For employers across Canada, an accurate physical demand analysis (PDA) represents the foundation of preventing workplace injury and removing ambiguity in resolving disability claims. Without effective PDAs, the key element in managing a return-to-work plan is complete accuracy in the required job duties. Fortunately, Bridges Health employs a digital, structured, and proven method through our Ergoworks PDA and return-to-work job match software solution. 

Join us as we explore how effective PDAs support accurate absence and disability claims, saving employers time and money. We’ll explore how our fully integrated Ergoworks program not only supports claims management but also promotes workplace resilience and agility. 

Beyond Job Descriptions: What Makes Our PDA Different

It’s common for employers to have old, inaccurate PDAs, or none at all and rely on a job description that fails to outline the true nature of the job demands. The necessity for PDAs is often overlooked until an employee is injured or during accommodation discussions. It’s at these times that contradictory information can affect return-to-work planning, leading to delays in the process. When this happens, absences are prolonged, and costs increase until a clear validation and alignment of the job requirements are agreed to.

Bridges Health Ergoworks physical demands analysis offers employers a comprehensive, up-to-date digital job profile which specifically outlines required tasks, and physical, mental and environmental job demands. We develop comprehensive, tailored PDAs that can be updated in real time to ensure complete accuracy.

Our Physical Demands Analysis process includes:

• Working collaboratively with the employer to understand the current job duties.
• Worksite observation to gain insight into the physical and mental capabilities required.
• Completing the job profile with our findings, and creating a complete report along with pictures and video analysis. 

How ErgoWorks Job Match is a Logical Next Step with PDAs

A crucial step in determining a return to work plan is how the employee’s ability to work are assessed against the job requirements. The challenge for employers, is to have a clear single view of job role expectations and alignment or misalignment with job expectations. If this alignment is clear, we see clear return-to-work plans, or identification of key activities that require temporary accommodations.

This is where Bridges Health enters with our ErgoWorks Job Match program. Our return to work program works in tandem with our physical demands analysis program, utilizing a methodical, data-driven approach. Using the PDA, we analyze the percentage of a job match alongside the worker’s current abilities. From that, we’re able to get a comprehensive job match percentage. 

We’re here to ensure both employee and employer are supported. That’s why any job match percentage less than 100% highlights the possibility for modified or accommodated duties. The Ergoworks job match assessment allows employers to make informed decisions when creating an individual written return-to-work plan. 

Tackling Complex, Multi-Factor Claims Systematically

Ensuring a robust Physical Demands Analysis and Job Match program is effective in supporting multi-factor circumstances as well. Those affected by one medical condition also often experience additional health challenges. These are called secondary issues, which can pre-exist or stem during an employee’s absence period. In fact, those with chronic musculoskeletal pain, one of the most common medical claims, frequently report symptoms of mental health disorders—including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. 

This is where Bridges Health comes in. Our Ergoworks program works as a unit, keeping track of evolving treatment and employee abilities changes. Utilizing Ergoworks job match program, real-time changes can be updated as circumstances change to ensure appropriate planning and adjustments. 

Data-Driven Job & Case Assessment with Bridges Health

An up-to-date Physical Demands Analysis can be the difference between a lengthy, unnecessary absence and an employee returning to work faster and safer. Join the hundreds of Canadian employers who’v achieved a 361% ROI with our Ergoworks PDA and Return to Work solutions. Contact the Bridges Health team today to book your consultation.