Occupational Therapy at Work

A Job Demands Analysis (JDA) integrates a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) and Cognitive Demands Analysis (CDA) to deliver a thorough evaluation of a specific job and its workplace demands. Sometimes also referred to as a Job Site Analysis, Position Demands Anaylsis, Job Site Assessment, Workplace Assessment, or Worksite Assessment, a JDA highlights the job’s physical demands, ergonomic risk factors, cognitive requirements, sensory inputs, psychosocial elements, and behavioral needs. This process provides a detailed, objective description of what the job entails, enabling employers to enhance job matching, facilitate accommodations, support return to work strategies, and make informed workplace decisions.  A JDA is a quantitative assessment of the job demands, more detailed than a Physical Demands Description (PDD).

An Occupational Therapy (OT) Functional Workplace Assessment evaluates how an individual worker’s functional abilities relate to the demands of their job or specific work tasks. This assessment also provides practical recommendations for workplace accommodations, job modifications, and a safe return to work. 

An OT Functional Workplace Assessment may be completed before or during a return-to-work program, particularly when accommodation needs are being considered or when an underlying health condition may impact the worker’s ability to safely meet specific job demands.

 Functional Workplace Assessments may also play a critical role in identifying workplace barriers, challenging job demands, and potential risks of injury or re-injury. 

Our Job Match Assessment aids in return-to-work planning by evaluating a worker’s documented functional abilities against the physical and cognitive demands of a specific job or task. We review the worker's current  WSIB Functional Abilities Form (FAF), Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE), or current medical restrictions. We compare these abilities with the job requirements identified in a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA), Job Demands Analysis (JDA), or WSIB Physical Demands Information Form (PDIF).  If any mismatches are found, we may recommend workplace accommodations or job modifications when feasible, promoting a safe and suitable return to work.

Our Registered Occupational Therapists provide ergonomic assessments in Toronto and across Ontario, including comprehensive office ergonomic assessments to evaluate workstation set-up, posture, equipment, and work habits that may contribute to discomfort or increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). 

Each ergonomic assessment includes practical recommendations for workstation modifications, positioning, and equipment use, along with individualized employee education and ergonomic resources to help employees understand and apply the recommended changes. 

The goal is to improve workstation fit, support comfort and safe work practices, and reduce identified ergonomic risk factors.