An analysis of regular tasks and human movements common to workers and employers working in the disability sector. OCCUPATIONAL JOB DICTIONARY – DISABILITY SECTOR DISCLAIMER The information produced by National Disability Services in this publication is correct at the time of printing and is provided as general information only. In utilising general information about workplace health and safety and injury management, the specific issues relevant to your workplace should always be considered. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the requirements of the Workers Compensation Act, or the Work Health Safety Act 2011. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY To the best of our knowledge, the procedures described in this document reflect currently accepted practice, but cannot be considered absolute and universal recommendations. All recommendations must be considered in view of the specific example and new information that has become available since the time of writing. The authors disclaim responsibility and assume no liability for any adverse effects resulting directly or indirectly from the suggested procedures, from any undetected errors, or from the reader’s misun derstanding of the text. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Disability Safe has adapted this job dictionary from that developed by The SAfer Aged Care Industry OHS Committee for the Aged Care Industry. The original concept of the Job Dictionary (for the Hospitality Industry) prepared by Mr Nandu Nandoskar of NN Associates is also acknowledged. The original concept of this Job Dictionary has been reproduced, and developed herein:
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
OCCUPATIONAL JOB DICTIONARY – DISABILITY SECTOR
An analysis of regular tasks and human movements common to workers and employers working in the disability sector.
OCCUPATIONAL JOB DICTIONARY – DISABILITY SECTOR
DISCLAIMER
The information produced by National Disability Services in this publication is correct at the time of printing and is provided as general information only. In utilising general information about
workplace health and safety and injury management, the specific issues relevant to your workplace should always be considered. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the
requirements of the Workers Compensation Act, or the Work Health Safety Act 2011.
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
To the best of our knowledge, the procedures described in this document reflect currently accepted practice, but cannot be considered absolute and universal recommendations. All
recommendations must be considered in view of the specific example and new information that has become available since the time of writing. The authors disclaim responsibility and
assume no liability for any adverse effects resulting directly or indirectly from the suggested procedures, from any undetected errors, or from the reader’s misunderstanding of the text.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Disability Safe has adapted this job dictionary from that developed by The SAfer Aged Care Industry OHS Committee for the Aged Care
Industry. The original concept of the Job Dictionary (for the Hospitality Industry) prepared by Mr Nandu Nandoskar of NN Associates is also
acknowledged. The original concept of this Job Dictionary has been reproduced, and developed herein:
HOW TO USE THIS DICTIONARY FOR:
THE DISABILITY SECTOR
Welcome to the Disability Sector Job Dictionary. You can customise the dictionary by using your computer. Please download the occupations relevant to your
organisation from this dictionary. A range of occupations relevant to the disability sector are listed, however not all may be relevant to your organisation.
You can either add or omit information to tailor a job description within your organisation. You may even wish to attach some specific photographs. Ensure that the
work attributes section that lists the frequency of activities is updated. The information on time spent per day and number of repetitions per day may need to be
modified for your particular organisation. Work mechanics/ergonomics may change from time to time and from job to job, therefore the human factors sections (such
as heights, reaches, rest breaks, safety gadgets etc.) may need regular updates.
REHABILITATION PURPOSES
Find and download the occupational description for the injured worker from the software, eg. a support worker’s job description could be downloaded and printed.
Ensure the task matches the duties performed or else modify the script accordingly prior to printing.
Either fax or email this information to the treating medical practitioner.
Identify suitable tasks from within the range of duties for the injured worker to commence work, with the agreement of the treating medical practitioner and, if
involved, the rehabilitation provider.
Agree on how to update/increase the injured worker’s duties; or seek an occupational therapist’s or physiotherapist’s guidance to outline the duties program. If the
worker is unable to undertake their pre-injury duties, you as an employer could offer alternative duties from within this job dictionary. This process ensures reduction
in income maintenance costs and the development of secondary conditions.
AS A PREVENTATIVE TOOL FOR PRE-EMPLOYMENT ASSESSMENTS
The assessing medical practitioner has an overview of general job demands and may be able to use it to establish suitable medical assessments. These are then
used to determine a worker’s suitability for the given job.
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) could be conducted where tests could be modified to match with the required job demands. Objective measurements of the
workers’ capacities and limitations are compared with the physical demands of the job in question.
Some employers may prefer to do a more specific task analysis prior to the development of a pre-employment assessment for their workplace.
JOB ANALYSIS
OCCUPATION: SUPPORT WORKER – ACCOMMODATION SERVICES
HOURS OF WORK:
Support Workers may be rostered onto early shifts, late shifts and night shifts.
Hours may vary from 3 to 8 hours per day depending on the service.
TASK DESCRIPTION
1. Provide personal care assistance required by residents. This may include the following tasks, to be undertaken in accordance with the policies and
procedures at the service.
Assistance with showering/toileting.
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with feeding.
Transferring between bed, wheelchair, motor vehicle, etc.
Medical/special procedures as required.
Administering medication as required.
2. Carry out domestic duties, e.g. cleaning, laundry, cooking as required by residents.
3. Carry out basic cleaning around the house, i.e. cleaning floors, making beds etc.
4. Assist residents with menu planning, shopping and meal preparation.
5. Contribute to individual service planning and service co-ordination.
6. Complete documentation as required by the service. This will include documentation re medication, personal care diaries, incident reports, etc.
