Pre-employment Functional Assessments

Pre-employment functional assessments can be tailored to specifically test the critical demands of each position within your company. Through a process of:

• Valuable employer input – collected data, and expert knowledge of the work requirements
• Our expert analysis of the key physical demands of the work, and
• Onsite discussions

we can then design the PEFA protocol to capture clearly all the most relevant information.

Physical assessment

The first section assesses the main joints and muscle groups of the body which are important for physical work. Using dynamic tests under load, we look for any abnormalities in movement patterns and any problems with strength and endurance. This may include:

• Spinal flexibility, posture, core strength and control
• Upper limb movement patterns, strength and endurance
• Lower limb movement patterns, strength and endurance
• Hand function and grip
• Fitness testing

The physiotherapist can then judge whether the candidate is safe to proceed to the functional task-based section of the assessment.

Assessment of critical job demands

In the second section of the PEFA, the candidate performs the identified critical demands of the work.

The lifting capacity component uses the typical weights, heights, distances and frequencies specific to the position.  Any pushing, pulling and carrying of loads, or handling objects of specific shapes and weights, is included.

The postural tolerances section assesses candidates as they sustain, over timed periods, the typical movements and positions required in the work, such as reaching forward or overhead, pushing, pulling, crouching, squatting or climbing.  

Candidates are not permitted to continue with any unsafe technique and are trained in safe technique before proceeding.

Heart rate is monitored throughout the assessment. This data allows us to determine if the candidate is likely to face fatigue issues if exposed to particular rates of work. The implications of the assessment findings are explained clearly in the summary section.

Report of key findings

The results of the PEFA are presented in a report which is completed at the time of testing. The report records:

• The candidate’s degree of success in each section of the assessment.
• Detailed information on manual handling skills and postural tolerances
• Their overall rating, graded from Class 1 to Class 4
• Recommendations for further training to address any issues identified in the assessment.