Yes, there are alternatives to physical abilities testing. It’s easy to understand why an employer might hesitate to start a PAT program, considering how detailed an ADA-compliant analysis needs to be. We urge clients and prospects, however, to strongly consider physical abilities testing. This is because some alternative tests that employers use fall short.
In the past, pre-employment physicals were mainly limited to a physical exam and certain diagnostic tests such as radiographic studies (x-rays). These exams were represented as a method to identify medical problems that would make job applicants a high risk for injury on the job. However, the estimation of whether or not a person could work safely based on these early tests were often subjective. While these assessments were useful in identifying certain applicants with conditions posing medical risk, there was no research demonstrating predictive value or whether the condition presented an imminent risk of injury. With the advent of the American Disabilities Act (ADA), an emphasis on functional testing as a means to assess the abilities to work safely became apparent. How has your organization approached physical abilities testing and other fitness for duty exams? What strategies have you implemented to manage work comp risk?
In order to improve the predictability of injury or determine if a condition posed imminent risk of injury, it was deemed reasonable to test a person’s functional abilities to perform job-specific simulated tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, ladders, squatting etc. Today, functional capacity training is actually considered a medical test if heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. Therefore, ADA regulations dictate that since functional testing that monitors vital signs for safety is a medical test, it cannot be conducted on a person until a conditional offer of hire had been made to the applicant. Therefore, it is technically a “post offer employment test” (POET).
The new hire physical abilities test (PAT), is a functional-based examination that is designed to help determine whether a person with or without disability has the physical abilities to perform the minimum essential functions of a job without posing an imminent risk of injury to oneself and/or to co-workers.
PAT development starts with a physical therapist reviewing an existing job description. From the job analysis, the physical therapist develops a physical ability testing protocol. The physical abilities test itself is brief — only 15-20 minutes — and usually covers the toughest physical parts of the job. To get a standard physical abilities test for a specific job, an employee who is familiar with the job runs through the proposed PAT protocol, determines whether the protocol reflects the job, and suggests revisions if necessary. After revisions, the job’s PAT becomes part of an employer’s post-offer, pre-employment physical process, and successful completion of the PAT results in placement recommendation.
Most important, though, physical abilities testing is an opportunity for education of employees. The cheapest injuries are the ones that don’t happen, and a PAT can help make sure a worker is up to the physical challenge.
Physical abilities testing is time consuming and resource intensive on the front end. But the long-term cost savings of preventing work comp claims most certainly outweigh the challenges of a job analysis, the cornerstone of PAT.
Functional Capacity Evaluations are ADA-compliant as long as they only test for things that would help the potential hire to safely perform their job. By ensuring an employee can safely manage the physical aspects of a job, employers are able to reduce the risk of an injury. COMP offers various different Functional Capacity Tests ranging from the basic Lift/Carry to multiple customized Physical Ability Tests (PAT). Physical ability testing is a process used to evaluate a candidate’s fitness to perform specific job-related tasks. Comp can customize a PAT specifically for any job requirements you may have. These tests typically include a medical and occupational history review, and for safety reasons, a physical exam prior to performing any physical lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling. Candidates should be aware that closed toe shoes are required for any lifting. Candidates are always free to stop themselves on any task at any time and in some cases, they may ask for accommodations depending on their physical conditions.
Basic lift and carry test. The candidate will be trained on proper lifting technique and asked to lift a predetermined amount of weight, to a required height. The test may also include properly carrying the weight a certain distance and then back. Lift testing can help employees understand proper and safe lifting techniques and, proper postures while performing job functions.
A physical ability test (PAT) is used to assess whether or not a specific candidate possesses the strength, stamina, and flexibility to meet the physical requirements of a job. The types of tests administered and the minimum requirements for passage are determined by the requirements of the particular job. Physical Ability Testing is customized to the specific responsibilities of the job and only screens for skills that are needed on a regular basis. The intention is to protect the candidate from potentially getting injured on the job. The candidate will be asked to perform different tasks related to skills that are critical for success on the job, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and can include assessments of the candidate’s cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, or muscular power.
BOND CLASS evaluations reduce the risk of inheriting pre-existing injuries and help maintain a safer workplace for the employer when this service is included with Pre-employment Physicals. A two-view Lumbar Spine X-Ray is obtained, the Radiologist then evaluates and diagnoses the overall health and condition of the candidate’s back noting any abnormalities. The BOND CLASS scale is from 1 to 4, with 4 being a perfectly normal lumbar spine.
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