A Job Task Analysis measures the physical demands and risks specific to a task, whereas a Fitness for Duties assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to perform that task.Â
What is Job Task Analysis (JTA)?
A Job Task Analysis (JTA) aims to measure the inherent physical demands and occupational risks specific to tasks performed within job roles. It is a detailed assessment that can be used as a basis for occupational risk identification, pre-employment screening, suitable duties plan/rehabilitation goal development, and as a guide to Safe Work Method Statements.
Our Consultants are qualified and trained to complete these assessments. A Job Task Analysis is conducted on-site with an employee who can demonstrate the task/s in real-time. Results of the analysis are summarised in table form and expressed via frequency and physical demand.
Recovery Partners offers both a standard Job Task Analysis where observation and interview are used to subjectively assess the outcome data for each task, and an advanced Job Task Analysis where wearable technology is used in the assessment to produce objective outcome data for each task.
What is wearable technology?
Wearable technology is used as a part of the process of Job Task Analysis so consultants can know the physical and psychological demands of individual tasks. Using wearable technology allows us to capture data more accurately to help employees perform tasks safely. Wearable technology utilises a diagnostic tool that assesses the tasks of an employee’s role and can help management identify potential workplace hazards such as physical strain.
What are the benefits of wearable technology?
The benefits of wearable technology include:
- Objective movement dataÂ
- Task benchmark and trainingÂ
- Remote assessmentÂ
- Movement controlÂ
- Data-driven prevention programÂ
What is a Fitness for Duties Assessment (FFD)?
Sometimes referred to as Fitness for Work assessments, Fitness for Duties assessments (FFDs) are used to evaluate an individual’s ability to perform the inherent physical or psychological demands of their job. The aim is to confirm if the employee can perform their job without compromising their own safety or that of their colleagues. These assessments are normally conducted when there are concerns about an employee’s overall physical or psychological capacity to satisfy the inherent demands of their role, usually in relation to a non-work-related condition.
Fitness for Duties Assessments comprise of a standardised interview to obtain a detailed medical history, plus relevant tests specific to the type of condition (if relevant) and specific job requirements. A job task analysis of the role provided by the employer, or a detailed description of the role including critical job requirements, is used to confirm the specific job requirements that need to be evaluated in the assessment. There are two types of Fitness for Duties Assessments conducted; physical and psychological.
What is involved in a Physical Fitness for Duties Assessment?
A series of activities are carried out during the assessment including:
- A grip test
- Cardiovascular fitness test (step test)Â
- Postural tolerance tests (sitting, standing, squatting, kneeling)Â
- Safe maximum liftingÂ
- CapacityÂ
- Endurance liftÂ
- EvaluationÂ
- Safe maximum carryingÂ
- Capacity evaluationÂ
- Observation of jobÂ
- Specific task performanceÂ
- Manual handling analysisÂ
Our Physical Fitness for Duties Assessments are conducted in-person, either on-site at the workplace or at a Recovery Partner’s office.
What is involved in a Psychological Fitness for Duties Assessment?
A Psychological Fitness for Duties assessment is performed by a registered psychologist and is conducted in a controlled environment (for example, our office locations). The procedure involves:
- Referral actioned within 24 hours
- Assessment scheduled at RP office location
- Psychometric testing
- Assessment of disorder and nature of psychological symptoms
- Assessment of abstract reasoning ability
- Assessment of executive functioning
- Clinical interview with a registered psychologist
- Semi-structured interview
- Mental status examination
- Report with capacity opinion provided within 5 days of assessment
Psychological Fitness for Duties assessments are usually conducted via telephone or via video platforms, but can also be performed at a Recovery Partners’ office.
At Recovery Partners, we can help you assess your work systems and assign employees the most suitable roles. In so doing, you will improve your organisation’s workplace health and safety performance resulting in fewer lost work hours, decreased insurance rates and compensation premiums.
Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au
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Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/Â