In the world of occupational health, there is sometimes confusion between Fitness for Duty Assessments (FFD) and Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE).
Here’s a simple guide to understanding their distinct purposes. Furthermore, the different roles they play in contributing to a safe and productive work environment.
Fitness for Duty Assessments (FFD)
Fitness for Duty (FFD) Assessments focus on determining an individual’s ability to perform their job safely and effectively. These assessments are typically conducted when there are concerns about an employee’s overall physical or mental fitness to carry out their duties, due to a non-work-related condition.
For example, if an employee injures themselves playing sport, or if an employee sustains another non work-related injury, illness or psychological injury in their personal life, an FFD evaluation is beneficial to assess whether the employee is able to return to work and whether their health condition or impairment poses a risk to themselves, their colleagues, or the overall workplace environment.
During an FFD assessment, an Occupational Doctor will review medical records and complete a face-to-face a medical assessment. This will include an interview to obtain a detailed medical history, a clinical examination and perform relevant tests (where applicable), evaluate the employee’s fitness for their specific job requirements. The assessment may include various aspects,e.g. assessing physical abilities, cognitive functions, and psychological well-being to determine the employee’s ongoing fitness for work.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that the employee can perform their job without compromising their own safety or that of their colleagues.
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE), also known as Work Fitness Assessments, focus on assessing an individual’s physical abilities and limitations. They are conducted as part of a pre-employment assessment. Or alternatively, upon return to work after an injury or illness they have sustained through their work. The results of an FCE help determine the employee’s ability to safely perform their role or return to work. The results help to identify accommodations or adjustments to the work that might be required. What’s more they help to guide the rehabilitation process in the event of an injury.
During an FCE evaluation, a trained assessor will conduct the assessment to determine the employee’s strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall physical capabilities. The evaluation may involve various tests and measurements, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and repetitive movements.
In summary
Fitness for Duty (FFD) Assessments and Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) serve distinct purposes in occupational health.
- FFD assessments focus on determining an employee’s overall fitness to perform their job safely and effectively following a non-work-related injury or illness
- FCEs assess an individual’s musculoskeletal capacity to perform their role (for example in a job that requires heavy lifting). This can be conducted in addition to a pre-employment medical. Or alternatively in the case of an employee returning to work after a work-related injury.
Both assessments play important roles in ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
To find out more about our FFD and FCE assessments, please contact us.