7. May be required to provide first aid treatment.
Protective clothing: Closed-in shoes, masks, gloves and aprons as required, sterile hand wipes.
Environmental Considerations
The purpose of the role is to enable people with a disability to participate in community life more fully, to develop skills through community-based
experiences and to develop friendships with people in the wider community through social interaction.
The working environment may consist of:
(1) Converted house with a number of rooms for different activities
(2) Converted office or shop area with large open area divided off for various activities.
(3) Community locations, e.g. shopping centre
If participants are wheelchair bound ramps are usually provided and bathroom enlarged to allow safe transfers. Hoists etc will generally be provided.
Psychosocial Considerations
A range of skills are required including:
Time management and organisational skills
- Ability to work within time constraints
- Ability to prioritise tasks
Build rapport
Problem solving
- Is alert and responsive to changes in the environment and the changing needs of the client.
- Ability to deal with emergencies
- Ability to work under pressure
Maintain professional boundaries
Decision making
- Understanding and meeting client needs
- Making choices that are at the client’s best interests while providing them with the opportunity to make decisions for themselves.
Program design and implementation
Training skills
Communication skills with residents, medical and allied health professionals
- Can provide positive behaviour support
- Is resilient to challenging behaviours
- Can report back to clients attending physician and supporting health professionals when necessary or upon request.
- Can provide feedback to family and health professionals regarding client daily activity.
Due to the participant’s disability the support worker may be exposed to demanding and abusive behaviours on a frequent to constant basis. These
behaviours may range from swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be directed at another participant or at the support
worker directly. These behaviours are usually unintentional but may be frequently repeated. The support worker may be working alone when such
behaviours are demonstrated. A behaviour support plan will be in place for known behaviours but there are occasions when an unexpected new
behaviour may be triggered.
Task Analysis categorised by individual task – community support worker
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations
for suitable duties
Driving – 60 to 120 minutes per day
Operate vehicle Sitting
Bilateral gross hand grip
Bilateral forward reach
Unilateral ankle/knee
flexion/extension
Trunk twisting
Neck rotation
Fine hand manipulation to operate
controls
Constant
Constant
Constant
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Occasional
Once or twice per
shift
Dependent on vehicle
type and driver skills.
Must have a suitable
licence for specific
vehicle driven, e.g. car
v’s bus licence.
Must complete vehicle
inspection prior to
departure.
Client transfers
with wheelchair–
approximately 30
minutes per day
Potential lifting of wheelchair
Pushing of wheelchair at waist level
Pulling of wheelchair off platform
Fine manipulation if operating wheelchair hoist controls
Forward reach
Large steps taken to enter and exit bus
Stooping and twisting to attach seatbelts or wheelchair straps in limited space from waist to floor level of bus
Protective clothing: Closed-in shoes, masks, gloves and aprons as required, sterile hand wipes.
Environmental considerations
The environment, the number of repetitions, and the degree of difficulty of the tasks will vary with each client depending on residential
circumstances and nature of assistance required.
Psychosocial Considerations
A range of skills are required including:
Time management and organisational skills
- Ability to work within time constraints
- Ability to prioritise tasks
Build rapport
Problem solving
- Is alert and responsive to changes in the environment and the changing needs of the client.
- Ability to deal with emergencies
- Ability to work under pressure
Maintain professional boundaries
Decision making
- Understanding and meeting client needs
- Making choices that are at the client’s best interests while providing them with the opportunity to make decisions for themselves.
Program design and implementation
Training skills
Communication skills with residents, medical and allied health professionals
- Can provide positive behaviour support
- Is resilient to challenging behaviours
- Can report back to clients attending physician and supporting health professionals when necessary or upon request.
- Can provide feedback to family and health professionals regarding client daily activity.
Due to the client/consumer’s disability the support worker may be exposed to abusive behaviours on a frequent basis. These behaviours may range
from swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be from the client/consumer or from their friends/relatives and be directed
at the support worker directly. These behaviours range from unintentional to intentional but may be frequently repeated. The support worker may be
working alone when such behaviours are demonstrated. A behaviour support plan will be in place for known behaviours but there are occasions when
an unexpected new behaviour may be triggered.
Task Analysis categorised by individual task – in-home support
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Driving to/from client’s home – distance vary to up to 30 minutes per trip
Driving car
Sitting
Bilateral gross hand grip
Bilateral forward reach
Unilateral ankle/knee
flexion/extension
Trunk twisting
Neck rotation
Fine hand manipulation to
operate controls
Constant
Constant
Constant
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Occasional
May visit 4-5 clients
per day
Usually own car.
Dependent on
vehicle type and
driver skills. Must
have a suitable
licence for specific
vehicle driven, e.g.
car v’s bus licence.
Must complete
vehicle inspection
prior to departure.
May be able to limit
driving distances or
provide suitable seat
support etc.
Transferring clients using hoist – 30-60 minutes per day
Standing/walking Constant Frequent May be a one or two
person task.
If restrictions in place
may provide
assistance and/or
supervision only
within those
restrictions.
Pull client’s upper
body forward away
from wheelchair to
place sling
Medium pulling with shoulder
flexion to 90°
Slight hip flexion at hip joint
Occasional
Occasional
Several times per
day dependent on
client load
Place sling
Lift individual legs Medium lifting at below waist
level
Slight hip flexion at hip joint
Occasional
Occasional
Place sling
Operate hoist controls
to raise person
Gross grip with forearm
rotation
Occasional
Push/pull hoist Medium pushing/pulling at
shoulder height
Light reaching at waist level to
stabilise client
Occasional
Occasional
Several times per
day dependent on
client load
Force dependent on
floor surface, route
and space
May be a one or two
person task.
