A project called ‘Healing by Design’ has focussed on design principles to address psychosocial hazards in the workplace, particularly for healthcare workers.
Dr. Olivier Cotsaftis from RMIT School of Design led the project, which aimed to create solutions that prevent workplace injuries caused by factors affecting mental wellbeing.
The project involved working with healthcare professionals to identify challenges and develop innovative solutions.
One notable outcome was 3D-printed PPE tailored to individual workers' bodies, addressing comfort and identity concerns.
Another solution was sound-absorbing furniture to provide private resting spaces for healthcare workers to de-stress.
The project highlighted that a human-centered design approach, involving stakeholders and beneficiaries throughout the process, can lead to more relevant and effective solutions.
The results could influence not only product design but also policies and hospital planning to support workers' mental wellbeing.
Source: OHS Alert, 31 July