What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is a field that emphasizes making changes to increase safety and efficiency. These changes may involve the worksite, the worker, or both.
Implementing ergonomic solutions can make workers more comfortable and boost productivity by addressing awkward postures and repetitive motions that affect the musculoskeletal system. Work-related problems involving the musculoskeletal system are among the most commonly reported reasons for lost work time, accounting for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases, according to federal statistics.
What is an ergonomic job site analysis?
An ergonomic job analysis is a valuable tool in evaluating on-the-job risk factors based on industry-tested and scientifically validated risk assessment tools.
This analysis, which is conducted at the workplace, can address a range of ergonomic issues, such as:
- Evaluating risk factors
- Modifying a work area
- Improving workplace safety
An ergonomic job site analysis also helps to resolve any problems related to an employee's ability to continue to work or to return to work. At Therapeutic Rehab Specialists, a licensed physical therapist who is certified in ergonomics performs your analysis.
What happens after an ergonomic job site analysis?
For jobs with unacceptable risk levels, Therapeutic Rehab Specialists develops ergonomic solutions that may include:
- Proper postural correction
- Alteration of seating or office set-up
- Assistive devices
Therapeutic Rehab Specialists also may recommend modifying a work set-up where they've found existing or potential risk factors for a workplace injury.
What other ergonomic services are available?
Therapeutic Rehab Specialists offers additional services to manage risk and promote safety. Services include physical assessments conducted before and after a job offer, work conditioning, and physical performance evaluations to assess the physical capabilities of employees.
Therapeutic Rehab Specialists then matches employees with goal-specific training programs to address any issues and improve spinal mechanics, balance, and coordination, among other benefits.
In addition, Therapeutic Rehab Specialists provides back pain prevention school. This is an interactive training class to promote workplace safety by educating workers on ergonomic topics, such as:
- Proper body mechanics
- Correct posture
- Behavioral modification
The class, which can be conducted at the workplace, emphasizes the employee’s role in minimizing the risk of injury to enhance on-the-job safety and productivity.
For an ergonomic assessment or injury-prevention training, rely on the expertise of Therapeutic Rehab Specialists. Call today to find out more or book an online consultation.
We improve your work environment
Performed by licensed physical therapists that are preferably certified in ergonomics. This analysis may be indicated to modify a work area, improve safety in the work setting, or resolve any problems regarding ability to return to, or continue at the employee’s present job.
An ergonomics job analysis is a valuable tool in evaluating risk factors present in a job and is based on industry-tested and scientifically validated risk assessment tools. For jobs with unacceptable risk levels, solutions are developed that may include:
- The recommendation of proper postural correction
- The alteration of seating or office setup
- The set-up, modification or recommendation of assistive devices
- Assessment and modification of current and potential risk factors associated with job duties
TRS offers reliable means of showing measurable results. Designed with your needs and flexibility in mind, is the TRS way.
It costs 200 to 400 times more in direct costs alone to help someone after they are injured than before. Prevention is the most inexpensive way of deterring workers compensation costs.
At Therapeutic Rehab Specialists we offer “solutions for industrial and
rehab challenges”.
Determining Work Conditioning
A 1-4 hour physical reconditioning program designed to meet the occupational needs of the individual who demonstrates the potential to return to work, but is limited due to de-conditioning, restriction, or pain. A program is developed focusing on therapeutic techniques designed to reduce pain and muscular imbalances through functional, work simulation exercises specific to the occupational objective.
Therapeutic Rehab Specialists utilizes a goal oriented Work Conditioning Program, and has been recognized by many in the workers compensation industry as a preferred provider. Our program is success driven with the goal of assisting injured workers with a safe transition to the workplace.
We have an aggressive “results-oriented” program which successfully assists injured workers back into productivity. Our program helps deal with a worker’s physical limitation as well as some of the work related transition fears. By building confidence in these individuals we achieve an excellent success rate in returning individuals to their former position of employment.
Work Conditioning Components
- Set objective and reasonable goals for clients to reach in a four to eight week program.
- Performance based testing to determine current functional level.
- Communicate and coordinate with physician, adjuster, case manager, employer, and the employee.
- Work simulation activities that are specific to the return to work goal.
- Education on injury prevention and body mechanics.
- Strength Training and Aerobic Conditioning.
Work Conditioning Goals
- Enable the injured worker to become employable and an active member of the work force.
- Improve flexibility, strength, and aerobic conditioning levels.
- Improved functional abilities related to the “return to work” goal.
- Educate client in safety and pacing with work simulated activities.
- Provide client with a positive outlook when returning to the work force.
TRS Benefits
- (CEAS) All PT’s are certified in ergonomics
- Results Oriented
- Safe Work Transition
- Job Specific
- Functional Testing
- Work Simulation
- Mobility Strengthening
- Aerobic Conditioning
- Prevention Education
- Return to Work
Are you physically ready for work?
A 4 hour comprehensive evaluation focusing on measuring the patient’s potential for work, while clarifying appropriate physical limitations, consistency of effort and/or restrictions. An FCA is appropriate for the worker who is post-injury and whose maximum safe physical abilities need to be established.
The FCA matches human performance levels to the demands of a specific job or work activity or occupation. The FCA establishes the physical level of work an individual can perform. The FCA is useful in determining job placement, job accommodation, or return to work after injury or illness. FCAs can provide objective information regarding functional work ability in the determination of physical demand capabilities (PDC).
