SureHire is pleased to announce the acquisition of Spectrum Safety Services, a trusted provider of first aid, fall protection, confined space, H2S, and workplace safety training.
This new acquisition further strengthens our ability to help clients build foundations for safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces by combining Spectrum’s workplace safety programs with SureHire’s existing screening and workforce risk solutions.
TAKEAWAY: A Physical Demands Analysis, or PDA is a detailed breakdown of all job tasks performed by a worker in a specific job position. It evaluates the position, not the worker. PDAs are commonly used to determine the compatibility between a worker and a position as well as determine appropriately modified duties in a return-to-work plan.
A physical demands analysis (PDA) should be considered an essential job foundation. It is a breakdown of all job tasks performed by a worker in a specific job position. A PDA evaluates the role rather than the worker and provides an objective way for employers to identify the necessary tasks for a particular job.
This article explores the parts of a PDA, how to use them, and the top benefits of using PDAs.
SureHire’s Fitness-to-work (FTW) evaluations help employers understand an individual’s overall health status and provide recommendations for work accommodations and/or restrictions when necessary. Should an incident occur, employers can also use the information provided through our FTW when applying for cost relief through their province’s worker’s compensation board.
Check out this frequently asked questions video and contact us today to request a quote.
Employers use PDAs to determine the compatibility between a worker and a position. PDAs also assist the employer in developing modified duties in a return-to-work plan.
PDAs are a prerequisite to fitness-to-work (FTW) testing at SureHire. After a PDA is complete, a reviewer recommends a standard or custom FTW test to best fit the PDA.
The worker and a trained employee representative could complete a PDA. Or it could be completed by a qualified physical health practitioner with training in PDAs. Companies can use trusted occupational testing experts like SureHire to ensure the process runs smoothly from analysis to the next steps.
A SureHire PDA covers areas such as:
A Bona Fide Occupational Requirement (BFOR) is a necessary job performance criterion. While employers cannot discriminate based on minor inconveniences or preferences, a BFOR is a reasonable standard. An employer must not be able to accommodate an employee without undue hardship, and BFORs must not violate civil rights employment laws.
Examples of BFORs include:
SureHire uses a company’s BFORs in conjunction with a PDA for a specific job role. Then we evaluate role-specific physical capabilities before we provide detailed hiring recommendations.
When it comes to the overall wellbeing of your workforce, the onus is on you, the employer, to ensure safe operation and risk mitigation. SureHire helps employers mitigate risk by offering comprehensive fitness-to-work / fit-for-duty testing aimed to evaluate an individual’s physical capabilities as they pertain to a specific role. Check out this case study and see the injury rates pre and post-fitness-to-work program implementation.
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There are several benefits and practical applications for PDAs. The following are six top reasons employers should use them.
PDAs allow employers to understand physical job requirements clearly. This knowledge can enable them to make informed work requirement decisions and reduce the chance of employee injury.
PDAs provide detailed job insights that enable employers to make decisions and take appropriate actions. A PDA is essentially a job position analysis that identifies risk factors. It ensures the employer can determine whether modifications to the workplace environment or job tasks are necessary.
For example, a PDA for an office worker could identify risks such as lower back strain from long sitting periods and eye strain from extended computer use. With these insights, the employer can take action to reduce such risks.
They may decide to create an ergonomically-friendly workstation set-up with sit-stand work desks, ergonomic chairs and keyboards, and optimal lighting. Additionally, they can adopt workplace wellness initiatives that serve as education and training for optimal physical health.
Another PDA could indicate a high frequency of manual handling tasks. This knowledge prompts the employer to provide accommodations such as mechanical assistance where needed. Additionally, they could develop a job rotation policy and introduce more varied job tasks.
In conjunction with FTW testing, the employer can use the PDA to ensure the person is the right fit for the role.
Employers can also educate employers about reducing the risk of injury with their PDA insights. They can provide education and training opportunities to help employees look after their physical health. When an employer understands an employee’s job task requirements, they could offer education in specific areas to help them meet the physical demands.
Examples include:
PDAs are helpful in different stages of employment. They can form part of an onboarding process to orient new employees by confirming that a worker has the required physical capabilities. A PDA helps with hiring decisions at the outset. They enable employers to feel confident about placing an employee in an appropriate job position where they are not likely to overstrain their body or sustain a job-related injury.
Employers can also utilize PDAs as part of a return-to-work plan after an injury. Doing so ensures the employee’s job role is suitable while recovering. Based on PDA insights, the employer may place the employee in a modified or different job role during the recovery period. For example, they might assign a manual equipment handler administrative tasks while recovering from a sprained ankle.
Companies need customizable solutions in all areas of business. Every industry, job role, and employee is unique. Employers who use PDAs recognize this and understand that PDAs reflect their specific business needs. They can then create custom solutions such as rehabilitation programs for specific job roles.
Finally, using PDAs helps to improve the company’s bottom line. By understanding the physical requirements of a role and ensuring the person is the right fit for the job, there is less risk of an employee becoming injured.
