist who works in occupational health and ergonomics. She is the owner/operator of Philippa Grimes Consulting.

About

Philippa J Grimes MPNZ, Dip Occup Health Pract, PGDipErg

Philippa graduated with a Diploma of Physiotherapy in 1976 and for the next 10 years gained a wide range of clinical experience in hospitals and in private practices in New Zealand and overseas. In 1986 she established her Wellington-based occupational health consultancy, focusing on the assessment and management of work-related musculoskeletal conditions, hazard identification, and safe work practices.

Philippa completed a Diploma of Occupational Health Practice (University of Otago) in 1990, a Diploma of Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (McKenzie Institute) in 1994, and a Post-graduate Diploma of Ergonomics (Massey University) in 2006. She is a foundation member of the New Zealand Ergonomics Society, a member of Physiotherapy New Zealand, a member of Physiotherapy New Zealand’s Occupational Health Physiotherapy Group, and a member of the New Zealand Pain Society. She has regularly presented papers at a number of conferences and seminars, and has been a member of various government health & safety committees.

When not at work, Philippa enjoys a number of outdoor activities. These include tramping, tennis, skiing, running, cycling, and swimming.

Philippa is a council member on the Girls’ Friendly Society, a charitable trust that provides scholarships for young women in need, predominantly for tertiary study.

Contact

Philippa Grimes Telephone: +64 4 473 6373 Facsimile: +64 4 473 6366 Email: philippa.grimes@pgconsulting.co.nz Postal Address: PO Box 1954 Wellington 6140 New Zealand

Occupational Health - A Good Investment

As an employer you are well aware that the health, safety and wellbeing of your staff has a direct impact on your business costs. Good performance, along with a sound health and safety record, can assist to reduce staff and organisational costs and, over time, improve staff and business productivity.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics – a good investment

The New Zealand Ergonomics Society defines ergonomics as “a technology that seeks to improve mental and physical wellbeing by optimising the function of the human-machine-environment systems”. As an employer, you are well aware that sound performance and a good health and safety record can reduce staff and organisational costs. Over time, they should bring you the benefits of improved productivity and optimal function, and add to the overall wellbeing and  of your organisation.

Workplace Assessment Process

My assessment and prevention services include: Assessment of individual staff experiencing work-related discomfort, symptoms or injuries Assessment of individual staff or groups of staff Report writing on assessment findings and recommendations Establishing return to work or rehabilitation programmes for staff who are off work One-to-one staff education Staff group education and prevention seminars Assistance with the development of  Health and Safety Policy and Procedures Workplace audit/hazard identification Assessment of individual staff workstation equipment and their work technique Assessment of group of staff workstations.

Occupational health assessment reports My assessments are timely and fully documented. My workplace assessment report will include a summary of the assessment findings and any recommendations made. It will outline staff member and management responsibilities with regard to addressing any recommendations made. The report will be forwarded to you and the staff member within five working days of the assessment.

Advice and Education

Advice and education will be offered during the assessment and/or as part of the follow-up process.  It may include correction or modification of work technique(s), postural education and exercise instruction.  Self-management, self-responsibility and independence will be actively promoted and encouraged.

The aim of providing advice and education is to assist both you and your staff member to effectively self-manage their symptoms, and to reduce the impact and effect of their symptoms. It should also ensure that their workplace equipment and work practices are appropriate. Self-management, self-responsibility and independence will be actively promoted and encouraged.

Fees

Audit and/or hazard identification assessments

• $180.00 per hour + GST
• $900.00 + GST per day (6 hours or more on-site)

No minimum fee for on-site time

ACC Workplace Assessments

Philippa works as a contractor (for a physiotherapy clinic) to carry out workplace assessments fro ACC under its vocational rehabilitation services.

The contract is for the Stay at Work Service, formerly the Graduated Return to Work Service (Workplace Assessments). If you wish to have a workplace assessment that is covered under your ACC claim, please contact Philippa to discuss how this can be arranged. The assessment will need to be authorised through your case manager or case coordinator.

Web Links and Resources

ACC Links:

Discomfort, pain and injury:

Preventing and managing discomfort, pain and injury increases productivity and staff morale while reducing injury related costs.