If restrictions in place
may provide
assistance and/or
supervision only
within those
restrictions.
Operate controls to
lower person
Gross grip with forearm
rotation
Light reaching and stooping to
position client
Occasional
Occasional
Dependent on
support worker skill
and environment
May or may not
remove sling
As above As above If sling does not
cause pressure
points may be left in
place
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Showering client using commode chair – 60-120 minutes per day
Client transferred
into chair using
above technique
See above See above Several times per
day dependent on
client load
Supervision with
verbal prompting of
mobile clients
Push commode chair
into shower cubicle
Medium pushing at waist height Occasional Force dependent
on floor surface and
space
Shower client using
hand held shower
hose
Unilateral gross grip with
forward reach at waist level
Trunk twisting if limited space
Crouching/stooping/squatting to
reach lower part of body, the
feet and under the commode
chair.
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Client may assist
with upper body
Technique
dependent on
space and support
worker skill
Dry client using towel Bilateral gross hand grip and
forward reach between chest
and hip level
Crouching or stooping to reach
lower part of body
Squatting to reach feet
Occasional
Occasional
Rare
Several times per
day dependent on
client load
Client may assist
with upper body
Technique
dependent on
space and support
worker skill
Pull/push commode
chair from shower to
area where dressing
will occur
Medium push/pull at waist level Occasional Several times per
day dependent on
client load
Force dependent
on floor surface and
space
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Sponge Bath – 30 – 60 minutes per day (rare)
Retrieve equipment
for sponge bath
Walking
Crouching/stooping or reaching
to retrieve equipment
Light lifting/carrying often
unilateral of between 2-10kgs
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Up to 4 clients per
shift. Activity
completed morning
and evening.
Frequency and
physical demands
are dependent
upon client ability
Laying towel
underneath client
followed by sponge
bath for client in bed
Gross grip and forward reach
from chest level
Medium push/pull of trunk or
whole body of client
Medium lifting of client’s limbs
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Dry client using towel Bilateral gross hand grip and
forward reach between chest
and hip level
Medium push or pull of trunk or
whole body of client
Occasional
Occasional
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
Protective clothing: Closed-in shoes, masks, gloves and aprons as required, sterile hand wipes.
Environmental considerations
The environment, the number of repetitions, and the degree of difficulty of the tasks will vary with each client depending on type of disability, residential
circumstances and nature of assistance provided.
Frequent hand washing and glove wearing is required. Resultantly, dry, irritated and cracked skin on the back of the hands may occur.
Psychosocial Considerations
A range of skills are required including:
Time management and organisational skills
- Ability to work within time constraints
- Ability to prioritise tasks
Build rapport
Problem solving
- Is alert and responsive to changes in the environment and the changing needs of the client.
- Ability to deal with emergencies
- Ability to work under pressure
Maintain professional boundaries
Decision making
- Understanding and meeting client needs
- Making choices that are at the client’s best interests while providing them with the opportunity to make decisions for themselves.
Communication skills with residents, medical and allied health professionals
- Can provide positive behaviour support
- Is resilient to challenging behaviours
- Can report back to clients attending physician and supporting health professionals when necessary or upon request.
- Can provide feedback to family and health professionals regarding client daily activity.
Due to the client’s disability the support worker may be exposed to abusive behaviours on a frequent basis. These behaviours may range from
swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be directed at another client depending on the setting or at the support worker
directly. These behaviours are usually unintentional but may be frequently repeated. The support worker may be working alone when such behaviours
are demonstrated. A behaviour support plan will be in place for known behaviours but there are occasions when an unexpected new behaviour may be
triggered.
Task Analysis categorised by individual task - Respite
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Transferring clients using hoist – 30-60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)
Standing/walking Constant Frequent May be a one or two
person task.
If restrictions in place
may provide assistance
and/or supervision only
within those restrictions.
Pull client’s upper
body forward away
from back of
wheelchair
Medium pulling with
shoulder flexion to 90°
Occasional Several times
per day
Place sling
Lift individual legs Medium lifting at below
waist level
Stooping
Occasional
Occasional
Several times
per day
Place sling
Operate hoist controls
to raise person
Gross grip with forearm
rotation
Occasional Several times
per day
Push/pull hoist Medium pushing/pulling at
shoulder height
Light reaching at waist
level to stabilise client
Occasional
Occasional
Several times
per day
Force dependent on
floor surface, route
and space
Operate controls to
lower person
Gross grip with forearm
rotation
Light reaching and
stooping to position client
Occasional
Occasional
Several times
per day
Dependent on
support worker skill
and environment
May or may not
remove sling
As above As above Several times
per day
If sling does not
cause pressure points
may be left in place
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Showering client using commode chair – 15-60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)
Client transferred into
chair using above
technique
See above See above Up to 4 clients
per morning or
night depending
on type of
service and
staffing
Supervision with verbal
prompting of mobile
clients
Push commode chair
into shower cubicle
and from shower to
area where dressing
will occur.
