Return to Work/Work Rehabilitation

Question 1

Federal regulatory bodies/resources work rehabilitation

Answer 1

1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
   Employment practices and accommodations for people with disabilities
2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
   Setting and enforcing standards for workplace safety and health (includes ergonomic guidelines)
3. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
   Part of the CDC, prevention of work related injuries. Provides information for injury, hazards prevention, ergonomics.
4. US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration developed the Occupational Information Network (O*NET)
   Database of job requirements and worker attributes on thousands of occupations (helpful for documenting job demand)
5. Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection
   Part of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
   Ensure fair employee selection processes are in place…applying to new, return to work, workers with disabilities, etc.

Question 2

True or False:

An injury sustained in a fall is NOT considered musculoskeletal disorder per US Department of Labor

Answer 2

True.

Work related musculoskeletal disorders are characterized by a slow, insidious onset and thought to be the result of microtrauma

Question 3

Body mechanics and postural alignment strategies:

Answer 3

1. Keep the spine in alignment
2. Hold objects close to the center of gravity
3. Avoid twisting through the spine by facing the object straight on
4. Use both sides of the body equally and maintain a wide base of support

Question 4

Symptom Magnification vs. Malingering

Answer 4

Malingering is intentional misleading, conscious faking for external gains

Symptom magnification is exaggeration or overstatement of symptoms relating to a medical condition. Required part of functional capacity evaluation (FCE), clients should present with predictable levels of function and dysfunction

Question 5

DOT definitions of overall levels of work:

Answer 5

1. Sedentary Work
   Exerting 10 lbs of force occassionally
   Negligible force frequently
   Sitting most of the time, brief walking/standing
2. Light Work
   Exerting 20 lbs of force occasionally
   10 lbs frequently
   Negligible force constantly