WCS provides a comprehensive service to employers who are interested in reducing worker's compensation healthcare cost. The following services can be utilized together or individually as part of a proactive strategy for reducing injury rates and lost time:
Job Analysis provides detailed information on the physical demands of a specific occupation through observation and objective measurement on actual job sites. This information can be used to assess possible ergonomic changes or appropriate clinical status during treatment and / or functional capacity evaluations. In addition, specific testing tasks for post-job offer / pre-employment testing can be devised from an Analysis. Greater detail of WCS Job Analysis is given below.
Post-Job Offer / Pre-Employment Testing is performed to assist employers in placement of new workers to positions meeting their physical capabilities and / or assist in the identification of workers who have existing physical deficits that may put them at risk for future injury. Data collected can be kept on file for future testing that may occur, and for specific conditioning considerations for those with existing physical deficits. Greater detail of WCS Post-Job Offer / Pre-Employment Testing is given below.
Physical Preparation Program (P³) is the main component of the proactive strategy. It is designed to meet the needs of individuals who have been identified as having physical deficits through the process of post-offer / pre-employment testing. The program is designed to bring an individual's mobility, stability and strength to within normal job demands with one on one instruction from our clinicians. Additional detail of WCS Physical Preparation Program (P³) is given below.
What is the likelihood of your employee's experiencing an injury while working?
While recently working with a Chicagoland manufacturer we found:
- 19% of their workforce demonstrated insufficient torso stability
- 24% of their workforce demonstrated insufficient function strength as compared to their normal job demands
- 48% of their workforce were clinically obese
These factors increase the likelihood of injuries occurring at the workplace thus increasing workers' compensation dollars.
What affect will WCS Employer Health Services have on the number of injury claims?
Preliminary outcome data of the implementation of Job Analysis, Post-Offer Testing, preventative exercise, and ergonomic assessment demonstrated a decrease of up to 87% in injuries classified as musculoskeletal strain / sprains.
Description of Employer Health Services Package
Job Analysis / Ergonomic Assessment: The WCS Job Analysis is performed through objective measurement and observation of normal job duties on the actual job site. The goal of the Job Analysis is to obtain objective measures of workloads manipulated on the job, heights the loads are manipulated, and frequencies they are handled. Force measurements of pushing and pulling activities are also gathered along with material handling measures. An easy to read report format will classify the position according to the physical demand level rating scale provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition to strength and endurance requirements, environmental issues are considered. Ergonomic recommendations are made with the philosophy of increasing production efficiency and cost savings to the employer.
Post-Job Offer / Pre-Employment Testing: WCS Post-Job Offer / Pre-Employment tests are designed to meet the upper physical limits for a specific position of employment. WCS uses free weight dynamic lifting for the evaluation of strength for material handling which has been scientifically proven to have better carryover to real world tasks when compared to isometric, isokinetic or machine based strength testing. There are no estimations through calculations regarding an individual's ability to perform proper lifting mechanics with the workloads. Actual workloads are manipulated in our facilities that would be manipulated on the job. Through the use of Post-Job Offer / Pre-Employment testing, identification of possible pre-existing physical deficits can be made (range of motion, functional strength / stability and endurance). This information will allow employers to have more affective job placement for individuals who are physically proficient or possibly at risk of injury. The information gathered is kept on file for possible comparison to future testing if injury does occur.
Physical Preparation Program (P³): WCS P³ is ideal for individuals who may have demonstrated physical deficits identified during the Post-Job Offer / Pre-Employment Testing, or for seasonal workers who want o remain in good condition in the off-season. Each program is customized with respect to physical deficits and specific job demands and instructed in a one on one atmosphere with a WCS clinician. In a time frame of 30-45 minutes for 3 sessions, the program is based on achieving the stability and range of motion required to perform proper lifting mechanics, maintaining proper back and joint health and promoting weight loss. The employee is given the tools to continue the program on their own. The goal of this program is to reduce the likelihood of injury where risk factors are the greatest. This service is offered at, but no limited to, each of our eight Chicagoland clinic locations or at job site given space availability/ environmental considerations.
For more information, please contact Robert Townsend at (630) 846-0448 or RTownsend@wcsrehab.com