Medium pushing at waist
height
Occasional Force dependent on
floor surface and
space
Shower client using
hand held shower rose
Unilateral gross grip with
forward reach at waist
level
Trunk twisting if limited
space
Crouching or stooping to
reach lower part of body
Squatting to reach feet
and under commode chair
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Rare
Client may assist with
upper body
Technique dependent
on space and support
worker skill
Dry client using towel Bilateral gross hand grip
and forward reach
between chest and hip
level
Crouching/stooping to
reach lower part of body
Squatting to reach feet
Occasional
Occasional
Rare
Client may assist with
upper body
Technique dependent
on space and support
worker skill
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Dressing – 15 – 60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)
Toileting – 30 – 60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)
Transfer non-weight-
bearing client to
commode chair using
above technique
See above See above May be several
times per day
depending on
type of service
May be required several
times per shift
dependent on length of
shift
Supervise/prompt
mobile client
Push commode chair
over toilet
Medium push at waist level Frequent Generally flat hard
surface
Clean client/adjust
clothing
Crouching or stooping
Some twisting if restricted
space
Occasional
Occasional
Dependent on
support worker
skill/experience
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Feeding/medicating – 15-30 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)
Push client to
dining table
Medium push at waist level Generally only
one or two per
shift maximum
Generally suitable if
good posture adopted
Feed client Sitting
Fine hand manipulation
Unilateral pincer grip
Unilateral forward reach to 90°
shoulder flexion
Constant
Occasional
Frequent
Frequent
May involve static
posture if client slow
to respond or if doing
tube feed
Provide medication
to client
Sitting
Pincer grip
Unilateral forward reach up to
mouth level
Gross grip of glass
Constant
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Meal Preparation – 30 – 90 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)
Obtain ingredients
Walking
Squat or crouch/stoop
Reach overhead
Light lifting/carrying often
unilateral of between 2 and 10kgs
Constant
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Once per shift Dependent on
storage location and
support worker
technique
Assist with bench height
tasks only
Prepare
ingredients
Standing/walking
Bilateral pincer griping
Forearm rotation
Wrist flexion/extension
Forward reach
Trunk rotation
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
Once per shift Dependent on
number of clients and
availability of
assistance
Undertake lighter meals
Cooking
Standing/walking
Lifting between 5 - 10kgs
Stooping/crouching
Forward reach
Palmar grips
Constant
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Once per shift Dependent on dish
being prepared
Undertake lighter meals
Dishing up
Standing
Forward reach
Bench height lifting
Cylindrical and hook grips and
forearm rotation
Constant
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Once per shift Dependent upon
number of clients
Undertake lighter meals
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Cleaning of kitchen and/or bathroom – 30-60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)
Obtain cleaning
products
Walking
Squat or crouch/stoop
Light lifting/carrying often
unilateral
Constant
Occasional
Occasional
Once per shift Dependent on
storage location and
support worker
technique.
Refer to safety data
sheet for regular
chemicals used
Assist with bench height
tasks only
Clean cupboard
surfaces, benches,
etc
Standing
Light forward reach at waist level
Light overhead reach
Gross hand grip
Light push/pull
Constant
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Frequent
Once per shift
Clean floor
surfaces
Walking
Crouching/stooping
Bilateral shoulder forward
flexion/extension
Trunk rotation
Gross hand grip
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Once per shift Dependent on type of
floor surface and
suitability of
equipment
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Laundry duties – 30 – 60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)
Collect dirty
washing and carry
to laundry if
required
Walking
Light lifting from below waist level
Light carrying to laundry
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Daily depending
on type of
service
Sort washing and
soak in bucket or
tub if required
Gross hand grip
Light lifting
Crouching/stooping
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
Daily depending
on type of
service
Place washing in
washing machine
Gross hand grip
Forward reach
Squat/crouch/stoop into machine
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Daily depending
on type of
service
Dependent on
whether top or front
loader
Remove wet
washing from
washing machine
and place in dryer
Light pulling
Light lifting
Forward reach
Squat/crouch/stoop into machine
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
Daily depending
on type of
service
Dependent on
location of dryer
Remove washing
from washing
machine and hang
on clothes line.
Pick dry clothes off
clothes line and
place in basket.
Light pulling
Medium carrying or pushing at
waist level
Bilateral overhead reach
Bend/stoop/crouch
Pinch grip
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Daily depending
on type of
service
Dependent on
availability of trolley
and presence of stairs
Fold dry washing
and store away
Sit/stand/walk
Bilateral gross hand grip and
forearm pronation/supination
Frequent
Frequent
Daily depending
on type of
service
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations
for suitable
duties
Community access – generally daily and Recreational activities – often only on weekends (variable depending on type of respite)
Driving – 30-90
minutes per day
Sitting
Bilateral gross hand grip
Bilateral forward reach
Unilateral ankle/knee
flexion/extension
Trunk twisting
Neck rotation
Fine hand manipulation to
operate controls
Constant
Constant
Constant
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Occasional
May involve
short trips
to collect
clients as
well as
longer trip
to/from
activity
Dependent on vehicle type and
driver skills. Must have a suitable
licence for specific vehicle driven,
e.g. car v’s bus licence.
Must complete vehicle inspection
prior to departure.
