Fit For Duty Evaluation
A fit for duty evaluation is an evaluation to determine if a previously injured employee is capable of safely returning to their full time or part time job, with or without restrictions, whether the restrictions are permanent, and what exactly those restrictions may be.
This is accomplished by:
1. A review of the job description to include the physical demand levels and essential job functions.
2. The employee then undergoes several layers of testing such as orthopedic, neurologic, postural, cardiovascular fitness, NIOSH static lift, and dynamic lift testing utilizing a functional capacity workstation, weights, and lift boxes. Then a range of motion evaluation of the cervical and lumbar spines, as well as a grip and pinch strength assessment of both hands is performed to establish the function-ability of the employee. All testing that is quantifiable is performed with computerized equipment.
3. A written report is generated from the data collected from the computerized testing, the written job description, past medical history of the employee, the employee interview, and the orthopedic/neurologic evaluation by our physician. The report will provide a written document defining the capabilities of the returning employee.
- Provides quantifiable data as to the capabilities of the injured worker, giving the evaluation more objectivity and less subjectivity.
- Provides confidence to the employee that they are healed to the point where they can safely return to their job.
- Reduces re-injury and provides psychological capital against those who want to re-enter the workers compensation system.
- Provides baseline data of employee’s post-injury, MMI status.
- Provides insightful data for alternative job placement if employee cannot return to their original job.
- Returns workers to full duty quickly and safely.