Staff Profile

Derek Thomas

Physiotherapist, Ergonomist and Principle of Active Injury Management

Derek has over 22 years experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with work and non-work related injuries within the private and public sectors. His extensive experience in providing active injury management and physical rehabilitation include the development, monitoring and review of on site physiotherapy, gym and exercise programs, hydrotherapy programs, work site assessments, work station assessments and functional capacity evaluation. He has been actively involved in the development and implementation of return to work programs, suitable duties plans, manual handling and lifting instruction and pre-employment assessments.

  

 

 

Derek has also presented workshops including:

  • Work conditioning and work site visits
  • Work conditioning and design of gymnasium programs
  • Functional capacity evaluation – lecture and workshop delivered to train physiotherapists in FCE.
  • Basic ergonomic and occupational health course.
 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapist (1988)
    • University of Queensland
  • Master of Ergonomics (2006)
    • University of Queensland
  • Completed MINE7033
    • Minerals Industry Risk Management
  • Member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association
  • Member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia
  • Member of Occupational Health Physiotherapy Special interest group
  • Certificate IV in Assessment and workplace training

Derek has always had a major focus on Occupational Health & Safety. In 1989 he commenced a 2 year post at the Workers' Compensation Board of Queensland's South Brisbane Rehabilitation Centre. This centre was the first of it's kind in Queensland providing an intensive rehabilitation management program. During his time at the centre Derek developed his knowledge with early rehabilitation intervention to maximise positive return to work outcomes. Derek's later experience in private practice consolidated his interest in industrial occupational health and safety motivating him into establishing Active Injury Management a rehabilitation service for injured workers and industry in early 1994. With the continuing demand for industrial rehabilitation, Derek was prompted to secure additional rooms for treatment and purchased Southside Physiotherapy Clinic in late 1994. Southside Physiotherapy Clinic has now been in existence for over 38 years.Derek has firmly established himself in the injury management industry in Queensland, and has been extensively involved with various organisations as a preferred provider. Referee contacts available on request.