Injuries carry immense associated business costs related to missed workdays, medical expenses, and decreased productivity. Any business that cares about its staff’s wellbeing and wants to minimize the chance of injury-related costs will understand the value of using PDAs.
If an employee does become injured, PDAs can reduce return-to-work time following the injury. Essentially, there is a clear understanding of job task requirements, role modifications, and accommodations in a return-to-work plan.
Contact SureHire to navigate your workplace PDA requirements.
SureHire uses the information in a PDA to determine the appropriate level of Fitness-to-Work (FTW) testing (also known as fit-for-duty testing).
The PDA is first reviewed by a SureHire FTW Reviewer before they produce a recommendation of standard FTW level of testing or Custom FTW test (whichever best fits the submitted PDA.)
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TAKEAWAY: Workplace-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) come in many forms and can affect any part of the body. The Oil & Gas industry faces unique challenges with respect to the risk prevention of MSD’s. Find out how you can protect your workforce.
Workplace-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) come in many forms and can affect any part of the body. They encompass various conditions affecting muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and other systems. no matter your industry, as an employer you should be interested in decreasing the prevalence of workplace-related MSD’s. There is a well-documented negative impact of MSD’s on worker health and productivity and this can affect your business’s bottom line.
Job roles in the oil and gas industry can pose a significant risk for MSD’s. A range of hazardous materials and working conditions continuously expose workers to risk. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate this risk among your workforce. First, it is essential to understand the most prevalent types and causes of musculoskeletal disorders in the oil and gas industry. From there, you can adopt a proactive prevention approach.
SureHire’s Fitness-to-work (FTW) evaluations help employers understand an individual’s overall health status and provide recommendations for work accommodations and/or restrictions when necessary. Should an incident occur, employers can also use the information provided through our FTW when applying for cost relief through their province’s worker’s compensation board.
Check out this frequently asked questions video and contact us today to request a quote.
There are many different occupational categories and job roles within the oil and gas industry. The maintenance sector is significant, encompassing job roles such as mechanics, electricians, scaffolders, painters, and welders. Other sectors include catering, drilling, and administration. The type and prevalence of MSD’s vary based on industry, sector, and the job itself, so it is critical to understand the MSD’s most relevant to your workers. Studies can offer insights into injury prevalence across different industries.
A 12-year study of Norway’s offshore petroleum industry identified that MSD’s were the most commonly reported category of work-related diseases, with more than 3000 new MSD cases reported over this time. Disorders of the upper limb were the most frequently affected part of the body (53%), followed by back disorders, then lower limb disorders. Dominant occupational categories for MSD’s were maintenance work (40%) and catering (21%). A study of 172 workers in the natural gas industry showed that nearly 50% had musculoskeletal pain. Lower back pain had the highest prevalence, followed by knee pain. A cross-sectional survey of 60 Iranian oil field workers showed that the most prevalent MSD’s were knee pain (71%), lower back pain (62%), and shoulder pain (52%).
These studies highlight the high incidence and varied nature of MSD’s in the oil and gas industry. All job roles, from technical and supervisor roles to operations, management, and engineering, carry MSD risk. When you understand the most common causes of MSD’s, you can develop a plan to minimize any associated risks your workforce may face.
Although injury causes are dependent on several factors and vary between industries, sectors, and roles, there are several commonly identified causes. Prevention begins with understanding these common causes and then determining the relevance to your workplace and employees. In the 12-year Norwegian study, high physical workload, repetitive work, walking on hard surfaces, and climbing stairs and ladders were the most frequently reported probable causes of MSD’s. Below is a summary of some of the main contributing factors to MSD’s that may be relevant to the oil and gas industry.
Personal health factors such as age, smoking, illnesses, injury history, and physical fitness can also contribute to MSD risk.
OHS Alberta offers a variety of resources for employers (and workers) on the prevention of slips, trips, and falls. Below are some quick access links to helpful resources on hazards and controls, reporting protocol, and other tips, tricks, and best practices for prevention.
Employers should first identify workplace hazards and other risk factors for MSD’s relevant to their workers. Look at company-wide risk factors and risk factors associated with each job role. Determine which job roles have a high physical workload and the level of risk for each job role. Note tasks such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and twisting. Prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, and vibration from tools (such as those used for drilling) can also increase workers’ risk for MSD’s.
Then identify workplace hazards that could be posing an increased risk for MSD’s. Hazardous chemicals and gases and noise and temperature extremes are common hazards in the oil and gas industry. Look at equipment and machinery used by workers, workstation setup, and other environmental factors that pose an increased risk for MSD’s. Worker fatigue is a significant risk factor that all employers should consider, regardless of industry, sector, or job role. Employers can identify risks and hazards and then take steps to minimize them.
SureHire’s Fitness-to-Work Program: Completing a Physical Demands Analysis
A PDA is a detailed breakdown of all job tasks performed by a worker in a specific job position. It evaluates the position, not the worker. PDAs are commonly used to determine the compatibility between a worker and a position as well as determine appropriately modified duties in a return-to-work plan.
