Bristol Who’s Who Recognizes Elizabeth Kirk
Computer Use Training that Cares for Individuals and Boosts Productivity
From Bank Clark to being awarded a PhD, ELIZABETH KIRK’S wide reaching career has led her to blend industry and academic knowledge and develop the next step in office training; a unique skills based health and safety program for all computer users.
Elizabeth Kirk as a research/ practitioner has combined her love of training, a belief in the enormous advantages of empowering the individual and the identified need to address the growing rates of overuse injuries associated with long hours of computer use. This has brought Elizabeth to develop “Move It Training” (Safe Computer Use Skills training program), complete a PhD (awarded the UQ Dean’s award in 2013) and launch her new company, The Corporate Body Institute.
The need to develop this program was identified when Elizabeth worked briefly in a contact centre. What was meant to be an easy 9 to 5 sit down job turned out to be very mentally and physically stressful. A review of literature found that overuse injuries, such as RSI, are considered a significant public health issue and contemporary occupational health problem. They are also among the most common workers’ compensation claims. Over 86% of data entry or contact centre operators experience some level of musculoskeletal discomfort.
“It has been reported that computers have caused more discomfort and injury than any other piece of equipment in history.”
Recognizing there was no personalized skill based training available for computer users, Elizabeth went back to university to build a program that refined recommendations, including risk factors, ergonomics, work behaviors and injury prevention, to meet individual needs.
With lots of practical skills and common sense advice, the Move It Training program is designed for any computer user working to avoid the discomfort and injury associated with long hours of computer use.
Elizabeth believes that workplace wellness programs such as these will increasingly play an important role in supporting women to achieve that elusive work and home life balance. Programs that are practical and easy to apply are readily transferred home. This program is very strong in this regard. Participants have reported sharing many ideas with partners, children or friends. Simple tips with immediate benefits.
“These days the computer is an essential part of our work and home life. It is increasingly important to develop the work skills we need to avoid long-term harm with the associated economic and personal cost. In addition, with an ageing workforce and the continued shift to a ‘knowledge’ economy, these programs will also provide ongoing engagement and economic benefits to business.”
Elizabeth is a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Association (HFESA), the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD), and Auscontact, the Australian Contact Centre Association.
Bristol Who’s Who member Elizabeth Kirk, PhD can be found on the Who’s Who Directory where she is looking forward to networking with you.
Contact: Dr Elizabeth Kirk (PhD)
Business: Move It Training
Phone: +61 7 3722 3000
Email: mi.training@mtaq.com.au