Able to restrict
distance and
add mirrors if
required
Client transfers –
approximately 30
minutes per day
Potential lifting of wheelchair
Pushing of wheelchair at waist
level
Fine manipulation if operating
wheelchair hoist controls
Forward reach
Stooping and twisting to attach
seatbelts or wheelchair straps
Rare
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Depends on
respite
service type
but may
involve
several per
shift
If client not able to transfer
independently vehicle with
wheelchair hoist should be used to
avoid physical support of client body
weight
Operation of
hoist only
Pushing client
wheelchair – up
to 60 minutes per
day
Walking
Medium push at waist level
Constant
Constant
Breaks
usually
possible
Dependent on whether indoors or
outdoors
Indoors on flat
smooth surface
Client transfers
with mobile client
requiring physical
assistance.
Potential lifting of wheelchair
Pushing of wheelchair at waist level
Walking up and down steps
Static arm position, shoulder in slight abduction and elbow in 90° flexion to physically assist weight of client while walking
Stooping and twisting to attach seatbelts in limited space from waist to floor level of bus
Rare Occasional Frequent Frequent Frequent
Awkward postures are frequented
whilst placing seatbelt and
wheelchair straps around client,
extreme caution recommended.
Shopping – 60-
120 minutes per
day
Walking
Gross hand grip
Forward reach
Reaching between ankle to
above head level
Bilateral light lifting up to 10kgs
Pushing at waist level
Stooping
Constant
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Occasional
With
individual or
group with
breaks
Must complete risk assessment prior
to visiting or entering a new venue.
Considerations for alternative routes
should accessibility or safety be
compromised
Light items only
Participate in
activities – up to
120 minutes per
day
Walking
Gross hand grip
Forward reach
Reaching between ankle to
above head level
Bilateral light lifting up to 10kgs
Sitting on ground
Stooping
Pushing at waist level
Constant
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
Depends on
involvement
in activity
Activities may range from attending
cinema or concert, eating out,
swimming, bowling, putt putt,
dancing, picnic, BBQ, using park
play equipment, attending a venue
such as zoo, aquarium etc. Must
complete risk assessment prior to
visiting or entering a new venue.
Considerations for alternative
activities should accessibility or
safety be compromised
Light activities at
level suitable
only
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Administration 30-60 minutes per day (variable depending on type of respite)
Complete paperwork Sitting
Pinch and tripod grip
Constant
Constant
May be at
beginning or
end of shift or
intermittent if in-
home respite
Generally suitable if
good posture adopted
JOB ANALYSIS
OCCUPATION: SUPPORT WORKER – EMPLOYMENT SERVICES/TRANSITION TO WORK
HOURS OF WORK:
Support Workers generally work day shifts but may be required to work at night or on weekends to visit clients working these hours.
Hours are generally full-time though some part-time work is possible.
TASK DESCRIPTION
1. Locate suitable employment for clients by liaising with local businesses.
2. Train client in tasks involved in job.
3. Monitor client’s performance at work.
4. Provide skills to clients in job-seeking and job retention.
5. Provide personal care assistance if required by client. This may include the following tasks, to be undertaken in accordance with the policies and
procedures at the service.
Assistance with toileting.
Assistance with dressing
Transferring between wheelchair, motor vehicle, etc.
6. Complete documentation as required by the service.
7. Provide on-going support post job placement
8. May be required to provide first aid treatment.
HUMAN FACTORS
Heights: Floor to overhead.
Controls and displays: Vehicles, client’s equipment.
Force exertion/lift: Occasional carrying of equipment. Occasional push/pull of lifters, wheel chairs, lifting
equipment in and out of cars. Rolling resistance ranges from 5kg to 15kg.
Postural requirements: Frequent sitting, standing and walking
Overall physical demand level: Light to Medium
Work/rest patterns: Generally works 5 days per week.
Frequency of client handling Rare to occasional client transfers.
Handling and fingering requirements: Frequent keying and writing.
Tools: Motor vehicles, computer
Protective clothing: Closed-in shoes, safety vests, masks, gloves and aprons as required by client’s job,
sterile hand wipes.
Environmental Considerations
Generally based in a classroom, training facility or an office often located in a shop front but may undertake training at a range of locations depending
on client’s jobs.
Psychosocial Considerations
A range of skills are required including:
Time management and organisational skills
- Ability to work within time constraints
- Ability to prioritise tasks
Build rapport
Marketing
Problem solving and negotiating skills
- Is alert and responsive to changes in the environment and the changing needs of the client.
- Ability to deal with emergencies
- Ability to work under pressure
Maintain professional boundaries
Decision making
- Understanding and meeting client needs
- Making choices that are at the client’s best interests while providing them with the opportunity to make decisions for themselves.
Communication skills with residents, medical and allied health professionals
- Can provide positive behaviour support
- Is resilient to challenging behaviours
- Can report back to clients attending physician and supporting health professionals when necessary or upon request.
- Can provide feedback to family and health professionals regarding client daily activity.
Due to the client’s disability the support worker may be exposed to abusive behaviours on an occasional basis. These behaviours may range from
swearing, verbal abusive or threats or physical abuse or threats and may be directed at another client or at the support worker directly. These
behaviours are usually unintentional but may be frequently repeated. The support worker may be working alone when such behaviours are
demonstrated. A behaviour support plan will be in place for known behaviours but there are occasions when an unexpected new behaviour may be
triggered.