Prior to initiating a Fitness-to-Work program, companies can submit an existing PDA to SureHire or can complete the C545 form provided by WCB Alberta.
Access SureHire’s guide to completing the C545 form.
Every workplace should have a solid workplace health and safety policy related to common risk factors such as workplace hazards. It is important that employers periodically review their policies and make adjustments as needed. Unacceptable working conditions are a common and modifiable risk factor associated with MSD’s. One of the most prevalent and avoidable risk factors is worker fatigue. Examples of workplace policies and procedures to review and adjust should be related to this understanding. They could include the following:
Employers can then determine any required equipment investment. For example, employees may need mechanical assistance for load reduction.
Proactive Risk Mitigation Starts with Proper Education & Training
SureHire has partnered with Rebel Sleep Institute to provide high-quality online training for employers looking to reduce the risk of fatigue-related injury and fatality at the workplace. This highly interactive, self-directed program is a solid introductory course for employees and leaders.
Because poor workplace ergonomics can increase the chance of MSD’s, employers can identify and adjust the aspects that could adversely affect their employees. Examples include:
Learn more in: https://www.surehire.com/how-to-train-your-employees-on-safe-lifting-techniques/
Lifestyle factors such as smoking and physical activity status are risk factors for MSD’s so employers in the oil and gas industry should consider appropriate workplace health and wellbeing initiatives. Ideas include training on lifting techniques and education on the importance of taking regular breaks, stress reduction, and good nutrition. It is also imperative to train employees to handle chemicals and use equipment safely. Adopt an ongoing rather than a one-off approach to training with regular refresher courses on topics such as health and safety.
Critical Strength & Mobility Testing: A Guide for Employees Undergoing SureHire’s Fitness-to-Work Program
Participants frequently ask us what they can expect from our Fitness-to-Work testing process. While there are many components involved, the critical strength and mobility portion of the assessment is the subject of many frequently asked questions.
Discover the purpose, duration, and evaluation measures taken during each component of full critical strength and mobility test, and help set your employees or prospective workers up for success.
Fitness-to-work testing is one proactive approach to reducing the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in the oil and gas industry. It helps ensure that workers’ job tasks are appropriate by evaluating a job candidate’s physical capabilities against their job requirements. From there, employers learn how to adapt work tasks as required.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Understanding how to train your employees on safe lifting techniques can help ensure you’re mitigating the risk of injuries or accidents on the job. Here’s what you need to know.
Education and training on safe lifting techniques is absolutely crucial for any safety-focused organization. Employees who have physical roles that require lifting must be capable of lifting with appropriate methods. Workplaces with high load-carrying requirements should consider implementing some preventative measures such as having machine-operated load assistance. However, even with such measures in place, there will still likely be lifting tasks for employees.
Since you’ll want to ensure employees are completing those tasks safely, employers must understand how to train their team on safe lifting techniques. They should understand the basics of lifting and other crucial steps for effective execution. Use the following steps as a guideline on training your employees to lift safely.
It may be evident that specific industries and job roles require more training in proper lifting techniques. However, all employees can benefit from some level of training. An office worker, for example, may find themselves unloading a heavy shipment of stationery. Training for employees who routinely lift heavy objects should be prioritized, but ensure that all employees receive an appropriate level of training. Create a training needs analysis to determine what safe lifting training to do at an organizational and employee level.
Each workplace needs to have clearly defined limits (i.e. a certain weight) on loads that employees can lift. These can be detailed in the workplace policies and procedures manual. Determine when a load requires two or more lifters or mechanical assistance. Make sure employees are aware of these guidelines and aren’t attempting to lift weights above this limit on their own.
Limits should be adhered to, but they must also be a guide only. Many factors affect a person’s ability to lift an object. Examples include the frequency and duration of lifting and where the loads are positioned.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have standards for the limits that a person can carry. However, they suggest using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) mathematical model that helps predict injury risk from lifting based on various criteria.
Employees will have different lifting capabilities. Additionally, these decrease after repeated lifting or for other fatigue-related reasons such as inadequate sleep or recovery from an illness or injury. Therefore, even if you have particular guidelines or limits in place for your workforce, employees must still be treated as individuals. Ensure the established load limits are right for them and that there is flexibility to reduce the load as required.
SureHire offers fitness-to-work testing to ensure employees are physically capable of completing their job tasks. The testing is for everyday workplace job tasks such as lifting, carrying, kneeling, and crouching. Testing can help minimize injury risk and subsequently reduce injury-related costs.
[Find out more about how to prepare in “Fitness-to-Work Testing Preparation”].
Looking For Fitness-to-Work Testing?
SureHire’s Fitness-to-Work program tests participants’ ability to perform the physical demands and bona fide occupational requirements of a job. These day-to-day tasks can include lifting, carrying, crouching, bending, reaching, and long periods of time spent moving without rest.
