Physical Abilities Testing (PAT)

Employers have a legal obligation to protect workers from occupational hazards. This responsibility includes not only identifying, eliminating, or mitigating risks in the workplace but also ensuring that workers are medically and physically capable of perform their job tasks safely.

Physical Abilities Testing (also known as a Fitness to Work Test) is designed to replicate the essential physical demands of a job–referred to as bona fide occupational requirements (BFORs)–and to objectively evaluate whether a worker can meet those demands.

To be legally defensible and effective, PAT protocols must be job-specific and assess only those physical components that are truly essential to the safe and effective performance of the job.

Step 1: A thorough Physical Demands Analysis (PDA), also referred to as Job Demands Analysis or Physical Demand Profile, is required to establish the testing criteria or protocol. A PDA is a comprehensive assessment of the job position including essential functions, physical demands (i.e., lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling), positional tolerance (stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking, sitting, standing, balance), force requirements and task frequencies.
Step 2: The PDA is reviewed by a kinesiologist to ensure all pertinent details have been captured. If any gaps in information are identified, they are shared with the employer for feedback.
Step 3: Once the contents of the PDA is determined to be sufficient, the kinesiologist drafts the Physical Abilities Testing protocol.
Step 4: The draft Physical Abilities Testing protocol is shared with the employer for review and approval. The employer verifies that the testing protocol accurately reflects the job requirements.
Step 5: With employer approval, the Physical Abilities Testing protocol is implemented. Testing can now be facilitated across our clinic network.

While Physical Abilities testing is most often administered post-offer/pre-placement, it can also be performed when a worker returns to work after recovering from an injury, or if a worker is transitioning into another role, within the same company, which has different essential duties.

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