Worksite Evaluation
Ergonomic Evaluation
Job Demands Analysis
Personal Care / Homesite / Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment
Functional Capacity Evaluation
Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation
Administrative Bridging
Therapist On-Site
Worksite Evaluation: An onsite evaluation, conducted when an individual is experiencing physical difficulties while performing the duties of the job. Principles of ergonomics are used to assess and resolve difficulties that may affect the employee’s well-being, health and/or job performance. The Occupational Therapist will typically provide education regarding posture and adaptive positioning, body mechanics, workstation set up, and may suggest job modification and/or adaptive equipment.
Ergonomic Evaluation: A brief form of Worksite Evaluation, typically conducted for an individual at a computer workstation where the work duties are computer/desk oriented. Principles of ergonomics are used to resolve difficulties by providing education regarding posture and adaptive positioning, body mechanics, workstation set up, and may include recommendations for job modification and/or adaptive equipment.
Job Demands Analysis: Analysis of a specific job to determine primary duties and physical demands; usually conducted as part of a rehabilitation or return to work plan when an individual is injured/off work/returning to work.
Personal Care / Homesite / Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment: Performed in an individual’s home when they are experiencing difficulties performing activities of daily living due to injury, health conditions, or age related issues. A “whole person approach” is used to determine physical/cognitive/functional difficulties, with a goal of resolving or managing barriers to independent functioning within the home and community. Family involvement is welcomed in this type of assessment.
Functional Capacity Evaluation: When information is required about an individual’s ability to perform work activities, an FCE is often used to determine an individual’s limitations and to identify a suitable level and type of work. Using the Roy Matheson Protocol, various tests are conducted in order to address and measure all aspects of physical /functional ability. Test results may be compared to a specific job demand or used to give direction for future employment. One and two-day evaluations are available.
Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluation: Useful as an additional component to a general FCE, as the individual’s cognitive function is assessed along with physical function. Typically used when there has been long term depression or mild brain injury that may have impacted the individual’s cognitive functioning, a Cognitive FCE can provide information that may be critical in employment planning.
Administrative Bridging: A specific, intensive, short term Return-to-Work (RTW) program, recommended for an individual who is medically fit for return to sedentary/administrative work, but multiple and/or secondary factors pose significant barriers to a smooth RTW transition.
The individual is provided with support, education and an opportunity to learn, practice and integrate new work behaviors during the transition to the workplace. Participation in this program ensures a smooth RTW by assisting the individual to:
- re-establish work routines
- develop work stamina/positional tolerances
- improve concentration, memory, and organization
- regain/ improve work skills (such as keyboarding, computer use)
- integrate new healthy physical and psychological behaviors into work activities
“Therapist On-Site”: A cost-effective injury prevention program providing small to medium-sized businesses with the services of an Occupational Therapist (OT) on a contract basis. This program allows the OT to develop a partnership with the employer and workforce to facilitate a safe and healthy workplace. Customized to each organization, key program components include:
- Monthly workplace visits for a “walk-through” of the general work areas, allowing the OT to observe workers performing their job duties and to address specific areas of ergonomic or safety concern.
- Following each walk-through, private or group meetings with employees to deliver education on body mechanics, posture and workstation set-up.
- A communication book, used between the supervisor/manager and the OT, will provide information and direction regarding general or specific situations to be addressed before or after each session.
- Additional injury prevention services can be arranged as needed.