Fitness-to-Work testing is a great tool for employers in determining whether they have the right hire for the job.
Employees must know when to ask for help with a load. They must understand what is inside their capabilities, and this goes beyond looking at the weight of an object alone. Train employees to assess:
When an employee has assessed a load and determined it is safe for lifting, they can use the following tips for safety.
Ask employees to speak up if they are experiencing any problems related to lifting loads in the workplace. These could include issues such as muscle aches and pains. Identify issues early to ensure they don’t turn into big problems. If employees feel they can speak out, this could reduce the risk of acute injuries or chronic musculoskeletal disorders — and it alerts you to changes that need to be made in your workplace.
Understanding the mechanics of lifting and safety tips for lifting is critical. However, after employee assessment via fitness-to-work testing, employers can also play a role in helping employees to maintain and improve their physical strength. You might consider investing in workplace physical training initiatives such as regular team physical training sessions or fitness-related workplace team challenges.
An ongoing training approach helps ensure the effective implementation of safe lifting techniques. Correct lifting takes time to master. Whatever we repeatedly perform becomes an ingrained movement pattern. Thus, if training is a one-off event, employees will likely return to their default lifting techniques after a short time. Ongoing reinforcement of correct lifting techniques is necessary.
Ingrain safety into your workplace culture so things like safe lifting techniques become easier to implement. Ensure your management team and supervisors are well-trained in safe lifting techniques. Then they can gently coach other team members on an ongoing basis, and can easily spot any issues. One further step employers can take in this space is to invest in occupational health and safety training courses.
TAKEAWAY: Employees in the transportation industry face many risks and hazards every day on the job — here’s what you need to know to help keep your workforce safe.
SureHire’s Fitness-to-work (FTW) evaluations help employers understand an individual’s overall health status and provide recommendations for work accommodations and/or restrictions when necessary. Should an incident occur, employers can also use the information provided through our FTW when applying for cost relief through their province’s worker’s compensation board.
Check out this frequently asked questions video and contact us today to request a quote.
Musculoskeletal injuries come in several forms and affect tissues such as muscles, bones, and ligaments. There are many ways that musculoskeletal injuries can present. These could be anything from muscle strains and sprains to disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Although there is a high incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in the transportation industry, there are steps that employers can take to mitigate this risk.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most frequently reported causes of lost work time. They affect both worker health and productivity. In turn, this has a negative effect at a company level. Employers must understand the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the transportation industry and the causes. With this knowledge in mind, they can more successfully adopt a proactive prevention approach.
The transportation industry includes workers in various sectors including trucking, building supplies, and warehousing. It encompasses job roles such as drivers, mechanics, machine operators, and equipment technicians. Across such a range of sectors and job roles, there are also many possible types and causes of musculoskeletal injuries.
For example, trucking is one sector within the larger transportation industry. It has a high prevalence of work-related injury rates and costs. Interestingly, most work-related injuries to truck drivers result from non-vehicle-related factors. Some of the most common causes of musculoskeletal injuries in long-haul truck drivers include falls and contact with equipment resulting in sprains or strains.
Within the trucking sector or any other area of the transportation industry, it is necessary to identify the factors that regularly cause musculoskeletal injuries. The movements and postures commonly adopted by workers usually relate to the nature of an injury. Generally, musculoskeletal injuries result from one of, or a combination of, the following common factors.
Job tasks such as reaching and twisting for objects can put workers in awkward positions where they are more likely to get injured.
Workers who spend long periods in a static position may be at an increased risk for injury. For example, long periods in a driver’s seat can increase the incidence of lower back pain.
Excessive force and overexertion could be caused by workers lifting and carrying loads beyond their physical capabilities. Loading and unloading trucks, securing truckloads, and delivering goods are common job tasks in the transportation industry that might present this problem.
Repetitive movements occur with machinery operation and in any job role with excessive task frequency.
Musculoskeletal injuries can occur when getting out of a large vehicle such as a truck. Uneven or slippery surfaces also pose an increased risk for slips, trips, and falls.
Prevent workplace-related musculoskeletal injuries through task adjustments. By changing how workers carry out tasks, employers can create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Employers in the transportation industry can use the following musculoskeletal intervention strategies to take preventative action for the health of their workforce.
Perform an analysis of each job task within your organization. Alongside each job task, identify the type and level of risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, highlight workplace hazards that may also pose an increased risk.
Based on the findings from your risk analysis, implement changes to workplace standards and procedures as required. Examples include:
Employers should undergo regular training and education initiatives with employees that aim to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders. Employers can provide education on the early warning signs of musculoskeletal injuries so that their workforce is able to recognize any potential issues before they turn into larger health problems.
It is also imperative to address preventative measures, how effective they can be, and how important they are. These measures include things like lifting techniques, stretching and strengthening exercises, education about the importance of taking regular breaks, and fatigue management. [Learn more about SureHire’s Fatigue Risk Management program here].
An ergonomic evaluation analyzes various aspects that may contribute to health problems. It includes not only physical factors but also psychological and organizational factors.
