Aligning ability with the demands of the job
When is a Functional Capacity Evaluation necessary?
If a worker is returning to the workplace after suffering an injuring or illness, a key question arises: can the worker still perform their job safely?
An employer may also have trouble understanding the needs of an injured employee returning to work. This is when we perform a Functional Capacity Evaluation. It assesses the worker’s current ability to meet the functional demands of their pre-injury role.
What does a Functional Capacity Evaluation involve?
A Functional Capacity Evaluation compares an individual’s health and functionality to the demands of the job they are employed to perform. Whether using a computer or operating a forklift, our team will observe and assess each task as it is performed in the workplace or a similar setting. This evaluation provides the worker with a more concrete measure of how far they have come, and how far they have to go to rehabilitate back to their pre-injury role.
The outcome is a detailed understanding of which pre-injury tasks aren’t matching up with the worker’s current abilities. In most instances, this leads to the consideration of reasonable adjustments.
What to expect of a Functional Capacity Evaluation
- The evaluation may take place in the workplace, or an appropriate setting outside of the workplace if required
- The evaluation typically begins with an interview, followed by a review of medical records, before moving on to functional testing
- Depending on the pre-injury role, functional testing may include material handling activities, positional activities, an evaluation of dexterity and other job-specific functions
- It may take a few hours to complete the assessment
- If required, we can provide a detailed report on the findings, as well as make recommendations on how to move forward with returning to work
Need to arrange a Functional Capacity Evaluation, or like to learn more about what’s involved?