Employment physical tests make sure you can safely perform the job you’re applying for or return to work with confidence, strength, and ease.
We offer a variety of physical tests for employees at Jackson County Physical Therapy.
Post Offer Employment Screens
What better way to prevent injures from occurring than by implementing a Post-Offer Screening Program into your hiring process? It is a time-tested, proven method of reducing workplace injuries. Employers have the ability to take control of their workers’ compensation costs, as well as take care of their employees, by applying individualized functional testing.
Some of the additional benefits include:
- A multi-purpose tool with proactive uses for Human Resources, as well as for post-injury by Risk Management and treatment providers
- Baseline documentation for accelerated rehabilitation and return-to-work
- Reduction in lost workdays
- Reduction in turnover
- Reduction in hiring and training costs
- Compliance with ADA and EEOC and federal hiring practices
The HTPN Post-Offer Employment Screen can serve as a physical agility test or as a functional musculoskeletal evaluation. If employment is conditional based on the result of a post-offer screen, then legal employment guidelines require that an offer must be made prior to the screen. Additionally, the post-offer screen must be required of all applicants of the job title. If employability is contingent upon test results, then these conditions should be stipulated in written policy.
After meeting legal guidelines, the objective is to match the worker with the job requirements. The HTPN Post-Offer Employment Screen will determine if the individual has the required physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of his/her job. Comprehensive medical information is obtained, including a full musculoskeletal exam by a licensed physical therapist – any pre-existing conditions, injuries, restrictions or illnesses are documented.
Each test consists of job-specific tasks which must be performed safely by the candidate. The job-specific tasks are based on a thorough and comprehensive Physical Demand Analysis. Candidates are also monitored and instructed, if necessary, on proper body mechanics and safe lifting techniques throughout the test. As a result, the candidate should have full knowledge of the job tasks and the employer will have full confidence their candidate physically meets the demands of the job.
Physical Capacity Evaluation
The Physical Capacity Evaluation is a one to three-hour assessment of physical abilities, inclusive of: lifting, carrying, ambulation, and stairs, sitting and standing tolerances, pushing and pulling.
Functional Capacity Exam (FCE)
Jackson County Physical Therapy can help determine if an injured worker is physically ready to go back to work with a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), a scientifically developed, objective process to measure a worker’s physical capabilities and tolerances, Physical Demand Level (PDL).
Benefits of Using FCEs
- Determine the level of participation and activity that is right for the worker, providing the highest probability of returning to work without re-injury;
- Answer relevant questions for referral sources;
- Practice hierarchy of safety, reliability, validity, practicality and utility;
- Provide clear, concise, and timely reports specific to a worker’s physical capabilities.
Work Capacity Evaluation (WCE)
The Work Capacity Evaluation is a six-hour test (three-hour sections over two consecutive days) that includes the PCE listed above and a determination as to whether someone can perform specific work tasks in their job description.
These evaluations are designed to:
- Assist with claim closure and/or facilitate claim closure.
- Determine placement for category of work an injured worker demonstrates, according to the “Dictionary of Occupational Titles”
- Provide information regarding maximum physical abilities and overall function.
Physical Demands Analysis
The PDA provides an objective and measurable description of essential and nonessential physical demands of a specific job. The purpose of a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) is to provide appropriate documentation of specific skill sets that one needs to safely perform the job. HTPN works closely with employers large and small to assist them in development of these programs. It is important to select the most skilled partner to ensure a successful PDA program. HTPN’s experienced project managers, physical/occupational therapists, and ergonomists work closely with you to insure that we meet your needs in program and timeline development, and implementation.
Skill sets measured:
- Analytical measures of physical tolerance requirements to perform the essential and marginal job tasks
- Maximum force requirements
- Positional tolerance
- Machinery and tools
- Environmental factors
- Cognitive requirements
What are the Benefits of a Physical Demands Analysis?
- Providing the company with a detailed job description which may assist with hiring applicants able to perform the physical and cognitive requirements of the job and reasonable determination of accommodations for those qualified candidates with a disability.
- An essential base for a Post Offer Employment Screen to verify that the physical demands are met by the applicant.In the event of an injury, the PDA contains valuable information given to the physician to make thoughtful job restrictions if necessary.
- When an injured worker is ready to return to work and a physical capacity assessment is required, the PDA works well with the Functional Capacity Evaluation, matching physical requirements of the job to the injured worker’s current abilities.