Ergonomic assessments identify ways to improve health and safety by changing the environment. The results can help form an action plan for improving workplace ergonomics. The ultimate goal is to help prevent future work-related musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses.
Examples of workplace ergonomic adaptations in the transportation industry can involve:
Many job roles require the worker to carry out specific movements on a frequent basis. These could include bending, lifting, carrying, reaching, crouching, and spending long periods on their feet. Workers must meet the physical task requirements of their job role.
Fitness-to-work testing helps ensure that workers’ job tasks are appropriate. It is a method for evaluating a job candidate’s physical capabilities against their job requirements. Employers are guided on the adaptation of work tasks as required. They will also learn to provide accommodation for workers with physical limitations. Fitness-to-work testing is one proactive approach to reducing the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace.
SureHire’s Fitness-to-work evaluations help employers understand an individual’s overall health status and provide recommendations for work accommodations and/or restrictions when necessary. Should an incident occur, employers can also use the information provided through our Fitness-to-Work testing when applying for cost relief through their province’s worker’s compensation board.
Learn more and request a quote today!
TAKEAWAY: Employees in the manufacturing industry have physical jobs that come with many risks. These risks can lead to common musculoskeletal injuries — here are some proactive prevention tips you can use to keep your workforce safe.
SureHire’s Fitness-to-work (FTW) evaluations help employers understand an individual’s overall health status and provide recommendations for work accommodations and/or restrictions when necessary. Should an incident occur, employers can also use the information provided through our FTW when applying for cost relief through their province’s worker’s compensation board.
Check out this frequently asked questions video and contact us today to request a quote.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders can significantly affect the health of workers and negatively impact the bottom line for businesses. This is due to injury treatment costs, decreases in worker productivity, and missed workdays. Accounting for around 33% of all worker injury and illness cases, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most commonly reported cases of lost or shortened work time. The manufacturing industry encompasses many different job roles, each of which carries its own degree of risk for workplace-related musculoskeletal injuries.
Manufacturing covers a broad range of industries. To get a concept of the size and variety of roles within the manufacturing industry, think of any physical item. It has been through a manufacturing process to transform it from raw materials to a finished product. Food, beverages, textiles, transportation, electronics, and machinery are just a few examples of the many industries that have a manufacturing sector. From office workers to heavy industrial work, this article explores some of the common musculoskeletal injuries in the manufacturing industry, and how the risks for these injuries can be mitigated.
There are various types of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries that can affect workers in the manufacturing industry. Although the back is a commonly injured area, there are many joints and muscles in the body that could be affected as well. The nature of the injury is likely to be related to:
For example, an office worker in the manufacturing industry could be at risk for a repetitive strain injury in the hands and wrists or carpal tunnel syndrome, both from excessive use of a keyboard and mouse. On the other side of the manufacturing spectrum, a worker who is performing repeated heavy lifting may have a relatively high risk of sustaining a lower back injury.
A study of musculoskeletal diseases in heavy industrial workers in Korea showed that the most common conditions for employees in the manufacturing industry were lumbar sprains and spasms, followed by shoulder sprains and spasms. This study also identified that welders had the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Other occupational categories with a significant prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders included crane operators, drivers, assemblers, and metal cutters.
Another study of metallurgical industry workers in Brazil showed that the upper limbs were the most commonly affected areas of the body. The shoulder was the most commonly injured area, followed by the wrist/hand, and then the elbow/forearm. Job roles included cutting and bending metal tubes, assembling, welding, calibrating, and packaging.
Studies like these help to highlight that the job role and the equipment used are correlated with certain types of injuries and commonly affected areas of the body.
Biomechanical risk factors for workplace-related musculoskeletal disorders can often be linked to the types of tasks that are performed. For example, prolonged standing and heavy lifting is associated with a higher risk for musculoskeletal injuries in the back. High repetition, strain, and pinch force are associated with an increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in the hands and wrists.
Some of the main factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries in the manufacturing industry include:
There are many steps that employers can take to proactively protect their workforce from musculoskeletal injuries. These steps can be adapted to match the job requirements and needs of the individual worker.
Identify specific movements and positions within each job role that can pose an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders. These include prolonged standing, heavy lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, awkward postures, and repetitive movements.
Examine each aspect of the work environment that could be associated with an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders. This includes the equipment and machinery that is used for job tasks, workstation set up, and environmental factors such as lighting and temperature.
Once a full job risk analysis has been completed and the major contributing factors have been identified, actions can be taken to help ensure the risks are minimized.
Based on what was identified in the risk assessment, some of the steps that could be taken include the following:
Reassess job roles and what they entail. Ensure adequate rest breaks and task rotations are included and shorten shift times if required.
Identify risk factors specific to individual employees. These could include current and previous injury and health status. Ask employees about the aspects of their job that cause physical or mental strain. From there, both general and personalized initiatives can be developed to help reduce the risk for work-related musculoskeletal injuries.
