All work tasks require consideration for ensuring best match between the worker and their capabilities. This is especially important when a person has physical, psychological and/or cognitive barriers.
What is involved in carrying out a Job Task Analysis
A job task analysis involves a detailed review of all areas of a person’s work, including an examination and breakdown of the skills and demands specific to a particular task, role and/or duties within the workplace. It also consists of a detailed description of the physical, psychological and cognitive requirements of the role.
Here is a breakdown of all aspects that are analysed and considered by Workcom when performing such an analysis:
- Physical/Manual Handling demands of the task
- Cognitive demands
- Psychological demands
- Work environment
- PPE
- Equipment
- Hours of work
- Medical considerations
What is the Purpose of a Work Task Analysis?
Work tasks are allocated a physical demand Level of either: sedentary, light, medium, heavy or very heavy, and relate to the frequency and physical demands of the tasks.
When a worker is experiencing difficulty managing their return to work because of medical restrictions, analysis of the work tasks can ensure the person is returned to duties appropriate for their current capabilities. It can also provide doctors with an accurate insight into specific work demands of the patient’s work role to give them added confidence that their patient will not be returning to perform job tasks which exceed their current capacity.
As an accredited, Australian Work Rehabilitation Provider, our team consists of experienced Occupational Health Consultants who have extensive knowledge of workplace environments and are skilled in the observation of movement, as well as other facets which are assessed as part of a Job Task Analysis.
What are the Benefits of having a Work Rehabilitation Provider perform Job Task Analysis?
- The process helps in assigning injured employees the most appropriate tasks to help them to return to work as soon as possible. This goes hand-in-hand with creating a Suitable Duties plan.
- The process can help identify how a task contributes to meeting the organisation’s goals and objectives. This creates a greater understanding of the work flow and responsibility levels.
- The employer can use the insights gleaned to gauge employee performance, as well as provide upskilling/development opportunities to an employee according to the specific needs of their role.