Ergonomic Consulting Group
Transitional Work Services
 

Return to Work Regulations, 2006


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On Site Work Tolerance Screening

Work Tolerance Screening Defined:
Individualized one on one evaluation in which selected critical physical demands of work are simulated in a controlled setting.  The simulated work activity allows the employee to demonstrate his or her own unique response to work demands and where appropriate, evaluates, such problems as uncontrolled pain, motivational problems, or multiple impairments. This information will help determine whether the employee can return to the usual and customary job or perform the physical demand requirements of a new or modified job.  

Work Tolerance Screening Objective:
On site evaluations aim to simulate the essential job demands of the targeted job, in this case the dispatcher position.  Tolerances are determined by observing the employee in scheduled episodes of work activity and gathering feedback.  Careful observation is critical and two to three days are necessary to capture the essence of symptomatic response and overall endurance for the duration of work according to the usual and customary job demands on consecutive days. 

   Components of the On Site Work Tolerance Screening:

  1. We would need a job analysis.
  2. Ensure that an ergonomic assessment had been completed and recommendations implemented prior to the work tolerance evaluation.
  3. Meet with supervisor and any management personnel interested in establishing the objectives of the WTS.
  4. Based on the Job Analysis a schedule is created to assess tolerances by observing essential work activity.
  5. Essential tasks are performed over the course of a regularly scheduled shift for three consecutive days and results are carefully documented by the evaluator.
  6. A summary report is generated outlining work tolerances and behavioral worker traits, which reflect employability, feasibility, work tolerances, and pain response to essential work activity.
  7. An exit staffing is available upon request.

   Components of the Final Report:

  1. Description of Worker Traits and Feasibility issues
  2. Symptomatic response to specific work activity
  3. Break down of daily work schedule and scheduled breaks
  4. Summary of work tasks and duration of work cycles
  5. Summary of physical tolerances for essential job demands

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