Health and wellness education can address various areas of health that may directly impact the risk for musculoskeletal injuries. Examples include physical activity levels, smoking status, nutrition, stress levels, and overall mental health and wellbeing. Initiatives could include:
Fitness-to-work testing is one way to ensure your workforce can meet the physical demands of a job, and also gives you the ability to modify work tasks and accommodate workers. This type of occupational test leads to reduced injury claims and increased the health of your employees long term.
Learn more about SureHire’s Fitness-to-Work Testing Program here.
TAKEAWAY: Employees in the mining industry face many risks and hazards every day on the job. Here are some tips for preventing musculoskeletal injuries in the mining industry.
SureHire’s Fitness-to-work (FTW) evaluations help employers understand an individual’s overall health status and provide recommendations for work accommodations and/or restrictions when necessary. Should an incident occur, employers can also use the information provided through our FTW when applying for cost relief through their province’s worker’s compensation board.
Check out this frequently asked questions video and contact us today to request a quote.
The mining industry is a risky business. Labeled as one of the most dangerous and deadliest industries in Canada, it carries the burden of a relatively significant threat for workplace accidents and injuries. The labor-intensive nature of the mining industry produces an increased incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. With this in mind, it’s also important to recognize that there are several steps employers can take to mitigate the risks associated with musculoskeletal disorders and keep their workforce safe. [Learn a bit more about reducing risk in safety-sensitive workplaces here].
The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in miners is relatively high. A systematic review and meta-analysis of musculoskeletal injuries in miners showed that the upper back is the area of the body with the highest injury prevalence. The lower back is another commonly affected area, followed by the neck, shoulders, hands, and fingers.
Some of the general and specific musculoskeletal injuries that miners are at risk for include:
A data analysis of musculoskeletal injuries in the mining industry showed that, at 26.4% of the total reported injuries, strains and sprains comprised the majority of workplace musculoskeletal injuries.
The incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in the mining industry is especially high in the underground and surface coal, surface stone, and stone processing plants. The main mining activities associated with musculoskeletal injuries include:
This includes loading and unloading objects that may be heavy and require significant exertion from the lifter. Supplies and materials may also be awkward to handle and subsequently produce a jarring action. Consequently, the risk of back or shoulder injury can be high for these types of activities.
Overexertion while walking or running can result in musculoskeletal injuries, especially to the back, knees and ankles. There is also a risk of falling or tripping, particularly on hazardous surfaces.
In these situations, problems with accessing equipment can result in a fall and a subsequent muscle or joint injury. There is also a risk of injury from surface impact itself, such as jumping down from a machine. Uneven or slippery surfaces can also pose an increased risk of injury.
Sometimes the most routine tasks can produce a significant risk for health and safety, and specifically, for musculoskeletal conditions. A wet or cluttered surface presents a hazard, as does inadequate lighting. Other neglected aspects of ergonomics such as confined working spaces are also a common problem. Maintenance and repair work can involve similar risks to handling supplies and materials, including awkward postures and heavy lifting.
Although they’re designed to protect mine workers from dangerous areas or equipment, machine guards are responsible for a high number of injuries in this industry. This is because significant physical exertion is required to move them to carry out maintenance activities.
Hand tools have the potential to cause vibration-related or overuse injuries/repetitive strain injuries when they are used repetitively over time.
The most prevalent accident types in each activity area were overexertion, falling, and being struck. Overexertion accounted for the majority of injuries in every activity. Already, this highlights a priority area for employers to focus on, since overexertion injuries can, to a large extent, be avoided.
Many of the risks for musculoskeletal injuries in the mining sector can be mitigated. Employers can take actions in the following areas.
Although mining itself carries a relatively high degree of risk, this risk can be reduced with a clear workplace health and safety strategy, appropriate management systems to complement that strategy, and compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
A few factors to consider include:
Testing not only ensures employees are physically capable of doing the job but also minimizes the possibility of personal injury, risks to other employees, and financial loss due to damages to equipment or materials. It also helps employees handle changes in their role, a transfer to a different position, and concerns related to their ability to perform due to emerging or continuing health conditions.
Should an incident occur, you can also use the information provided through our Fitness-to-Work testing when applying for cost-relief through your province’s worker’s compensation board.
Understand the overall health status of your workforce, and get recommendations for work accommodations or restrictions when necessary.
Employers should consider investing in tools or equipment to reduce the strain on employees while they carry out specific tasks. These will come at an initial cost, but should be considered an important investment associated with long term benefits for the health and safety of the workforce.
Select the most advanced and safety-backed tools and equipment available in the industry. This could include mechanical assist devices, hand protectors, stairs to replace ladders, and smaller and lighter machine guards. Ensure tools and equipment are properly maintained and replaced when needed.
Employees must be trained to maintain proper lifting techniques and posture. The majority of musculoskeletal injuries in miners occur in the back. These can be caused by bending and twisting, especially if an external load is applied.
