FOR ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENT, ADA DOCUMENTATION,AND RETURN TO WORK FEASIBILITY

A job analysis is a written document identifying an individual's work activities in a specific position to determine the sequence of performance using specific machines, equipment, and tools within a specific environment requiring a defined range of physical and mental demands.

The job analysis is developed from an observation of the tasks being performed in the actual environment as well as interviews of individuals who are knowledgeable in the specific position being analyzed. Specific attention is paid to details such as work heights, horizontal distances, carrying or pushing and pulling distances, as well as material weights.

In addition to the above details, an ergonomic job analysis identifies a comprehensive list of the physical risk factors for back injuries and cumulative trauma injuries. When the potential problems are identified, the worksite can be redesigned or modified to prevent back injuries from occurring. If the worksite cannot be modified, workers can be taught specific stretches which counteract stressful movements or positions. These stretches can be performed during the short breaks which take place naturally in most jobs.

A job analysis performed to comply with the American's With Disabilities Act provides the documentation necessary to identify the functional, environmental and task requirements of specific positions to compare with a disabled person's functional abilities to facilitate reentry into the labor force. The job analysis is essential for determination of vocational feasibility, employability, vocational handicap, and potential earning capacity of individuals incurring disability resulting in temporary or permanent loss of work capacity.

Job analysis for return to work feasibility utilizes the data measured from the work site to correlate that with the physicians work restrictions or functional capacity data. This enables the employer to safely return the employee to the appropriate job while minimizing the risk of reinjury.