Industrial
Rehabilitation Services: Work Hardening
A work hardening and conditioning program will increase the productivity
of employees and better prepare new hires for the physical demands
of working on the line.
PRS can offer a work hardening program for new hires as described
below. The major component of this program is the simulation of
actual work situations to help employees to develop proper understanding
of ergonomics during tool use and to increase their tolerance. The
ideal workstation simulation would simulate as closely as possible
the job demands, including work movements and actual work speed.
The following are suggestions, which
can be finalized with the input of plant personnel:
- Stationary training will begin strengthening
the muscles required for fine motor skills. This will simulate
actual work on the line, such as the manual twisting of bolts
or the hand action needed for tool use. Employees will learn how
to complete tasks in the proper ergonomic manner.
- Equipment orientation will familiarize the employee
with the devices he or she will handle and begin to build the
flexibility and endurance this will require. With the input of
team leaders, safety and ergonomic personnel, PRS will show employees
how best to operate the equipment to avoid injuries.
- Therapists will develop individual exercises
based on weaknesses identified in the post-evaluation screening.
They will consult with fitness center employees, if facility is
available, to provide assistance to workers interested in lifestyle
changes, such as improving their nutrition, starting an exercise
program or quitting smoking. They will urge employees to use the
fitness center to improve overall health.
- Therapists will teach exercise programs appropriate
for before, during and after work shifts, which will help workers
to adjust their bodies for the demands of the job. Injuries are
thereby reduced through such proactive efforts as the WORKSMART
program.
Employees returning from injuries that require intensive
conditioning can participate in the work hardening program as part
of their therapy before return to full duty employment. Specific
return-to-work procedures are the key to getting those who have
been injured safely back on the job. For these employees, PRS will
also:
- Recommend and monitor graduated strengthening
exercises
- Conduct job simulation, coaching and ergonomic
evaluation of worker motion
- Specify protocols for modified duty, as needed
- Give information on how to prevent further injuries
and improve overall wellness
We will also develop and promote injury prevention
programs to all employees. PRS uses the WORKSMART program as a proactive
approach to combating cumulative trauma disorders. WORKSMART encourages
workers to stretch before, during and after their shifts to reduce
overall stress on their bodies. Employees who understand how different
tasks affect their bodies work more safely and productively, thereby
reducing medical and production costs associated with injured and
unskilled workers.
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