Industrial Medicine

B-200 Pre-Placement Evaluation:
The B-200 is a computerized back testing device that rates a new hire’s lower back strength, range of motion, and flexibility, both dynamically and isometrically. The test protocol also includes a box lift, which measures back strength using both the legs and back, and a dynamometer hand grip test, which measures grip strength. This pre-placement testing protocol has been performed on hundreds of employees here in Alaska for more than a decade and has helped in a significant way to reduce the incidence, severity, and cost of back injuries in the workplace.

Back School:
Physical or occupational therapists provide a three to five day back school in the clinic. In some instances, a therapist may provide education in back care and proper lifting in the workplace. The back school usually covers topics such as posture, body mechanics, and proper lifting.

Back-to-Work Assessment After a Back Injury:
This test is basically the same as the pre-placement back strength assessment. It is used to determine if an employee’s lower back is strong enough to return to work after a back injury.

Industrial Rehabilitation Program (IRP):
This program provides a full range of services for employers to help prevent first time neuro-musculoskeletal injuries or repeat work injuries. Services include 1) pre-placement testing, 2) injury prevention, 3) goal-directed treatment and rehabilitation, 4) return-to-work evaluations, 5) physical fitness programs, and, 6) if rehabilitation is not successful, determination of medical stability. These programs have dramatically reduced the incidence and/or severity of injuries and increased the recovery rate for those injured in the workplace.

Job Specific Pre-Placement Evaluation:
The specifics of the test are usually developed to fit the specific needs of an employer. Essential job functions are replicated as best is possible in the physical therapy clinic. Employees are rated as “pass” or “fail”. This test helps an employer determine if the new hire has the physical capacities required to perform the job. In the long term, the test helps prevent injuries because it minimizes the incidences of an employer putting a new hire in a job that he or she is not physically capable of doing.

PCE (Physical Capacities Evaluation):
This 6 to 8 hour series of tests evaluates the physical capacity of patients in a variety of areas: endurance, cardiovascular fitness, material handling ability, coordination, static posturing, and strength testing. It is used to evaluate a person’s physical capabilities.

Pre-Placement Testing:
(See WorkSTEPS Pre-Placement Evaluation, B-200 Pre-Placement Evaluation, and Job Specific Pre-Placement Testing)

Return to Work Evaluation:
This is an assessment provided prior to employees returning to work after neuro-musculoskeletal injuries or an illness or injury that has resulted in significant deconditioning (loss of strength and stamina). The purpose is to make sure the employee is physically capable to assume either modified or full duty. This service usually is provided through ASI Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, although there is the option for an evaluation by a physician at ASI. Within a major oil company, the use of the Return to Work evaluation has resulted in a significant reduction in the re injury rate over an eight year period.

WorkSTEPS Pre-Placement Evaluation:
This test is given to new hires at the request of their employer. The evaluation provides a baseline of musculoskeletal information as well as information about the employee’s physical capabilities compared to the physical requirements of the essential job functions. The evaluation’s purpose is to determine if an individual is physically capable of performing the essential functions of the job for which they have been hired. The baseline musculoskeletal information may be useful if a work injury occurs at some time in the future. WorkSTEPs’ testing protocol is provided by a national franchise that has member clinics all over the United States. Evaluation results are fed electronically into a national data base of those tested. This testing protocol helps prevent injuries by measuring the new hire’s physical capabilities compared to the physical demands of the essential functions of the job.