Occupational Services: Physical Capacity Profile
Norton County Hospital has expanded its occupational services to help employers and employees of Norton and the surrounding region by reducing workers' compensation injuries. In late 2016, the hospital purchased a special testing system, called the Physical Capacity Profile®, to be used to insure new employees can do the physical work that their job demands. This is a proven system that is based on years of testing. When we medically document that a new employee has the strength to perform the requirements of their new job, the opportunity for injury is substantially reduced.
System Benefits
The benefits of Physical Capacity Profile® extend to both employers and employees. Employers may be faced with increased workers' compensation premiums, and lowering their injury rates will help them control their costs. Employers will be able to use this new service on newly hired employees as a way to protect them from injury as well. The testing is fully compliant with EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
Occupational Performance Corporation (OPC) in Salina, Kansas, represents the Physical Capacity Profile® system, which was developed by Dr. Gary Harbin. Brian Richardson, CEO of OPC, expects area employers to seek out this new service. According to Richardson, the No. 1 priority is to protect the workers, but the added benefit is fewer claims that creates savings for employers. Norton County Hospital has joined an expanding network of independent medical facilities in Atchison, Belleville, Colby, Hutchinson, Junction City, McPherson, Salina, Topeka, Wichita and Winfield.
How It Works
NCH staff will administer the 30-minute computerized test. The test is called the Physical Capacity Profile®, because it is a collection of 28 different measurements utilizing both isometric and dynamic lifting. Through this comprehensive testing, the hospital can protect new employees by confirming they have the strength to do their job. It could help all types of employees and could help small as well as large businesses.
NCH will also be able to use the computerized tests to perform return-to-work evaluations and Functional Capacity Evaluations on employees who suffer an injury. The hospital encourages area employers to call and learn about this new service by contacting Kellen Jacobs, physical therapist and Rehabilitation department supervisor.