Task Analysis categorised by individual task – Employment Services/Transition to Work
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Administration – may be up to full day
Office duties including
phone, computer, file
maintenance
Sitting
Pinch and tripod grip
Gross grip
Standing/walking
Reach
Constant
Constant
Constant
Occasional
Occasional
Up to full day or
intermittent
between
appointments
Suitable ergonomic
equipment generally
available
Generally suitable if
good posture adopted
or mainly supervision
required
Skills training to clients – may be up to full day
Group/classroom type
activities usually in
office
Sitting
Fine finger manipulation
Standing/walking
Reach
Stooping/squatting
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
3-6 hours
depending on
activity
Dependent on
whether computer
based on discussion
Suitable seating
generally available
Workplace visits – may be up to full day
Driving – 30-120
minutes per day
Sitting
Bilateral gross hand grip
Bilateral forward reach
Unilateral ankle/knee
flexion/extension
Trunk twisting
Neck rotation
Fine hand manipulation to
operate controls
Constant
Constant
Constant
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Occasional
May involve one
or multiple visits
in a day
Dependent on
vehicle type and
driver skills. Must
have a suitable
licence for specific
vehicle driven, e.g.
car v’s bus licence.
Must complete
vehicle inspection
prior to departure.
Able to restrict
distance and add
mirrors if required
Meeting with
employers
Sitting
Standing/walking
Constant
Frequent
May involve one
or multiple visits
in a day
Train client in task –
may require up to a full
day with one client
Standing/Walking
Light to medium manual
handling
Reaching
Squatting
Gross/fine hand grips
unilateral or bilateral
Sitting
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Dependent on
task
Dependent on work
tasks
Restrict to light tasks
only
Monitor client
performance
Sitting
Standing/walking
Writing
Bilateral/unilateral grip
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Generally several
clients per day
Dependent on work
tasks
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Transferring clients using hoist – rare
Standing/walking Constant Short distances If restrictions in place
may provide
assistance and/or
supervision only within
those restrictions.
Pull client’s upper
body forward away
from back of
wheelchair
Medium pulling with shoulder
flexion to 90°
Occasional Up to 2 per day Place sling
Lift individual legs Medium lifting at below waist
level
Stooping
Occasional
Occasional
Up to 2 per day Place sling
Operate hoist
controls to raise
person
Gross grip with forearm rotation Occasional Up to 2 per day
Push/pull hoist Medium pushing/pulling at Occasional Up to 2 per day Force dependent on
shoulder height
Light reaching at waist level to
stabilise client
Occasional
floor surface, route
and space
Operate controls to
lower person
Gross grip with forearm rotation
Light reaching and stooping to
position client
Occasional
Occasional
Up to 2 per day Dependent on support
worker skill and
environment
May or may not
remove sling
As above As above Up to 2 per day If sling does not
cause pressure points
may be left in place
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Dressing rare
Place garments on
client’s body
Gross grip and forward reach
from chest level or floor level
Crouching or stooping
especially to reach lower limbs
Medium push/pull of trunk or
whole body of client depending
whether seated or lying
Medium lifting of client’s limbs
Fine bilateral pinch to do up
buttons etc
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Up to 2 per day Client may be able to
assist with moving
trunk forward
Client may be able to
assist with lifting of
limbs or hips
If client suffers
contractures or resists
process more force
may be required
Generally able to
obtain assistance
Place on socks
and shoes
Gross hand manipulation
Squatting/kneeling
Occasional
Frequent
Up to 2 per day
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Toileting – rare
Transfer non-weight-
bearing client to
commode chair using
above technique
See above See above Up to 2 per
day
Generally able to
obtain assistance
Push commode chair
over toilet
Medium push at waist level Frequent Up to 2 per
day
Generally flat hard surface
Clean client/adjust
clothing
Crouching or stooping
Forward reach
Some twisting if restricted
space
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Up to 2 per
day
Dependent on support
worker skill/experience
Recreational activities – occasional on weekends or evening/night time
Driving – 30-90
minutes per day
Sitting
Bilateral gross hand grip
Bilateral forward reach
Unilateral ankle/knee
flexion/extension
Trunk twisting
Neck rotation
Fine hand manipulation to
operate controls
Constant
Constant
Constant
Frequent
Occasional
Frequent
Occasional
One return
trip
Dependent on vehicle
type and driver skills
Able to restrict
distance and add
mirrors if required
Client transfers – rare
Potential lifting of
wheelchair
Pushing of wheelchair at
waist level
Fine manipulation if
operating wheelchair hoist
Rare
Occasional
Occasional
Up to 2 per
day
If client not able to transfer
independently vehicle with
wheelchair hoist should be
used to avoid physical
support of client body
weight
Operation of hoist only
controls
Forward reach
Stooping and twisting to
attach seatbelts or
wheelchair straps
Occasional
Occasional
Client transfers with
mobile client requiring
physical assistance.
Potential lifting of wheelchair
Pushing of wheelchair at waist level
Walking up and down steps
Static arm position, shoulder in slight abduction and elbow in 90° flexion to physically assist weight of client while walking
Stooping and twisting to attach seatbelts in limited space from waist to floor level of bus
Actions Physical Demands Frequency Repetitions Comments Considerations for
suitable duties
Job Specific tasks
Loading and unloading
pallets
Crouching
Bending at hip joint
Lifting boxes up to 20kg
Reaching
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Dependant on
frequency of
job rotations,
staffing and
level of
assistance
required.
Frequency is
amount based
on task
allocation. If
task not
allocated,
frequency
becomes rare.
Mostly supervision of
the task.
A support worker will
step in when
necessary.
