Rehabilitation Ergonomics - Fundamentals and Assessment Tools for Occupational Ergonomics - page 475

22
Rehabilitation
Ergonomics

22.1 Definition . . . ............................. 22-1
22.2 Professional Guidelines ...................... 22-1
22.3 Laws and Regulations That Effect Rehabilitation
Ergonomics .............................. 22-2
22.4 Rehabilitation Ergonomics Components . . ....... 22-3
Functional Capacity Testing † Work
Rehabilitation † Functional Restoration † Job
Modification † Early Intervention
22.5 Rehabilitation Ergonomics as Part of a Medical
Continuum . . ............................. 22-8
22.6 Three Models of Rehabilitation Ergonomics for
Return to Work ........................... 22-9
Overview † Case Study I: Clinical Model † Case Study II:
Combined Clinical and Worksite Model † Case Study III:
Worksite Model
22.7 The Aging Worker: Special Considerations ....... 22-12
22.8 Rehabilitation Ergonomics in Prevention . ....... 22-13
22.9 Challenges for the Future .................... 22-13

Susan J. Isernhagen
DSI Work Solutions, Inc.

22.1 Definition

Rehabilitation Ergonomics is the practice of applying scientific and functional principles to provide a match
of work and worker that prevents injury or assists in the return to work process. The practitioners are thera-
pists and other specialists whose backgrounds include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology and
ergonomics. They must analyze both the humans who performwork activities and the setting in which they
work. Rehabilitation ergonomists specialize in functional evaluation, improvement of functional work per-
formance, education of the worker and redesign of work to reduce musculoskeletal stressors.

22.2 Professional Guidelines

Guidelines for occupational health, ergonomics and the care of the injured worker have been developed
by practitioners who perform the specialty services. The first groups to develop guidelines were therapists
whose educational background in musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation formed a baseline for
restoring or promoting function. Those therapists, who additionally studied ergonomics, added the
ability to bring their skills into the workplace.

22-1