FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATIONS (FCES)
WHAT IS A FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATION?
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are comprehensive assessments designed to measure an individual’s physical abilities in relation to their job requirements. These evaluations help employers, healthcare providers, and insurance companies make informed decisions about an employee’s ability to perform essential job tasks, ensuring workplace safety and productivity. FCEs are particularly valuable for return-to-work decisions, disability claims, and injury prevention strategies.
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a standardized assessment of an individual’s physical capabilities, focusing on their ability to perform job-related tasks. It provides objective data on strength, endurance, flexibility, mobility, and functional limitations, helping determine whether an employee can safely return to work or if workplace modifications are needed.
UNDERSTANDING FCES & THEIR ROLE IN WORKPLACE HEALTH
FCEs play a vital role in occupational health by providing clear, evidence-based insights into an individual’s physical readiness for work. These evaluations assess functional movements such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motions that are essential to job performance. By establishing a baseline of physical ability, FCEs help employers create safe work environments and prevent future injuries.
HOW FCES HELP EMPLOYERS & EMPLOYEES
For employers, FCEs offer a data-driven approach to managing workplace health and safety. They ensure that employees are physically capable of meeting job demands, reducing the risk of workplace injuries. For employees, these evaluations help prevent
return-to-work complications by ensuring they are placed in roles that match their physical abilities, supporting long-term well-being.
HOW OUR FCE PROCESS WORKS
At NorthStream Safety & Rehab, our Functional Capacity Evaluations are conducted by certified occupational health professionals using validated assessment protocols. The process includes:
- Medical history review to understand past injuries and health conditions
- Job-specific physical testing to assess strength, mobility, endurance, and coordination
- Work simulation tasks replicating job-related movements
- Objective data analysis to determine fitness for work and recommend accommodations
WHEN IS AN FCE NEEDED?
FCEs are commonly used when an employer or healthcare provider needs objective evidence about an individual’s physical ability to work. They are particularly beneficial in cases where employees are returning from medical leave, recovering from injuries, or applying for disability benefits.
RETURN-TO-WORK ASSESSMENTS AFTER INJURY OR ILLNESS
Employees returning from medical leave or recovering from an injury must be properly evaluated to determine their ability to resume job duties safely. FCEs help employers make informed return-to-work decisions while minimizing the risk of re-injury or workplace accidents.
EVALUATING PHYSICAL ABILITIES FOR JOB PLACEMENT
Employers use FCEs as part of pre-employment screenings to ensure candidates meet the physical requirements of their roles. These evaluations are also useful when employees transition to new positions that require different physical exertion levels.
DISABILITY & WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS
FCEs provide objective medical evidence in disability claims and workers’ compensation cases, helping determine eligibility for benefits and guiding rehabilitation programs. These evaluations support fair and accurate decision-making in workplace injury cases.
BENEFITS OF FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATIONS
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) offer valuable insights into an employee’s physical abilities, helping employers make informed decisions regarding job placement, return-to-work planning, and workplace safety. By providing objective, data-driven assessments, FCEs help organizations reduce risks, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations.
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES
FCEs offer standardized and scientifically validated methods for evaluating an individual’s physical strength, endurance, and mobility. This helps in making accurate return-to-work decisions and identifying work limitations that need accommodations.
ENSURING SAFE & SUSTAINABLE WORK DUTIES
By assessing an employee’s functional capabilities, FCEs help employers match workers to roles that align with their physical abilities. This prevents overexertion, repetitive strain injuries, and long-term health issues, promoting a safer work environment.
REDUCING WORKPLACE INJURY RISKS
By ensuring that employees are placed in appropriate roles and have the physical capacity to perform their jobs, FCEs reduce workplace accidents and workers’ compensation claims. This leads to lower injury-related costs and improved workplace productivity.
BOOK A FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATION TODAY
CONTACT US FOR SCHEDULING & MORE INFORMATION
Need an FCE for an employee or job candidate? Contact us today to schedule an assessment and discuss how our services can help your organization improve workplace safety, compliance, and employee well-being.