Q: We have a staff member who suffers from back and neck pain. Her physio has suggested she have her workplace ergonomically tested. Are we, as a company, liable to pay for that assessment?

A: You have work health and safety obligations to maintain, as far as reasonably practicable, a workplace that is free from risk of harm. Whether it is reasonably practicable for you to take those steps requires having regard to considerations like practicality, impact on your business and costs. Under the circumstances, it would appear that you should pay for an ergonomic assessment.

Please note: The answer is correct at the time of publishing. Be aware that laws may change over time.