Job Analysis & Ergonomics
Job Analysis
An accurate job description is the foundation for safe return to work and can even prevent injuries. Job descriptions must contain the physical demands of the essential functions of that job.
In order to meet ADA and EEOC requirements, simply indicating that someone has to be able to lift 100 lbs for their job, is not sufficient. First of all, do they truly lift 100 lbs on their job? What is it that weighs 100 lbs? Do they lift it from floor level to waist level? Do they lift it overhead? Are they required to lift the object or do they have a lift assist available? Is it a one-person lift or can it be a two-person lift, etc.
Why an Accurate Job Analysis is Important:
- Foundation for post offer testing – provides accurate information to legally identify those persons who are safe to do the job
- Foundation for Physical Abilities or Fit for Duty testing
- Earlier and safer return to work goals are accomplished for injured workers.
- Rehab goals and timelines can be more easily established.
- Employers have job descriptions which are ADA compliant and that identify potential for job modifications.
- Ergonomic risk factors and solutions can be identified to determine a safe return to work for employees.
- Reduction of miscommunication and misunderstandings regarding the appropriate return to work for the injured employee.
When Do You Need a Job Analysis?:
- Current job description does not include physical demands and/or a functional description of work.
- Injured worker expresses concerns about parts of the job that they perceive will aggravate their injury upon return to work.
- Worker has a recurrence of symptoms after returning to work with specific job tasks.
- Conflict resolution is needed due to differing opinions regarding job requirements between employee and employer.
- Uncertainties about how physical restrictions will affect job duties.
An objective third party observation is needed to assess the essential functions of the job. - No "light duty" has been identified in the workplace and employees are expected to be "100%-no restrictions" in order to return to work.
- An observation of self-made modifications to workstations.
- An increase in musculoskeletal complaints from employees (e.g., sprains, strains and aches)
- Work site work hardening is needed for an injured worker or an employee returning from extended leave.
Ergonomic Assessments
Job Ready has staff that are Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialists. An ergonomic risk assessment can identify or quantify problem areas in job tasks that result in risks to injury.
When to Request an Ergonomic Assessment:
- To identify causality for compensable injuries.
- Proactive evaluation prior to injury.
- To prevent or reduce various musculoskeletal hazards at worksite
- When recommendations are needed including tool redesign, work station alterations, proper lift training, administrative controls i.e. stretching program, job task rotation, job coaching.
- To provide an objective, third-party assessment to identify or quantify injury risks at workstations.
Ergonomic risk factors are assessed such as repetition, force/load, awkward, static postures, localized mechanical stress/contact pressure, vibration, environmental factors such as lighting, standing surface, and temperature.
Are you seeing the following significant risk factors in your worksite?:
- Employee modifications - padding of equipment, braces/splints, personal chairs, seat cushions, etc.
- General employee population - females vs. males, smoking at breaks, yawning, poor physical conditioning
- Twisting or other rotational forces
- Aging employees who have declining physical abilities
These factors are an indication that employees are having some problems with their workstation set-up. Ergonomic equipment and chairs are not necessarily the best answer for everyone – an individualized assessment may be needed or perhaps some training in how to use ergonomic equipment correctly.
The aging workforce is another good reason to take a good look at ergonomics in the workplace in order to prevent injury. Although older workers are less likely to be injured than younger workers, they take twice as long to recover from an injury.
To learn more about Age & Ergonomics, visit our "Education" page to view our newsletters and/or to schedule an educational presentation for your organization.