A PEFA is conducted by highly skilled physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and occupational therapists.
A PEFA takes around one hour and covers:
- A general medical review
- Range of Motion and Muscle Strength Testing
- Cardiovascular Testing including measuring of heart rate during activity
- Various physical tasks - tailored specifically to the job demands
- Also, depending on the worksite the assessment may include hearing, vision, lung and drug screening.
Assessors will have a thorough understanding of the physical requirements of the job they are conducting an assessment for. Feedback about a candidate’s progress will be provided to them during and at completion of the assessment.
Why are PEFAs the First Step to a Safer Workplace?
PEFAs are particularly valuable for industries with high levels of workplace injuries, or where occupations involve manual labour or repetitive or prolonged movements and postures.
The assessments are tailored to suit specific job roles and are specific to each particular workplace. For example, a mechanic role in one workshop may have significantly different demands to another. This is taken into account through a worksite visit and communication with the employer to gain a clear understanding of the role within the individual workplace.
PEFAs are also beneficial for demonstrating medical or functional problems that will prevent a candidate from performing work duties, or for identifying job tasks or environments may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition.
An example of this has been observed in the cotton industry. Spirometry (lung function) testing has highlighted previously unknown lung conditions in candidates, deeming them unsuitable to work in a cotton ginning environment where exposure to cotton dust may cause severe asthmatic reactions.
In a further example, PEFA assessments of personal care workers highlighted functional limitations in potential workers who were unable to demonstrate safe lifting, squatting and kneeling. These are basic tasks required of a personal carer in an aged care setting. A PEFA in this case enabled the employer to manage the potential impact of a work-related injury as well as the health and safety of their residents receiving care.
