Onsite Therapy effectiveness
demonstrated in research
A study of direct access physical therapy onsite in industry was reported by the Society of Occupational Medicine, Belfast Ireland and reported in the Oxford University Press and highlighted in the Work Fitness and Disability Roundtable. The aim of the study by Addley, Burke and McQullan, was to examine the impact of a direct access physiotherapy treatment service in an occupational setting. 231 participants were seen in physiotherapy and assessed pre and post treatment using functional scores, pain scales and questionnaires. Patient improvement was reported in all of those measurements. Worker/patients who had three or four sessions had more improvement than those with one or two sessions. The conclusions were that the physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal disorders have the potential to not only improve clinical status, but also work function, psychological well—being and sickness absence. Further research is warranted. For more information, email kien.addley@nicsohs.gov.uk. For the article please email journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org
DSI has newly developed its “Working onsite in industry” training program. DSI faculty Scott Ege, Curt DeWeese, Nancy Bellendorf and Ginnie Halling all have seen the positive aspects of onsite work. In the US, however, direct access issues and the necessity of classifying treatment according to OSHA recordability of injuries create some potential issues that have to be addressed. Both physical therapists and occupational therapists provide cost saving and worker health improvement onsite. Research in all countries, including the US is important to continue.
For more information on DSI onsite programs, contact Susan Isernhagen at sisernhagen@dsiworksolutions.com
DSI Job Function Description Recognized as Best Practice During OSHA VPP Certification Audit
OSHA recognized the DSI™ Job function descriptions (JFD) developed by Curt DeWeese, PT for the Batavia, NY Georgia-Pacific Corrugated Plant as best practice during an audit for VPP certification. The JFD’s also had an added column to include a still photo of a general aspect of each essential function described. The OSHA auditors felt that the physical requirements objectively defined, and with photos reinforcing each task demand, were helpful to define the function.
OSHA auditors were supportive of the use of these tools in the hiring process to allow the candidate to understand what the job requires. In the return to work process the JFD helps the medical providers understand what the injured employee needs to do for modified or full return to work. Congratulations, Curt! |
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Getting Linked to Ergonomics
By Scott Ege PT MS
When it comes to work injury management and prevention, professionals engage both the science and art elements of ergonomics. Ergonomics combines experience, advanced education, problem solving and recommendations that are feasible to the employer and workers. Having good resources for ergonomic assessment tools and products saves time and allows broadening of options and cost estimate capability.
Assessments and products must be put into context by the ergonomic consultant: there are different “ergonomic solutions” that can be applied to the same job. In the end, one must consider the interaction between the worker, the work, and their work environment as well as an employer’s work culture, resource availability, and commitment to safety.
In depth information regarding ergonomics was presented in three different DSI Webinars this past year. These webinars were all recorded and still available for review through the DSI. Contact Lisa Mertz at lmertz@dsiworksolutions.com
Ergonomic Program Development / Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Job Descriptions predicted to be prime employer’s defense
Experts predict that defense against new disability claims will be founded in accurate, objective descriptions of the essential functions of the job. With the passing of the ADA Amendment Act, many more current or potential employees will be covered by a definition of disability. LRP Publications, highlighted this in their 9-9-10 newsletter 40-7. They stated that the intent behind the ADA and its Amendment Act was to identify if a person can do the essential functions of the job with or without modifications. “Job descriptions are going to be a key part of the case now because it is the most obvious place where the employer can address the essential functions” Brian East of Advocacy Inc was quoted as saying. READ MORE |