Employees also need to be educated about the hazards of staying in a fixed position for extended periods, and on the importance of taking regular rest breaks. As well, appropriate training must be provided on how to use and maintain tools and equipment.
Employers should identify the ergonomic risk factors that are present and develop a plan to prevent associated problems from occurring. Some ergonomic aspects of workplace design to consider include the following:
Since occupational stress and psychological disorders can increase the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in miners, employers should consider investing in the health and wellbeing of their employees.
SureHire offers solutions for improving mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. These include EQ Resilience and EQ at Work, which are designed to build employee resilience and help them to thrive.
Takeaway: There is no quick solution to ramping up one’s physical endurance and strength overnight. Our fitness levels are ultimately determined by the lifestyles we lead and the health decisions we make every day. There are, however, some best practices we can all adopt to support our physical well beings and help with Fitness-to-Work testing preparation.
Many jobs require employees to perform work tasks that are critical to their role (otherwise known as bona fide occupational requirements, or BFOR’s for short). These work tasks may include lifting, carrying, crouching, bending, reaching, and long periods of time spent moving without rest. All of these actions require a certain level of physical strength and endurance to perform them safely; without the required strength and endurance needed, the risk for workplace incidents and injuries to occur increases.
SureHire’s Fitness-to-Work (FTW) program gives prospective employers a glimpse into an individual’s physical ability to complete common worksite activities, such as lifting and carrying, kneeling and crouching. It also alerts the prospective employer to any injuries or illnesses that are present which could pose a safety risk to the individual being able to complete their BFOR’s. Finally, it helps prospective employers identify where accommodations can be made to protect their worker’s overall health and safety.
Misconception: FTW testing is often thought of as a system for employers to exclude individuals from the hiring pool. In actuality, this form of occupational testing is designed to help employers and employees make informed decisions to avoid incidents and injuries on the job.
In this article, we take a deep dive into our FTW testing, with pro tips and tricks to help you maximize testing success.
FTW testing provides insight that ultimately allows employers to modify work tasks and accommodate for workers with pre-existing conditions or physical limitations, as a means to protect their long-term health. There is no quick solution to ramping up one’s physical endurance and strength overnight. Our fitness levels are ultimately determined by the lifestyles we lead and the health decisions we make every day. There are, however, some best practices we can all adopt to support our physical well beings.
Note: See your doctor for a medical check-up before embarking on any new fitness program, particularly if you are aged over 40 years, are overweight, or haven’t exercised in a long time.
Let’s just rip the band-aid off! The more physically active you are, the easier it becomes to perform tasks that require strength and endurance. Whether you are jack-hammering concrete, framing buildings, crawling in tight spaces, completing a trunk flexion test, or just playing in the park with your kids, it will be a great deal easier if you incorporate regular physical activity into your lifestyle.
A little goes a long way. Here are some forms of physical activity you can incorporate into your routine.
Regular Walks. Walking is considered to be an aerobic physical activity and refers to the use of oxygen to meet energy demands during exercise via aerobic metabolism. Incorporating 30 to 45 minutes of walking per day into your routine goes a lot further than you might think. In fact, in a report that included findings from multiple well-done studies, researchers found that walking reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 31% and cut the risk of dying by 32%. These benefits were equally robust in men and women. Protection was evident even at distances of just 5½ miles [~9 kilometres] per week and at a pace as casual as about 2 miles [~3 kilometres] per hour.
Pro Tip: Do it all at once or in chunks as short as 5 to 10 minutes; choose to walk briskly or take more of a stroll. You’ll get plenty of benefit from walking so long as you stick with it.
Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons, including regulating body temperature, keeping joints lubricated, preventing infections, delivering nutrients to cells, and keeping organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood. So as you prepare for your FTW test, make sure you’re hydrating properly.
Important Note: Many participants visit our facilities to complete Fitness-to-Work testing in addition to other occupational testing, such as drug or alcohol testing. Too much water can result in a dilute urine screening sample, which may lead to inconclusive results.
Sleep hygiene is a normal pattern of rest that occurs during nighttime as part of a biorhythmic cycle that all people require to maintain healthy lives. Proper sleep hygiene involves receiving adequate rest, typically 8 hours, to regain alertness for the following day. Sleep hygiene also means avoiding bad habits that can induce sleep deprivation, which can lead to chronic fatigue, which incidentally, can impair alertness both at home and work.
Sleep hygiene tends to be a concept that falls by the wayside for many people as inadequate sleeping patterns coupled with adverse habits before bedtime like eating food and/or consumption of caffeine or alcoholic beverages can disturb the sleep/wake cycle.
If you or one of your employees is preparing for fit-to-work testing, a good night’s sleep will set the stage for success.
Individuals can prepare for testing by increasing their overall activity level prior to their appointment. Any increase in activity levels, from structured exercise programs to just simply going for more walks, can improve a person’s overall cardiovascular capacity and lead to an increased likelihood of success during their Fitness-to-Work testing.
If individuals have concerns that they do not have the proper technique to safely lift and carry objects, there are a number of resources available online that offer guidance on proper lifting and carrying mechanics and technique.