Mostly just set up
and clean up after
task competition.
If restrictions in place
may provide
assistance and/or
supervision only
within those
restrictions.
Product Labelling
Seated or standing
Fine hand manipulation
Gross hand grip
Reaching
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Weighing of product
Seated or standing
Forward head flexion
Fine hand manipulation
Gross hand grip
Reaching
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Heat sealer
Seated
Fine finger manipulation
Gross hand grip
Right or left foot plantar
flexion (slight leg extension)
Reaching
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Dependant on
frequency of
job rotations,
staffing and
level of
assistance
required.
Mostly supervision of
the task.
A support worker will
step in when
necessary.
Mostly just set up
and clean up after
task competition.
If restrictions in place
may provide
assistance and/or
supervision only
within those
restrictions.
Tape gun usage
Seated or standing
Gross hand grip
Grasp and squeezing tape
gun
Slight bending
Lifting up to 20kg
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
Placing lids on products
Seated or standing
Gross hand grip
Fine finger manipulation
Grasping and squeezing lid
and jar
Reaching
Constant
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Setting up task
Walking
Standing
Gross hand grip
Fine finger manipulation
Lifting up to 20kg
Bending at waist level
Reaching
Occasional
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Completed at
the beginning
of every shift,
prior to support
worker
commencing
work
If restrictions in place
may provide
assistance and/or
supervision only
within those
restrictions.
Cleaning of work area Walking
Standing
Gross hand grip
Fine finger manipulation
Lifting up to 20 kg
Bending at waist level
Reaching
Occasional
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Completed at
the end of
every shift. Will
depend upon
type of product
and amount of
staff assisting.
TABLE 1. PHYSICAL DEMANDS – STRENGTH RATING AND FREQUENCY OF WORK
Frequenc
y of work Physical demand strength rating
Sedentary Light Medium Heavy Very
heavy
Occasion
al
Up to 5kgs Up to 9kgs 9-23kgs 23-45kgs >45kgs
Frequent Negligible Up to 5kgs 5-11kgs 11-23kgs >23kgs
Constant 0 Negligible Up to 5kgs 5-9kgs >9kgs
Sitting most of
the
time; may
involve
walking or
standing
for brief periods.
(1)
Standing/walking to a significant degree; or
(2)
Lifting most of the time but entails pushing and/or
pulling of arm or leg controls and/or
(3)
job requires working at a production rate pace
entailing constant pushing and/or pulling of
materials, even though the weight is negligible.
Standing/walking to a significant degree
for all
categories. Medium to Very heavy
The strength factor rating refers to the force exerted to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
FREQUENCY OF WORK
Occasionally: Activity or condition exists to 1/3 of the time (0-33%)
Frequently: Activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time (34-66%)
Constantly: Activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time (67-100%)
For convenience, the percentages, noted in brackets (), have been widely used in describing frequency of work.
TABLE 2: PERSON TRANSFERS – FORCES
ACTIVITY PERSON WEIGHT
60 KG 80 KG 100 KG 120 KG
SIT PATIENT FORWARD
Min. head control 17.8 28.9 35.3
SIT ON EDGE OF BED
HEAVY - 100% OF SIT
FORWARD
17.8 28.9 35.3
LIGHT – 60% OF SIT FORWARD 10.7 17.3 21.2
ROLL ONTO SIDE (no slide
sheet)
1- ROLL 8.7 16.5 27.9
2- PULL BOTTOM THROUGH 28.5 42.4 53.5
LIFT LEGS 8.5 15.2 16.3
SLIDE SHEETS
SLIDE UP BED 60 KG 80 KG 100 KG 120 KG
1 slide sheet (doubled)
Patient’s knees bent
9.9 14.8 20.1 N/A
1 slide sheet (doubled)
Patient’s legs straight
18.9 24 32.2 N/A
2 slide sheets
Patient’s legs straight
14 20.4 24.9 28
ROLLING
1 slide sheet doubled.
Knee bent, arm reach, head
turned
16.9 14.5 16.4 20.4
Reference: ‘Patient transfers – forces’, 2004. Paul Rothmore, Senior Physiotherapist / Ergonomist, Repatriation General Hospital, and Gillian Elix,
Ergonomist, Flinders Medical Centre.
TABLE 3: PUSH / PULL FORCES OF EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT EMPTY EMPTY
WITH
LOAD WITH LOAD
PUSH PULL PUSH PULL
Wheelchair
(standard):
empty; light client
4 kg 4 kg (52 kg Res)
6 kg
(52 kg Res)
5 kg
Wheelchair:
heavier client - -
(79kg Res)
7 kg
(79kg Res)
7 kg
Shower chair:
Flat carpeted surface
3 kg 3 kg (72 kg Res)
13 – 15 kg
(72 kg Res)
10 –12 kg
Shower chair:
linoleum/bathroom floor
empty; heavier client
2 kg 2 kg (72 kg Res)
9 - 10 kg
(72 kg Res)
10 –12 kg
Note: ‘shower chair with load’: the range refers to residents feet being off, and then on, the pull-out
footplate
Q foams: empty 5 kg 4 kg - -
Q foams: heavier
resident/client - -
(72 kg Res)
17 kg
(72 kg Res)
13 – 15 kg
Lifter - flat carpeted
surface 6 kg 6 kg
(72kg Res)
13 kg
(72kg Res)
14 kg
Beds 10 kg 16 kg (72 kg Res)
13 – 15 kg
(72 kg Res)
20 - 22 kg
Cleaning Trolley 4 kg 4 kg
Linen Trolley
(¾ full)
6 kg
(¾ full)
6 kg
Reference: Mary Hill, Safe Work Practice, Clinical Application, 2005. Forces were measured using a ‘Baseline’ hydraulic push/pull dynamometer.
