Ergonomic Assessment
This evaluation is completed on-site to examine the “fit” between the worker and the job requirements/ environment. An ergonomic study takes into account the worker’s size, strength, and ability to handle the tasks, tools, and overall environment. Information gathered through an ergonomic study is used to evaluate the risks of the job and possible hazardous posturing/ equipment use, advancing development of cumulative trauma disorders. The purpose of the ergonomic study is to provide recommendations for modifications in job tasks, equipment, or worker factors to decrease risk, increases safety, and increase productivity.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive evaluation of a persons’ functional movements, abilities, and tolerances. The evaluation process begins with a personal, medical, and vocational history interview, including information regarding the client’s subjective views of functional abilities, pain, and tolerance levels. The evaluation includes a comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation, cardiovascular endurance testing, positional tolerance testing, and material handling abilities. An FCE can be completed to identify baseline abilities/limitations for the purpose of determining further rehabilitation, employment, disability, or litigation purposes, or the FCE can be designed to determine ability to safely complete specific job demands.
Job-Site Analysis
On-site assessment of the critical job demands and physical capacities needed in order to perform a specific job title safely. Information is gathered through a review of existing job descriptions, an interview with supervisors and employees, and observation/ measurement of the job tasks. A job description report is designed from the information gathered and includes a general description of the job, essential and non-essential functions, information on the working environment, weights/forces lifted/carried, distances traveled, body positions required, and specific durations for physical tasks. Additional recom- mendations for disability modifications and/or ergonomic/safety recommendations may be made as indicated.
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Post-Offer Pre-Employment Screens
A test designed to screen individual workers to determine the physical capacities of the worker to safely complete material handling abilities, posturing, and mobility for essential job tasks as specified by the employer or determined following a job analysis. Physical capacities tested are specific to each job and are used only after a job has been offered to an employee in accordance with hiring and non-discrimination laws.
Transitional Work
Transitional work is a program provided on-site at the injured worker’s job to assist that injured worker in progressively performing the duties of the target job by providing an individualized interim step in the negation of restrictions resulting from the prevailing conditions. The overall program is generally developed in conjunction with the employer, the collective bargaining agent, the physician, and the rehabilitation professional. Transitional work includes therapeutic interventions, education/training in body mechanics, energy conservation or task modifications, and observation/monitoring to ensure appropriate progression to full work duties throughout the duration of the program.
Work Conditioning
(General Occupational Rehabilitation)
The work conditioning program utilizes techniques to improve strength, endurance, movement, flexibility, motor control and cardiopulmonary capacity in the performance of work-related activities. The program focuses on physical exercise, task modification, symptom relief and educational instruction to restore function and return to work. Clients typically participate 2-4 hours/day, 3-5 days/week, for up to 4-6 weeks. WorkLife is currently CARF accredited for the work conditioning program.
Work Hardening
(Comprehensive Occupational Rehabilitation)
Client’s requiring a work hardening program typically have multiple confounding factors and/or significant physical deficits as compared to the physical demands of the targeted job goal that requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team approach to assist in progressing the client back to gainful employment. The program focuses on physical conditioning, task modification, education, behavior modification, and a strong focus on work simulation to promote return to work. Clients typically participate up to 6-8 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 6-8 weeks. WorkLife currently holds CARF accreditation for running the work hardening program. |
