Risk analysis and injury surveillance of the Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) trade
Workplace injuries result in considerable cost to the ADF. They also comprise an often preventable and significant setback to retention within the ADF. A trade-task risk analysis and trade related injury snapshot of the GBAD trade was completed. The risk analysis utilised subject matter expert advice, and observational analysis of data collected during simulated in-role deployments and formal exercises. The major high risk activities identified were heavy
load carriage over sustained duration, heavy lifting, and deploying/storing camouflage nets on the top of vehicles. Risk mitigation strategies were developed and included trade-specific manual handling guidelines, recommendations for equipment use and/ or modification, and changes to standard operating procedures to ensure appropriate distribution of load across personnel.
Accompanying the risk analysis was the Snapshot Injury Surveillance Tool. GBAD soldiers (n=55) were surveyed to assess the number of separate injuries carried and, for a maximum of two injuries, the location, severity, nature and length of carriage of each injury. Participants nominated the activity engaged in when each injury occurred, allowing differentiation between trade-task related injuries and those sustained during sport and other non-trade
activities. Thirty soldiers reported carrying a total of 44 injuries, with one in five soldiers carrying a traderelated
injury. These trade-related injuries appeared to be chronic, with an average sustainment duration of 558 days (152 – 326 days).
Information gained from this process has allowed the GBAD trade to begin to implement additional risk mitigation strategies. A further injury snapshot is planned to assess the success of these strategies in the future.
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