Functional Capacity Evaluations: Finding Where You Fit In

Dec 1
08:16

2011

Aloysius Aucoin

Aloysius Aucoin

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

After an incident at or away from work your employer can request one or more Functional Capacity Evaluations. Experts will look into your situation and determine your physical capabilities, point out limitations, and attempt to separate impairment from disability.

mediaimage
If you are getting ready for a Functional Capacity Evaluation,Functional Capacity Evaluations: Finding Where You Fit In Articles you may be wondering what it is, what it consists of, and why it is being done. These evaluations are done to determine the extent of a person's injuries after an accident or incident. Some issues are temporary and require that a person be away for a certain amount of time. Sometimes a job will need to be modified or the person will need to move to a different job. This test can provide everyone involved with the information needed to make the best decision.

Employees want to feel comfortable coming back to work. Employers want to avoid more accidents or more physical damage to employees. Insurance companies want to prevent problems and avoid making the person involved feel like they aren't being supported.

What is being tested?

The Functional Capacity Evaluation examines a person's physical strength, range of motion, stamina, and ability to perform work functions. A professional will meet with the employee and perform a series of tests. The information obtained in most cases is entered into a software program that reads the data. These data can then be translated to a certain level of ability.

Just depending on the opinions or findings of an individual can be subjective. It is tough to see different people, with different injuries and try to come up with suggestions for what they can and cannot do at work. However, when certain things are measured the test and standards give a definitive answer. (There are multiple test and guidelines that are used to double check the findings.)

What happens to the findings?

The results from the Functional Capacity Evaluation are important for a number of people involved in this situation. It gives the employees knowledge about what he can do. It may give him a sense of relief to know that everyone will have the same expectation of him. The employer won't be requesting lifting, extensive walking, or even standing for long amounts of time if the test shows that those things are detrimental.

An employer can use the findings to change an employee's job. They may take away some responsibilities while adding in others that will fit more to the employee's capabilities. If the current job cannot be changed, these findings can be used to find a suitable job within the company for the employee. It may be a drastic change or it could be simple. These findings play a big part in these decisions.

Temporary or Permanent Problems

Sometimes after an incident physical injuries are only temporary. Eventually the employee will go back to full work responsibilities. In other situations there is permanent damage and a person's capabilities will never return to what they were. The Functional Capacity Evaluation can help spot issues and assist in determining whether or not they are temporary or permanent.