Ability Occupational Therapy provide solutions that enable employees to remain in work or return to work after injury, illness or long-term disability.
A thorough assessment of the person’s abilities and limitations, the work environment and the demands of their job is completed to help answer your specific questions:
“What job accommodations does the employee need in relation
to his or her health condition and current symptoms?”
“Is it safe for the employee to return to work after this injury? We are worried
about the risk of re-injury as the job requires heavy lifting.”
“Is the employee capable of doing their previous job when they return to work?”
“What type of keyboard and desk set-up would help the employee
do their job with less wrist pain?”
“We have been told that the employee has ‘cognitive limitations’; what does
this mean and how will it affect the employee’s ability to do their job.”
The type of support, reasonable accommodations, equipment or assistive technology that is needed will be different for every employee and is determined by how the employee is affected by their health condition, the type of environment they work in and the demands of their job. Ability Occupational Therapy provide a range of workplace assessment and vocational rehabilitation services. A holistic, person-centred approach underpins the assessment and treatment of all employees.
Ergonomic Assessment
An ergonomic assessment is an assessment of the employee working at their workstation(s) using the equipment needed to complete their work. The aim is to enable a better ‘fit’ between the worker, the workstation and environment in order to improve performance, well-being, safety and health.
The presenting health concern (injury, pain, fatigue etc.) will be assessed through interview and observation of the employee. The job demands of the role and other factors, such as production quotas, will be considered.
Worksite Assessment
A worksite assessment is an in-depth assessment of the employee in their work environment.
This type of assessment is recommended when an employee is struggling to complete aspects of their job due to an injury or chronic health condition. This type of assessment may be required when an employee is returning to work after a period of absence due to injury, illness or disabling health condition. The onsite assessment process is customised to suit the unique circumstances of the employee and the needs of the employer.
Case Management
This type of vocational service is indicated when an employee requires a period of ongoing assessment, support and planning to prepare to return to work after a period of absence due to chronic illness or injury.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is designed to systematically assess an employee’s functional abilities and physical tolerances with respect to the specific demands of their job.
Job Demands Analysis
A job demands analysis is completed through an onsite assessment to observe how a specific job is done at a workplace. The essential and non-essential job components are identified to determine the essential skills and abilities an employee requires to successfully do the job. The physical, cognitive, psychosocial and behavioural demands of the job are identified as part of this assessment.
“Pauline was instrumental in assisting me and supporting my return to work. She really listens to the needs of her clients and is a very strong advocate. Personally, having someone take the strain of dealing with bureaucracy and negotiate for me made recovery after a spinal stroke much easier. I have no problem in recommending Pauline and I wish her continued success.”
Client testimonial