Considering FCEs in Vocational Assessments

A Functional Capacity Evaluation, often called an FCE, is a series of tests to identify an individual's physical abilities, residual functional capabilities, and work tolerances. It is usually conducted over one to two days by trained physical therapists or occupational therapists, and an FCE report is generated with the evaluation's findings.
 
FCEs help determine whether an individual can return to work in the occupation they held at the time of their injury or if they will need to seek employment in an alternate occupation due to physical limitations. The FCE tests the individual's residual physical strength demand level according to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (i.e., sedentary, light, medium, heavy, or heavy duty). The evaluator assesses the claimant's current residual abilities and whether they match the physical demands of their job or occupation at the time of injury. Should the residual abilities not align with the past job or occupation at the time of injury, the FCE is also helpful in guiding labor market survey research to identify appropriate jobs congruent with the individual's physical restrictions and limitations.
 
The physical strength demand level should not be the only factor determining an individual's residual employability. The FCE often outlines specific postural demands, environmental conditions, and the individual's ability to work full-time or part-time hours. While the evaluee may be able to perform a particular job or occupation based on the physical strength demand level alone, their postural capabilities, work hours, and/or environmental restrictions may preclude them from working in a particular job or occupation. Environmental restrictions include working from unprotected heights, operating moving machinery, and exposure to vibrations, outdoor conditions, dust, fumes, and gases.
 
For example, a welder has experienced a work-related burn injury. He tests at a physical strength demand level of medium, which aligns with the required physical demands for this occupation; however, he can only tolerate limited exposure to heat. The occupation of a welder requires frequent exposure to extreme heat. Based on this environmental restriction, welding is no longer a viable occupational option for this individual.
 
An FCE is useful in determining an individual's physical abilities and work tolerances. All factors in the evaluation should be considered to determine an individual's residual employability, including the physical strength demand level, postural restrictions, environmental restrictions/limitations, and work hour tolerance.