People are suffering from lower back, shoulder and neck pain and headaches from working at home

WorkSafe Victoria said it had at least 463 claims statewide for workplace injuries where claimants referenced working from home.

Warrnambool-based Physio Freedom director and physiotherapist Clifton Watt said he has seen a shift in the types of patients he was treating.

"Most sporting injuries dried up due to cancellation of all sports," but these patients were replaced by people with new injuries that caused by working from home," Mr Watt said.

He said the most common injuries were lower back, headaches, shoulder and neck pain.

"These injuries were usually caused by poor ergonomic set-ups, an increase in screen time including Zoom meetings, too much sitting and a lack of incidental movement during the day," Mr Watt said.

He said stress, and worry about COVID-19 were also contributing factors.

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Mr Watt said for those still working at home, set up an ergonomic workspace away from the bedroom or dining room using an adjustable office chair and desk at the correct height.

"In many instances a stand-up desk is beneficial and a separate keyboard and mouse if you are using a laptop so that you can ensure your screen is at the correct height and distance," he said.

He suggested taking regular breaks every hour by walking and stretching for five minutes.

Two large employers, Wannon Water and Warrnambool City Council said they had measures in place to ensure the health and safety of their employees when working from home.

Wannon Water people and business services general manager Steven Waterhouse said it included working from home arrangements several years before the pandemic.

"That initiative meant we were able to rapidly transition employees so they could work from home when required by government directions during the pandemic," he said.

"Field crews continued providing essential services during this time."

He said all employees working from home were provided with a working from home training module, ergonomic assessment and training for managers on supporting and leading remote teams. The company also provided staff with equipment.

Mr Waterhouse said since returning to the workplace in March, it adopted a hybrid model.

Warrnambool City Council chief executive officer Peter Schneider said it had a mix of staff working from home and on-site during the pandemic.

He said occupational health and safety officers conducted inspections of home work spaces, while some staff conducted self assessments reviewed by the OH&S officers.

Mr Schneider said the council was in the process of formalising flexible workplace arrangements with staff.

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