Title: When To Use A Functional Capacity Evaluation
Headings: When To Use A Functional Capacity Evaluation
When To Use A Functional Capacity Evaluation
What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
Types of Functional Capacity Evaluations
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The Benefits of Conducting Functional Capacity Evaluations in an Occupational Setting
The Components of a Functional Capacity Evaluation
Practical Applications of Functional Capacity Evaluations in the Workplace
Advantages of Conducting Functional Capacity Evaluations
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Content: Material-handling activities (lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling)
Positional/postural tolerance activities (sitting, standing, walking, balancing, squatting, etc.) Pain monitoring
Cardiovascular fitness test (step test)
Endurance lift evaluations
Job specific tasks as required
Hand dexterity and coordination
Safe maximum lifting capacity
Safe maximum carrying capacity evaluation
Cognitive evaluations
Following the evaluation the worker, as well as the employer, will be provided with a comprehensive report produced by the physiotherapists, and occupational therapists or exercise physiologists detailing the following: The worker's ability to return safely to work
The need for any workplace modifications or adjustments, if any
The need for additional rehabilitation
Practical Applications of Functional Capacity Evaluations in the Workplace
Functional capacity evaluations are useful in the following occupational settings: To determine a worker's physical capabilities and limitations after an illness or injury
For pre-employment screenings to ensure that the potential worker is able cope with the physical and cognitive demands of the job position
To settle workers' compensation and disability cases
To determine whether a worker is able to safely return to his/her full job duties
To provide an objective analysis of a worker's functional performance so that the psychosocial factors that influence return-to-work outcomes can be identified
To identify additional rehabilitation needs of workers, if any
To obtain baseline measurements
Advantages of Conducting Functional Capacity Evaluations
Although the validity of functional capacity evaluations have received much criticism with regards to the extent it measures an individual's ability or inability to work, FCEs are still widely viewed as one of the most reliable and objective ways to measure a person's physical and cognitive capabilities. For employees, it ensures that there is a safe transition from injury to return-to-work. For employers, there is a greater chance of increased productivity and profitability, as well as the creation of a safer work environment for their workers. The latter makes employers less vulnerable to workers’ compensation claims and lawsuits over alleged safety breaches. Thus, FCEs are essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of both employers and their workers. FREE DOWNLOAD! Sleep Apnea in the Workplace: