The role of workplace assessments

Workplace assessments are a specialised on-site examination of a workers duties and/or potential suitable duties.

In many workplaces, workplace assessments are used where problems have been identified, where potential risks need to be assessed, or where a person is returning to work. 

Workplace assessments can also be used to identify and remove barriers in the workplace for people with disability. Where the process is carried out properly, professional workplace assessors provide expert advice on workplace adjustment, equipment and modifications.

The benefits of a thorough workplace assessment include:

• Resolving problems that have been identified as causing or aggravating workplace injuries; and
• Identifying preventative options, such as risk assessments, ergonomic advice, and training, to help ensure future injuries do not occur.

Typical situations where managers are wise to suggest a workplace assessment include where a worker is:

• Declared medically fit to return to work by a doctor after an injury or illness (in many cases workplace assessments can play an important part in a vocational rehabilitation program and assist in the development of a return to work program);
• Being placed in a job where there are concerns about the suitability of the work to be performed;
• Undertaking a work training or work trial; or
• Reporting pain or discomfort at work.

So what’s the role of the manager? In most cases, to ensure that the assessment goes smoothly, the manager needs to:

• Include the employee in the preparation process in order to help empower the individual and provide an understanding of what’s involved;
• Provide appropriate support, encouragement and reassurance to the worker to help overcome any unnecessary fears about being assessed; and
• Allow time for preparation and be sufficiently organised so that other tasks will not interfere with the assessment and the assessors.

Essentially, the aim of workplace assessments is to identify preventative options, establish suitable duties and provide a safe working environment.

In this litigious world we live in, the reality is that employers must be ready to carry out workplace assessments or else risk paying out substantial damages.

In the UK, a freelance editor working for a national newspaper received a payout around $100,000 in settlement of a claim for repetitive strain injury. The editor is reported to have worked almost exclusively using a mouse for an average of nine hours a night, and up to 45 hours a week.

The claimant developed stiffness and pain in her right elbow, but apparently the employer's HR department refused to help. A risk assessment was carried out but did not cover mouse usage. Eventually, the claimant had to stop work because of the pain.

Looking back at this case, in hindsight it is fairly obvious that had there been a thorough workplace assessment, an earlier resolution could almost certainly have been reached. There could have been less pain for all parties.