A total of 5.2 million injuries and ilnesses were reported in private industry workplaces during 2001, resulting in a rate of 5.7 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers, according to a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Labor.

In 2001 disorders associated with repeated trauma, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and noise-induced hearings loss made up 65 percent of the 333,800 total illness cases according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Labor.

PT Northwest is Now Offering Egonomic Consulting
and Functional Capacity Evaluations
Ergonomic Assessments and Functional Capacity Evaluations are geared towards obtaining the highest level of work performance in a safe environment. Ergonomic Assessments are used to create a safe environment where the worker is less susceptible to workplace injuries both traumatic and cumulative. In a comfortable work setting the employee is able to provide maximum output without risk of costly injuries. Functional capacity evaluations give the employer information on what the employee is able to do and what he/she is not able to do. This test is good for matching work tasks to employee for maximum productivity.

Egonomic Assessments are beneficial to both small and large businesses. An assessment consists of identifying musculoskeletal risks in the workplace and provides the employer with inexpensive ways to eliminate the risk factors. The Ergonomic Assessment can be used as a preventative approach or to address specific needs or problems that already exist.

Egonomic Training Courses are designed for groups of employees and is an educational presentation on cutting edge ergonomics. These courses are classroom format and will cover ergonomic concepts, body mechanics and exercises, as well as prevention education of work place injuries.

Functional Capacity Evaluations are an excellent way to determine overall patient ability and project what level they will be able to achieve in the future. The evaluation incorporates perceived levels of function, actual abilities, as well as looking at aspects such as effort, competitive test performance and cross referencing them to specific job descriptions and titles.

Benefits for Small and Large Businesses

  • Reduce worker compensation claims
  • Improve employee moral
  • Decrease workers compensation insurance premiums (lower insurance premiums)
  • Increased efficiency due to lack of injuries
  • Increased productivity
  • Reduce pain, medical expenses and absenteeism
  • Reduce exposure to legal liablilities
  • Case resolution to allow people a definitive means to determine and assist in enhancing work tolerance

    When a Worker is Injured There are Many Costs:

  • Paid time off for employee
  • Overtime pay or on-call costs to cover injured worker shifts
  • Time required from personnel to investigate the accident, process forms and settle the claim
  • Decreased productivity from employee when first returning to work

    If Employee Does Not Return to Work:

  • Advertising for new position
  • Orientation and training of a temporary or permanent employee

    Functional Capacity Evaluations
    This comprehensive test can be used before hiring an individual to determine if the potential employee can physically perform the job requirements or following an injury to maximize employee's abilities.

  • Provides insurance companies information on the functional level of patient for return to work
  • Employees and patients are able to see what they need to improve on for return to work
  • A great means of case resolution
  • An FCE can be used as an independent consultant apart from the employee's treating therapist
  • Helps employers by giving a clear picture of what the employee is physically able to perform

    Services provided by:
    Mike Hmura, MSPT, Director
    Mike has completed the Roy Matheson FCE program. The Matheson program is the most thorough, and one of the best recognized programs in North America.
    To see Mike's bio, click here

    All Functional Capacity Evaluations are performed at the Northbank Facility