Getting back to work after an accident or an injury can be very challenging. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are healthcare specialists trained in the structure and function of the human body and the effects of illness and injury. Our Occupational Therapists are here to help you return to work in a safe and gradual manner by incorporating your work into your rehabilitation program! There are several different Occupational Therapy assessments that OTs may use in creating a customized return-to-work plan for you.
Worksite Assessments
Worksite assessments are used to facilitate return-to-work. During this assessment, an OT will get an overview of the workplace, observe the worker doing tasks, and may observe another worker in the same role for comparison. In addition, the critical physical demands of employment will be analyzed while taking into account medical guidelines (eg. diagnosis, pathology and prognosis) and assessing any barriers (physical/psychological, cognitive, etc).
The findings of this assessment are evaluated to determine:
- The capacity of the worker to execute essential job tasks
- Supports, strategies and equipment that will enable functional success
- The possibility of an alternate position that may be more suitable due to change in cognitive or physical status
Next, an Occupational Therapist may provide recommendations for:
- Modification of the work tasks
- The ways in which tasks are undertaken
- The provision of aids and equipment
- The introduction of work practice guidelines to ensure that the worker utilizes appropriate body mechanics
- Ongoing rehabilitation
Ergonomic Assessments
Ergonomics refer to the science of designing a work environment with the goal of facilitating the highest level of function for the worker. Ergonomic assessments are a tool used by Occupational Therapists to determine how a worker interacts with their work environment.
Furthermore, this assessment identifies physical demands, risk factors and hazards for discomfort/injury while performing work duties. For example, suggestions for optimal positioning while engaging in work tasks. The goals of ergonomic assessments include the prevention of injury while promoting safety and comfort. As well, to identify components that may cause injury or illness in order to ensure that the work environment fits the employee’s capabilities as a worker.
Ergonomic assessments may be used for the following:
- To facilitate a safe and durable return to work following injury or prolonged absence. This could be from a car accident, illness, progressive overuse injury including disc herniation, frozen shoulder, or even joint replacement.
- To educate employees and employers on safe and sustainable working practices in a wide variety of settings from heavy industrial to sedentary office work.
- To support clients who require adaptations to their workstations due to limitations they may have acquired as a result of injury or illness.
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) provide an objective perspective on the worker’s ability to perform work tasks. For example, tasks such as lifting, pushing and pulling, precision tasks and postural tolerances. This assessment is used for workers who have suffered injuries that could affect their employment opportunities.
A series of standardized physical tests are used to assess a worker’s ability to perform tasks and their physical tolerances to real and/or simulated work activities. The goal of the FCE is to determine if the worker has the capacity to return to the original job or to assess the potential to perform a different job.
There are three types of FCEs we offer:
- Half day: taking up only a portion of the day, this assessment is ideal for part-time positions or lighter job demands
- Full day: typically used for full-time or moderately heavy job demands
- Two day: for highly demanding jobs. Determines the ability to maintain speed and quality of work on consecutive days & to manage symptoms while working.
To learn more about occupational therapy assessments, simply call Karp Rehabilitation at 604-420-7800!