| Employee Assistance Programs | Worksite Programs | Wellness Promotion | Clinic Services | Physical Therapy | Injury & Case Mgmt. | Substance Abuse Screening | ||
 |
 |
|
| Clinic Services - Musculo-Skeletal Screen  |
||
|
|
||||||||||||||
Musculo-Skeletal Screen
In an effort to provide your company with an option in evaluating employee candidates for musculo-skeletal deficiencies, Workcare has fashioned and now offers a system which aids in detecting such potential problems.
This musculo-skeletal screen, which is performed by our Physical Therapy department at the post-offer stage, involves not only the testing of the integrity of the employee candidate's back but also of every other major musculo-skeletal region of the body. The evaluation, which can be scheduled in conjunction with the post-offer physical exam, lasts approximately 45 minutes It tests the flexibility, range of motion, and strength of the muscle groups most commonly involved in work related injuries. The exams investigates lifting and carrying capabilities as well as limitations.
The purpose of this system is to provide the employer with added assurance that the employee candidate is indeed capable of safely performing their work duties. If specific limitations that would affect the candidate's ability to perform their daily assignments were found, the employer is informed and is made aware of specific recommended job modifications. All we need is a job description on which to base the evaluation. Modifications in the testing process can be specifically tailored to meet the requirements of the position.
The information gained from such a process is very useful, especially in view of the restrictions that the Americans with Disabilities Act has placed on the employer. It should also be noted that a back x-ray does provide an employer with the same amount of objective data as does a Musculo-Skeletal Screen, and no conclusions regarding the worker's capabilities of performing his/her work, required job modifications, or potential for future back or other musculo-skeletal problems can be drawn. In short, a clear correlation between a "bad back x-ray" and job capabilities does not exist. Adittionally, the musculo-skeletal screen is also slightly less expensive than a routine back x-ray.
This process is, of course, no guarantee that your worker will avoid all musculo-skeletal injuries, but the Screen is an excellent method that may help identify potential problems before they are manifested as a work related injury. Trinity WorkCare hopes that employers will consider using this option in the post-offer stage in the job categories that have a high potential for musculo-skeletal type injures.
|