The purpose of the Symmetry Occupational Services is to provide cost-effective onsite preventative services and on-site treatment of work-related injuries. There is a wide variety of services available to lower worker's compensation costs and to reduce the number of OSHA recordable injuries. By providing quality, one-on-one care with employees, our programs create healthier and safer work environments, which lead to a more productive and efficient workforce. Below are some of the services we offer.
PEP: Preemptive Ergonomics Program
This program focuses on prevention of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace. An on-site licensed physical therapist examines employees when muscle soreness or pain begins and intervenes prior to injury. For effective evaluations, the therapist may observe work habits, examine problematic workstations, and give employees information on how to work safer and more efficiently. Working together with safety managers and/or supervisors in order to make positive changes to the work environment will ensure open communication with employees and the physical therapist. This early intervention approach helps to reduce the number of work-related incidents and create a healthier work environment.
On-Site Physical Therapy
A licensed therapist will treat injured employees at your facility during working hours. By observing the employees' work habits and determining underlying causes of injury, the therapist can make modifications in order to avoid future incidents. On-site treatment cuts indemnity costs by reducing loss productivity and decreasing employee time outside of the worksite. It allows for direct interaction and communication with supervisors to encourage light duty programs, ergonomic modifications, and case management.
Functional Capacity Evaluations, FCE
This 3 to 5 hour test determines an individual's work capacity for an 8-hour work day. FCEs are based upon standardized and evidence-based tests. The exam simulates physical demands and essential functions from job descriptions provided by the referral source and/or employer. Through validity testing, musculoskeletal screening, a thorough review of medical history, material handling, functional task circuit simulating essential job tasks, positional and postural tolerance testing, and cardiovascular capacity testing, a descriptive report is written. This report will provide the employer a detailed assessment of what work the employee is capable of performing. We can test for:
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Return to work own occupation
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Return to work any occupation
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Disability own occupation
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Disability any occupation
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Return to work for light duty
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On-site Ergonomics Training
The training program created is job specific and individualized to the employer. There is a wide variety of services that can be performed to ensure a safe and effective worksite environment. Some services include, but are not limited to formal PowerPoint presentations regarding work ergonomics, hands-on training of proper body mechanics and postural education programs.
Worksite Ergonomic Risk Assessments
This assessment is most commonly performed following a reported injury. Inspection of the worksite, observation of work habits, interview and discussion with the injured worker, supervisors and other workers, and collaboration with the safety team and engineering allows for the therapist to assess the ergonomics of the worksite. A descriptive report is created and may include identifiable risks, suggest corrective actions, such as, engineering/design changes, behavioral modifications, employee rotation, or employee re-training. Risk assessments may be performed for other reasons, for example, poor performance, new product line/workstation, employer request, or injury investigation.
Work Conditioning
Many injured workers need the proper preparation and education to return to work, which is what the work conditioning program provides. Oftentimes, an injured worker is sent back to his or her normal job duties without correct rehabilitation, leading to poor performance, reoccurrence of the injury, or a new injury. This program is based upon the physical demands derived from job descriptions and/or employer reports and closely simulate the injured worker's job. By the end of the program, the worker is stronger, more confident, and prepared to return to work, therefore, reducing any future risks.
Preventative Stretching Programs
Pre-shift stretching programs have been directly correlated with a reduction in musculoskeletal injuries in the workforce. A licensed physical therapist demonstrates a job specific stretching program, which is to be performed at the beginning of employees' shift. Based upon need and specificity to the employer, the length and frequency of programs may vary. The therapist may also train an individual to be the group leader to lead the program once it has become a routine. Therefore, maintenance and modifications to the programs will occur on a less frequent basis with the therapist.
Consultation Services
This service has a licensed physical therapist provide assistance with medical management of existing claims. The therapist may review cases and give suggestions to employer's workers compensation manager in order to help reduce case duration claims.