Background information regarding the Department of Labor’s classification system is utilized in all ADM Job Descriptions (JDs). The classifications of the levels of work, (Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy and Very Heavy), the duration of frequency (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally, and Never) will be described. The definitions of the physical demands (Reaching, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling, etc.) will be explained. This information will help the treating physician accurately determine whether or not the injured worker can return to their usual and customary occupation.
The results of a completed comprehensive Job Description can be used to determine the tasks included on post-offer and return to work coordination. In addition, Job Descriptions can be an important part of post-injury management and transitional duty.
The purpose of the Job Description is to define the physical demands of work utilizing the DOL classification system listed below.
Physical Demands Categories:
Lifting: raising or lowering an object from one level to another
Carrying: transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms
Pushing: exerting force upon an object so that it moves away from the force
Pulling: exerting force upon an object so that it moves toward the force
Standing: remaining on one’s feet in an upright position without moving about
Walking: moving about on foot
Sitting: remaining in a seated position
Climbing: ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles etc.
Balancing: maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling
Stooping: bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist
Kneeling: bending the legs at the knees to come to rest on knee or knees
Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine
Crawling: moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet
Reaching: extending arms and hands in any direction
Handling: seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or working with hands
Fingering: picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with the fingers
Feeling: perceiving attributes of items as size, shape, temperature
Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word
Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds by the ear
Tasting/Smelling: distinguishing flavors or odors using the tongue and/or nose
Near Acuity: clarity of vision at 20 inches or less
Far Acuity: clarity of vision at 20 feet or more
Depth Perception: ability to judge distances and spatial relations
Accommodation: adjustment of lens of eyes to bring an object into sharp focus
Color Vision: ability to identify and distinguish colors
Field of Vision: Observing an area that can be seen up and down and right and left when eyes are fixed on a given point
Strength Demands Defined:
Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
Light: Exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly. Even when weight lifted is negligible, a job is rate light when: 1) it involves walking or standing to a significant degree; 2) it requires sitting most of the time but involves pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; 3) it involves working at a production rate that requires constant pushing or pulling of materials.
Medium: Exerting 20 to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 10 -25 lbs force frequently and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly. Physical demand requirements are greater than that required for Light Work.
Heavy: Exerting 50 to 100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 25 -50 lbs force frequently and/or 10 to 20 lbs. of force constantly. Physical demand requirements are greater than that required for Light Work.
Very Heavy: Exerting greater than 100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or greater than 50 lbs force frequently and/or greater than 20 lbs. of force constantly. Physical demand requirements are greater than that required for Light Work.
Frequency Demands Defined:
Never: Activity or condition does not exist.
Occasionally: Activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time.
Frequently: Activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Constantly: Activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time.
If you would like additional information on ADM’s Job Description services and how we may further assist your claim, please call 866-491-5199, ext. 100 and we will be glad to address your questions.