WORKPLACE ASSESSMENTS

Functional Capacity Evaluation
& Pre-Employment Screening.

Comprehensive physiotherapy assessments to measure physical capacity, support safe return to work, and match workers to job requirements.

★★★★★

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Quick Overview: What We Assess

Watch this short video to understand what’s involved in a Functional Capacity Evaluation.

How Many Physiotherapy Sessions Are Covered?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive, objective assessment conducted by a physiotherapist to measure an individual’s physical capacity to perform work-related tasks. Using standardised testing protocols, we assess your ability to safely meet the physical demands of your job or a proposed position.

FCEs are used across multiple contexts in Australian workplaces, including return to work planning for injured workers, pre-employment screening for new hires, Workers Compensation claims, disability assessments, and rehabilitation progress monitoring.

What We Assess During Your Evaluation

Our physiotherapists conduct a thorough assessment of your physical capabilities across multiple domains:

Lifting Capacity

Floor to waist, waist to shoulder, and overhead lifting at various weights

Pushing & Pulling

Horizontal and vertical push/pull forces measured across different heights

Carrying Capacity

One-handed and two-handed carrying at different weights and distances

Postural Tolerance

Floor to waist, waist to shoulder, and overhead lifting at various weights

Mobility & Coordination

Walking tolerance, stair climbing, ladder use, and balance assessment

Grip Strength

Hand and finger strength, fine motor skills, and manual dexterity

Functional Capacity Evaluation vs Pre-Employment Screening

While both assessments measure physical capacity, they serve different purposes in the workplace:

Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)

Purpose: Assess an injured worker’s current physical capacity and readiness to return to work.

Common uses:

Return to work planning after injury or illness
Workers Compensation claims and rehabilitation
Determining suitable duties during recovery
Monitoring rehabilitation progress over time
Supporting insurance and legal claims

Duration: Typically 2-3 hours

Pre-Employment Screening

Purpose: Assess whether a job candidate can safely meet the physical demands of a specific role.

Common uses:

Duration: Typically 1-2 hours

Benefits of Functional Capacity Assessments

For Employers:

Reduced workplace injuries and Workers Compensation claims
Better matching of workers to job requirements
Objective data to support return to work decisions
Minimised lost time and absenteeism
Safer, healthier work environment
Reduced insurance premiums through injury prevention

For Workers:

Clear understanding of current physical capabilities
Objective evidence supporting return to work readiness
Reduced risk of re-injury during recovery
Structured rehabilitation goals and progression
Confidence in returning to work safely

The Assessment Process

Our Functional Capacity Evaluations follow a structured, evidence-based approach:

1. Pre-Assessment Review

We review your medical history, injury details (if applicable), and the specific physical demands of your job role. For pre-employment screening, we review the position description and inherent job requirements.

2. Baseline Measurements

We record baseline health measures including heart rate, blood pressure, height, weight, and range of motion. This establishes a safe starting point for physical testing.

3. Standardised Physical Testing

You perform a series of standardised tests matched to your job requirements. Testing is progressive, monitored continuously, and stopped if safety concerns arise. We record performance data, effort levels, pain responses, and physical observations.

4. Comprehensive Reporting

Within 5-7 business days, we provide a detailed written report including your physical capacity rating (sedentary, light, medium, heavy, or very heavy), comparison to job demands, restrictions and limitations, recommendations for return to work or suitable duties, and rehabilitation goals if applicable.

Understanding Physical Capacity Ratings

Functional Capacity Evaluations use standardised categories to describe physical work capacity:

Sedentary: Lifting up to 5kg occasionally, mostly sitting work
Light: Lifting up to 10kg occasionally, frequent walking or standing
Medium: Lifting up to 15kg occasionally, up to 10kg frequently
Heavy: Lifting up to 25kg occasionally, up to 15kg frequently
Very Heavy: Lifting over 25kg occasionally, over 15kg frequently

These ratings help match workers to appropriate job roles and identify when modifications or restrictions are needed.

Who Needs Functional Capacity Assessments?

Functional Capacity Evaluations are appropriate for:

Injured workers returning to work under Workers Compensation
Employees recovering from illness or surgery
Workers with changing physical abilities due to age or chronic conditions
Employees transitioning to new roles with different physical demands
Workers involved in insurance or legal claims requiring capacity evidence

Pre-Employment Screenings are appropriate for:

New employees in physically demanding roles
Positions with high injury risk or critical physical requirements
Roles requiring specific physical capabilities (e.g., emergency services, construction, warehousing)
Workers returning to employment after extended absence
Employees being considered for role changes or promotions

Important Information About Assessments

There is no “pass” or “fail”: Functional capacity assessments provide an objective measurement of your current physical capacity. The report describes what you can safely do, not whether you have passed or failed.

Confidentiality and consent: All assessments require your informed consent. Reports are only shared with parties you have authorised (e.g., employer, insurer, GP).

Safe testing environment: All testing is conducted by qualified physiotherapists in controlled conditions with appropriate safety measures and equipment.

Ongoing monitoring: For Workers Compensation cases, repeat assessments may be recommended to track rehabilitation progress and capacity improvement over time.

Book a Functional Capacity Evaluation

Whether you need a return to work assessment or pre-employment screening, our experienced physiotherapists provide comprehensive, objective evaluations.

For employer enquiries or bulk assessments, please contact us directly to discuss your requirements.

Functional Capacity Evaluation & Pre-Employment Screening.