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Work Performance Enhancement Services

Injury Prevention Services

Job Coaching
As a part of an injury prevention program, Lakeland provides on-site Job Coaching for employees who report discomfort in the performance of their work. Safe and efficient work habits are taught and reinforced. When necessary, simple, low-cost workstation modifications are suggested to the employer.  Job coaching is available on an employee-specific or worksite-wide basis.

Qualification Testing
To ensure that employees are physically capable of performing the job they have been offered, Lakeland Work Performance Services will design a Post-Offer, Pre-Employment Qualification Test given to all new employees in a job classification before they assume the job.

The Qualification Test is based upon a Functional Job Description created from actual observation and measurement of the job itself. Lakeland Work Performance Services describe the job in functional terms, identifying the essential functions and quantifying the critical demands. If the candidate is able to pass the Qualification Test, the employer can be more assured that the potential employee has the physical ability to perform the job safely.

Employers benefit from using the Qualification Test by having fewer injuries on the job and a decrease in Workers’ Compensation costs. Employees benefit from not taking a job they are unable to physically perform, from not having to cover for injured coworkers, and from working with individuals who are able to perform their share of the work. 

Worksite Analysis
Work Performance Services will visit the worksite to evaluate one employee’s work set-up or an entire work area. The Worksite Analysis includes recommendations of ergonomic modifications that could be implemented to reduce potential injuries and/or strain on the body, as well as suggestions for employee actions to perform the work more safely. In most cases, the recommended changes are inexpensive or at no cost to the employer. Simple modifications and/or behavior changes can really work to reduce injuries as well.

Stretching Program
Reduce fatigue and the risk of injury with an on-site stretching program. On-site classes offer a variety of stretches specific to the work being performed.

Post-Injury Services

Functional Capacity Evaluation
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a two day (approximately six hour) procedure to compare the worker’s functional and physical abilities to specific job requirements. The FCE consists of the following:

1. A physical exam assessing overall strength and flexibility.
2. A functional evaluation including lifting at different levels; pushing/pulling; carrying; handgrip; elevated work; trunk flexion and rotation; crawling; kneeling; crouching; squatting; sitting and standing tolerance; walking; stairs; step ladder and balance.
3. Additional tests as needed.

The FCE is a key component of Work Hardening and Transitional Work (see below), and also is a useful tool on its own to determine if resumption of job duties is appropriate. The evaluation not only assesses current abilities, but also is highly sensitive to detect whether or not full, consistent effort is being offered in the performance of the testing elements.

Work Hardening
Lakeland’s Work Hardening Program provides a progressive recovery and transition back to work for those with musculoskeletal disorders. The injured worker is assigned to the Work Performance Program as their acute treatment is about to conclude. This daily program includes individualized conditioning, work simulation and educational programs. A structured, goal-oriented and individualized daily routine develops the strength and functional abilities necessary to return to work. Injury prevention is stressed.

After a worker is injured, early return to a regular job routine has been shown to be critical to the successful return to work. Therefore, Work Hardening has many of the same rules as the worksite regarding tardiness, absenteeism and work ethic. 

The Work Performance team works closely with the employer to design an appropriate transition back to the regular job. The employee’s day can include Work Hardening activities at the job site, incorporating many of the activities of the regular job and providing modified alternatives for job tasks the worker cannot yet safely perform.

Transitional Work
Work Performance Services will evaluate the current capabilities of the injured worker and design a transitional work program on the job site that accommodates the worker’s current level and progresses them to more physically demanding activities as their injury recovery continues. Work Performance provides job coaching and education in the worker’s workplace as a part of this service.

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