Job Demand Analysis

An onsite evaluation of a client’s essential job demands through observations of work tasks being performed, followed by an analysis of the demand frequencies and inherent requirements.

Functional Capacity Evaluations

A 4-hour work-related FCE determines the employee's impairments and capacity to perform their essential physical and cognitive job demands (for their own, alternate or any occupation). The report outlines objective findings which generate contextually relevant recommendations, such as reasonable accommodation, realignment, upskilling, or temporary/permanent incapacity.

The Work House acknowledges the impact of psychosocial risk factors on a client’s presentation, therefore psychosocial screening forms a critical part of each FCE.

Psychiatric Functional Capacity Evaluations

A 4-hour comprehensive FCE focusing on the assessment of the essential cognitive and psychosocial demands of a client’s work role. A standardised psychiatric tool is used to gather objective information in order to inform specific recommendations.

Pre-Employment Screen

The Work House offers a pre-employment screen, which is particularly useful when employing individuals in physically demanding positions, where the risk of injury and staff turnover are high. The pre-employment screen is initiated with a thorough onsite job demand analysis (JDA), which is followed by the 1-hour physical screen of potential candidates. Recommendations focus on the ability of the candidate to match the essential physical demands.

Functional Screen

A 2-hour screen, which aims to provide an overview of the client’s current physical, cognitive and/or psychiatric presentation in order to identify the most significant barriers to return-to-work. This does not take the place of a comprehensive FCE but is rather used to guide focused vocational rehabilitation intervention.

Driving Assessments

Driving Assessments to determine fitness-to-drive (code 8 licence) following illness or injury. This assessment encompasses two components namely a 90-minute off-road assessment of the essential physical, cognitive, perceptual and road law requirements of driving. Should these requirements be met, the client is taken on a 1-hour on-road assessment, which is conducted with a trained driving instructor with/without a dual control vehicle as per the need.

Ergonomic Assessments

A 2-hour onsite screen with a focus on specific workplace ergonomics in order to provide practical accommodations to the workspace, which optimise work ability and productivity.

Ergotherapy is our preferred supplier for workplace solutions. Please see ergotherapy.co.za for more details of their products.

Sensory Profiling

Sensory Profiling using the Sensory Intelligence® Questionnaire assesses the unique way in which an individual interprets sensory input from their environment. This information is used to better understand the client’s comfort zone, their ability to deal with stress and their optimum work environment and is often used to inform reasonable accommodation.

Work Hardening

An intense week of vocational rehabilitation that addresses return-to-work barriers holistically and optimises work capacity. This is achieved through the following interventions:

• Engaging in simulated or actual work tasks (relating to essential physical work demands) that aim to build physical capacity and tolerances
• Provision of practical ergonomic, back care and joint protection principles
• Education of persistent pain and pain management strategies
• Participation in psychosocial life skills groups to improve coping strategies
• Physiotherapy group and provision of a home programme to manage symptoms effectively

Individual Occupational Therapy Sessions

Individual sessions aim to address identified physical, cognitive or psychological impairments to facilitate vocational outcomes. This includes:

• Physical rehabilitation: work conditioning, hand therapy, neurological rehabilitation and ADL retraining
• Psychological rehabilitation: life skills training (anxiety and stress management), communication skills, goal setting
• Cognitive rehabilitation: organizational skills, compensatory techniques and cognitive retraining
• Sensory consultation: Following assessment of a client’s sensory profile, consultations are then recommended in order to develop strategies to best manage the client’s sensory needs in order to optimise functioning, self-regulation and relationships. In an increasingly demanding and chaotic world, sensory modulation is essential in reducing stress and promoting wellbeing.

Psychosocial Groups

To provide support and lifeskills training based on the needs of the attendees.

Case Management

To engage with the client, their treating team, their employer and the insurer in order to steer a smooth process towards return-to-work or improved functional capacity within the client’s unique context. This is necessary to overcome identified barriers through effective communication with all stakeholders.

Work Visits

To liaise with the employer to obtain collateral information and carve a well-communicated return-to-work plan. A work visit is also necessary for fitting of ergonomic equipment and adaptations.

Workplace Educational Programmes

We offer the following programmes:

• Disability awareness to employees and/or managers
• Preventative programme promoting spine health and safe weight handling in order to reduce I.O.D
• Mental health first aid encouraging mental wellbeing and how to identify or support mental health challenges in the workplace

Fit-to-work Screen

A 3-hour screen, which includes a detailed off-site Job Demands Analysis to inform assessment of these job-specific demands. This assessment matches the client’s specific physical, cognitive and/or psychiatric abilities with the assessed job demands. It is not a holistic or comprehensive FCE but is rather used to guide focused vocational rehabilitation intervention.