This is am assessment of the critical physical and cognitive demands of the job. The organization and structure of the job tasks, physical layout, and environmental factors are considered. The assessment may include all of the critical demands or focus on either the physical or cognitive components. Examples of the job demands that are assessed include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, sitting, standing, walking, stairs/ladders, balancing, bending, squatting, above shoulder work, low level work, and prolonged positioning. Other variables, including frequency and duration, are considered. The Job Demands Analysis is a valuable tool in matching employees to specific jobs and in creating accurate job descriptions. The results from the Job Demands Analysis are used in the Post-offer Pre-placement Testing, to screen potential employees or returning injured employees and to be used in the Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) to determine if the employee is capable of carrying out the critical demands of that job.

We use the Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) protocol which is an assessment for individuals who have suffered injuries that could affect their employment opportunities. The worker's ability to perform work and their physical tolerances to a variety of real and/or simulated work activities is assessed. 

• A Job Demands Analysis (JDA) may be requested in conjunction with a Functional Capacity Evaluation to determine the physical demands associated with the worker's job. A Functional Capacity Evaluation collects objective information relevant to the determination of feasibility for employment. 

• Our FCEs are typically done in one day depending on the purpose of the assessment. This includes the identification of individual strength, abilities, needs and preferences by undertaking the following activities:subjective questionnaires real and/or simulated work activities, consistency of effort measures, standardized tests

Purpose of Functional Capacity Evaluations

• Improve the likelihood that the individual will be safe in subsequent job task performance by making a comparison of an individual's abilities to a job’s demands, in an attempt to diminish the risk of re-injury.

• Assist the individual to improve role performance through identification of functional limitations, so that they may be resolved or accommodated. Health care professionals use this information to triage individuals into proper treatment programs and to measure progress.

• Determine the presence and degree of disability, so that a bureaucratic or juridical entity can assign, apportion, or deny financial and medical disability benefits.

Call today to discuss the questions you need answered with an FCE!

With the WCB “Obligation to Re-employ” Manitoba regulation in place, employers are required to make "reasonable accommodation" for the injured worker. The function of the job accommodation programming includes a thorough assessment of a worker’s level of function, with a match to either their regular job, or a match to an alternate job or task. The hierarchy of consideration includes: Return to work, same employer, Return to modified work, same employer, or Return to alternate work, same employer. A successful return to work program is built on:commitment by both the employer and employee, effective communication and administration, clear transitional job tasks, education for co-workers, regular follow-up, on-going communication with the return to work consultant and employee motivation to regain skills and abilities. Our consultants get employees back to work faster and healthier.

This assessment is conducted following injury and analyzes an individual's vocational duties prior to injury to determine Return to Work Planning and to evaluate loss of function or ability.

Enabling Access' unique Mental Healthier Work Hardening  is based on a Cognitive Behavioral approach and involves intensive one on one occupational therapy, that conducted in the workplace setting, to assist the client in their efforts to return to work, in a safe and productive manner. The OT will work with the client to identify and reduce psychosocial, cognitive and sensory barriers for a successful return to work experience.

Our therapists are sensitive to issues affecting clients suffering from depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorders, and other mental health conditions and will review the RTW plan with the case manager and employer to determine program timelines and outcome measures. With the client, the OT will set SMART goals for addressing the barriers, risk factors and negative stimuli at the workplace, that the client is having difficulty overcoming. Areas addressed in our Cognitive Work Hardening programs include:

• Time management
• Goal setting
• Work flow
• Interpersonal relationships
• Following directions
• Physical space requirements
• Sensory issues (Noise and Visual Stimuli)
• Organizational systems
• Assisting Customers
• Problem Solving 
• Judgement
• Stress Management
• Nutrition and Sleep requirements
• Physical conditioning for job demands

Our therapists use Cognitive Behavioural techniques for dealing with a client's thoughts, feelings and fears, that are interfering with their successful return to work experience. Our customized skill building program and supportive approach to getting a client back to work, is both cost effective and a timely solution to those clients who have plateaued in their rehabilitation treatment plan or are new cases that require a fresh approach.  

An occupational therapist will come out to the residence and conduct an assessment that captures the personal care assistance needs of the individual in question through observation, interview and demonstration. Performance components include; basic hygiene, bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, environmental control and access, meal preparation, laundry, vehicle transportation, grocery shopping, banking, etc. A written report is provided including recommendations for improved independence in all areas

With Computer use on the rise and portable devices taking over from traditional desktop computers, people living with disability or injury have new challenges accessing these devices in a variety of environoments. Our occupational therpists will go to the home, school or workplace to assess the computer equipment and portable devices to determine appropriate access methods, including alternative mice, keyboards and software and to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and promote maximum independence.

If the equipment does not meet the individual's needs, more appropriate computer equipment, accessories and furniture are recommended. Trialling of access devices are sometime arranged through one of the lending libraries, if available. The report generated from the assessment can be used in support of funding any recommended equipment.

An occupational therapist will come out to the residence to conduct an assessment that measures the  

functional performance abilities of the individual in questions and focuses on the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.  The person is asked to demonstrate the activities of daily living for the assessor so to determine appropriate supports, products and services to facilitate independence in all areas of their life including home, work, school, as a caregiver, etc. A written report is provided including recommendations and price quotes.

This assessment will determine appropriate mobility device and supports to facilitate optimal independence and functional performance. Walkers to wheelchairs, both manual and power mobility, and complex seating are explored in coordination with local product vendors to ensure excellent client satisfaction and customized fit. 

This assessment measures the size, pigmentation, vascularity, pliability and pain related to scarring following injury and is based on both subjective and objective information. The purpose of the assessment is to determine treatment and to use periodically as outcome measures when evaluating scar treatment for the individual.

An occupational therapist will come out to the residence of the individual with injury or disability, to conduct an accessibility and safety assessment of the residence, including the indoor and outdoor environment to provide recommendations for disability related safety and mobility equipment, determine support services and products to improve independence in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure within the home. A written report is provided and price quotes on recommended equipment are available upon request. Vehicle Assessments can also be conducted during this visit to maximize independence and safety with regards to driving or being transported in the vehicle.

Our therapists work with architects, designers and home owners to create fully accessible environments for people of any ability. There are many benefits to collaborating with an experienced occupational therapist when considering accessibility equipment, future needs, family needs and assistive technology to facilitate full independence in an individual's home or work environment. 

This comprehensive assessment examines the future costs of care for an individual following injury or disability and includes all areas of living including self care, productivity and leisure at home and in the community throughout a life span. Recommendations for equipment, personal care assistance, residency, community support and future opportunities to improve independence are included. The assessment is based on a thorough investigation of current costs in the location of Canada where the individual resides or plans on residing.

Marnie Courage, Occupational Therapist and  is a Life Care Planner with a proven record, providing excellent documentation and fair analysis in many Medical-Legal cases both for the defense and prosecutiion. Call today to discuss your case and learn how Enabling Access can help you reach your medical legal or insurance claim goals quickly and effectively.