A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) [sometimes referred to as Functional Assessment] is a comprehensive assessment conducted under controlled conditions where a person’s speed, strength, endurance and mobility are assessed. The information gained during the Functional Testing can then be related to the demands of related workplace tasks and performance standards. The FCE is a much more in depth and comprehensive assessment than the alternative Pre-Employment Functional Assessment (PEFA) used for the more cost effective screening of workers.
IOH commonly provide Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) as part of Return to Work from injury, but an employer may also request an FCE as a preventative service to assess a prospective worker’s risk profile before a role is offered.
The functional test data is used to make a professional interpretation of the functional capacity and safe working limits of the person. This can be used to identify persons at higher risk of injury in certain roles or better identify capacities during the return to work process.
During the Functional Assessment the experienced professional may also identify techniques or work practices that can be changed to reduce incidence of injury.
ErgoScience – Functional Capacity Evaluation Tool
IOH utilise the ErgoScience FCE tool, which utilises a proprietary scoring system that is validated through peer-reviewed research and defensible in court. The ErgoScience tool assists in identifying when participant effort is not optimal, providing assurance that functional capacity has been accurately assessed.
WorkHab – Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)
IOH has consultants accredited to conduct functionals utilising the WorkHab FCE system.
The WorkHab FCE is an internationally recognised evaluation tool that enables a licensed evaluator to objectively measure, determine and report on the functional abilities of an individual in both the home and work environment.
The evaluation protocols within WorkHab’s FCE System have been validated in peer reviewed literature, and the entire protocol has been independently tested with the worker population and has been shown as significantly reliable. This validity demonstrates a robust and reliable evaluation tool, which makes WorkHab FCE a favoured choice of many insurers and assessing bodies.