DID YOU KNOW? Employers can adopt methods to address proper sleep hygiene habits with their employees by introducing fatigue management programs that are economic and practical. Ask us about our 30-minute, virtual, Intro to Fatigue micro-module.
FTW testing can seem daunting if you don’t know what to expect. Educating yourself on our FTW testing process is a good place to start if you’re wanting to feel more prepared. Below are the 2 components of FTW testing we get asked about most frequently.
This involves the examination of flexibility, grip strength, joint integrity, functional movements, and so on, to determine if a participant’s musculoskeletal and medical state safely matches the physical demands of the job being applied for. The examination is based on standardized testing protocols, which have been established using evidence-based research.
Unlike other occupational testing companies, SureHire uses licensed physiotherapists, chiropractors, and athletic therapists to perform the musculoskeletal examination. These healthcare professionals specialize in understanding the integrity of a participant’s muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and past/current soft tissue injuries.
Critical Strength and mobility testing is the final step in the FTW evaluation process. During this step, participants attempt a series of functional movement stations including:
Following completion of each station listed above, each participant’s performance is objectively evaluated via measurement of their heart rate, oxygen saturation, and standardized time limits and rest periods. All lifting is closely monitored by certified SureHire staff to ensure that proper lifting technique is demonstrated and performed. Testing is immediately ceased if the participant is at risk of injury.
SureHire’s 3-minute stepping station involves walking up and down 2 stairs continuously for 3 minutes. The pace of the test is pre-determined based on your age. This station intends to allow the test participant to warm up their muscles, identify if they can maintain proper step cadence, and alert SureHire staff to any functional limitations or concerns with ascending or descending stairs.
Q: How far do you have to carry the weight for a long carry, and do you get to rest in between reps?
Q: What is a waist-to-waist lift?
Common Lift and Carry Weight Equivalencies
25 lb. Carry
Here are 5 common items that weigh about 25 lbs to give you a sense of this carry weight.
35 lb. Carry
Here are 5 common items that weigh about 35 lbs to give you a sense of this carry weight.
50 lb. Carry
Here are 5 common items that weigh about 50 lbs to give you a sense of this carry weight.
The sustained trunk flexion test evaluates an individual’s lower back muscular endurance and strength by having them maintain a forward-bent position (the hips and lower back should be bent forward 30-60 degrees) for a period of 3 minutes. During this test, an individual must maintain the position continuously for 3 minutes and not move their feet or lift their feet off of the ground.
Download the one-pager below for a quick overview of how to prepare for a Fitness-to-Work test, including what to expect, do’s and don’ts, and more.
In conclusion, there are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself or your employees for a SureHire FTW test. Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine, improving your sleep hygiene, making sure you’re hydrated, and educating yourself on our testing process are a few ways you can set yourself up for Fit-to-Work testing success.
For more information on Fitness-to-Work Testing, contact us. We’re here to answer your questions and make sure you and your employees are properly prepared.
Fitness-to-Work testing is a medical assessment done when an employer wishes to be sure an employee can safely do a specific job or task. The testing is typically performed by a healthcare provider who will evaluate the testing participant on their overall physical function and health status, to determine if they have the necessary strength and conditioning to perform the critical work tasks of their role.
Fitness-to-Work testing will typically involve the following components:
Once testing is completed, the evaluator will make a fitness determination on the status of the testing participant, based on the information collected and observed. Typically, this takes the form of one of three outcomes:
A strong health and safety culture in an organization isn’t just about having low incident or injury rates. It’s about instilling a feeling of comfort and security in all workers so they know their organization is doing everything in its power to be able to keep their employees safe at work. Most health and safety metrics look at what are called “lagging indicators”; meaning you are focusing on things that have already occurred, such as:
By implementing strategies that focus more on “leading indicators”, an organization can shift the focus more to prevention and elimination of things that lagging indicators typically track (injuries, lost productivity, compensation costs, etc.). Leading indicators focus on such things as:
Fitness-to-Work testing acts as a tool for employers to better understand their workforce’s physical capabilities and potential limitations. This creates the opportunity for employers to act in a proactive manner to ensure their workers are in positions that are best suited to their physical and mental capabilities and to appropriately accommodate for potential disabilities, limitations or impairments that might otherwise put the worker or their co-workers at risk of an incident or injury occurring.
From an employee perspective, Fitness-to-Work testing can put worker’s minds at ease in knowing their co-workers have been evaluated and are capable of completing their work tasks without putting anyone at risk. This piece of mind can go a long way in elevating an organization’s work satisfaction level, which can indirectly impact lagging indicators in a positive manner. Research has shown that employee satisfaction has a significant positive effect on accident costs savings, and occupational safety performance has a significant positive effect on employee satisfaction, and – by extension – accident cost savings. This positive feedback cycle will start to “self-propel” a strong safety culture in the minds of employees, thereby decreasing incident rates, lost workdays and compensation costs.
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