Physical Demands Factors
CARRYING Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms or on
the shoulder.
CLIMBING Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, poles
and the like; using feet and legs, and/or hands and arms.
CROUCHING Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
FEELING Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or
texture, by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
HANDLING Seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand
or hands. Fingers are involved only to the extent that they are an
extension of the hand.
KNEELING Bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee or knees.
LIFTING Raising or lowering an object from one level to another – includes
upward pulling.
PULLING Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the
force (includes jerking).
PUSHING Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the
force (includes slapping, striking, kicking, and treadle actions).
REACHING Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
SITTING Remaining in the normal seated position.
STANDING Remaining on one’s feet in an upright position at a workstation without
moving about.
STOOPING Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and
requires full use of lower extremities and back muscles.
WALKING Moving about on foot.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Abduction: Movement of a body part away from the median plane (of the body, in the case of the limbs; of the hand or foot, in the case of digits).
Adduction: Movement of a body part toward the median plane (of the body, in the case of the limbs; of the hand or foot, in the case of digits).
ASCO: Australian Standard Classification of Occupations
Bending: To force into a different or particular, especially curved, shape, as by pressure.
Biceps: A muscle with two origins or heads. Commonly used to refer to the biceps brachii muscle.
Carpal tunnel: Channel on the palmar side of the wrist formed by the irregular small bones of the wrist and tough ligament stretched across it.
The flexor tendons of the fingers, the median nerve, and some blood vessels pass through the carpal tunnel.
Deltoid: Large muscle of the shoulder that abducts and otherwise moves the upper arm about the shoulder joint against external loads.
Distal: Situated away from the centre of the body, or from the point of origin; specifically applied to the extremity or distant part of a limb or organ.
Dorsiflexion: Turning upward of the foot or toes or of the hand or fingers.
Dynamic: The science of motion in response to forces.
Ergonomics: A branch of ecology concerned with human factors in the design and operations of machines and the physical environment.
Extension: The act of bringing the distal portion of a joint in continuity (though only parallel) with the long axis of the proximal portion.
Flexion: The act of flexing or bending, e.g. bending of a joint so as to approximate the parts it connects.
Force: That which tends to produce motion in a body.
Frontal plane: In front; relating to the anterior part of a body.
Goniometer: A calibrated device designed to measure the arc or range of motion of a joint.
Gross: Gripping: Grasping, seizing, holding with a large finger span.
Isometric: In physiology, denoting the condition when the ends of a contracting muscle are held fixed so that the contraction produces Increased
tension at a constant overall length.
Job: A set of tasks designed to be performed by one individual in return for a wage or salary.
Kyphosis: A deformity of the spine characterised by extensive flexion.
Lordosis: An abnormal extension deformity; anteroposterior curvature of the spine, generally lumbar with the convexity looking anteriorly.
Lumbar: Relating to the loins, or the part of the back and sides between the ribs and the pelvis.
Lumbosacral joint: Joint between fifth lumbar vertebra and sacrum.
Medial: Relating to the middle or centre; nearer to the median or midsagittal plane.
Median Nerve: A large important nerve that activates muscles that pronate the forearm and flex forearm, wrist and fingers. The sensory part of the
nerve provides feedback information from the thumb and the first two and one half fingers.
Occupation: A set of jobs with similar sets of tasks.
Plantar flexion: Bending about the ankle joint in the direction of the sole of the foot.
Prehensile: Adapted for taking hold of or grasping.
Pronation of the forearm: Rotation of the forearm in such a way that the palm of the hand faces backward when the arm is in the anatomical
position, or downward when the arm is extended at a right angle to the body.
Proximal: Nearest the trunk or the point of the origin, said of part of a limb.
Pulmonary: Pertaining to the lung.
Range of motion: The range of translation and rotation of a joint for each of its degrees of freedom.
Rotation: Turning or movement of a body round its axis.
Scoliosis: Abnormal lateral curvature of the vertebral column (spine).
Stiffness: Rigid or firm in substance; not flexible, pliant or easily bent.
Strain: To make an effort to the limit of ones strength; or, the change in shape that a body undergoes when acted upon by an external force.
Stress: The force or pressure applied or exerted between portion of a body or bodies, generally expressed in pounds per square inch.
Supination: Supination of the forearm: Rotation of the forearm in such a way that the palm of the hand faces forward when the arm is in the
anatomical position, or upward when the arm is extended at a right angle to the body.
Tendinitis: Also tendonitis, inflammation of tendon (including tendon sheath).
Tendon: A fibrous cord or band of variable length that connects a muscle with its bony attachments.
Tendon sheaths: A sheath of synovial membrane enveloping certain of the tendons.
Torsion: Twisting or rotation of a part upon its long axis.
Transverse: Crosswise; lying across the long axis of the body.
Triceps: Three-headed large extensor muscle of the upper arm. Originates from the back of the humerus and the shoulder blade and inserts into the
proximal tip of the ulna.
Work: That which is accomplished when a force acts against resistance to produce motion.